National Urban League Conference Headed for Nashville to Confront the Challenge of Defending Democracy, Demanding Diversity and Defeating Poverty

By Array Array , National Urban League
Published 03 AM EST, Sat Feb 28, 2026
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Nation’s Largest and Most Influential Civil Rights Gathering Will Attract Thousands of Attendees, Millions in Economic Impact

Conference Includes Release of Highly-Anticipated State of Black America® Report

NASHVILLE, TENN (February 26, 2026) – The 2026 National Urban League Conference will convene in Nashville July 29-August 1 at the Music City Center, bringing thousands of thought leaders, experts, advocates, and activists to confront an unprecedented assault on racial justice and equal opportunity and to shape an empowerment agenda to defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, Urban League of Middle Tennessee President and CEO Clifton E. Harris announced the Conference today during a media briefing at Music City Center.

“Across this nation, we are confronting a full-scale state of emergency in racial justice and equal opportunity,” Morial said. “Deepening economic divides and vicious attacks on fundamental civil rights are blocking too many Americans out of the promise of prosperity.  That is why the National Urban League Conference stands as one of the most critical gatherings in our country today. Together we will confront the nation’s challenges and fulfill our obligation to defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty.”

The Conference will include the release of the 2026 State of Black America® report, which will focus on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Issued annually since 1976, the State of Black America remains one of the most highly-anticipated benchmarks and sources for thought leadership around racial equality in America across economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice and civic participation. 

Hosted by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, the Conference is presented in partnership with Bank of America, Nationwide, Toyota, and JP Morgan Chase.

“The D3 agenda is especially relevant here, where 50% of Black Middle Tennesseans live below the poverty level,” Harris said. “I’m proud of the work the Urban League of Middle Tennessee has been doing to defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty, and we look forward to the opportunity to explore new approaches to these challenges.”

Morial and Harris were joined by Chandra Vasser, who chairs the Urban League of Middle Tennessee Board of Trustees.

“We look forward to welcoming an incredible convening of leaders from business, government, community social advocacy to strategize for equity and justice,” Vasser said. “This conference serves as a vital platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and forging partnerships to drive meaningful change and empower communities nationwide.” 

In addition to dynamic panel discussions, information-packed workshops and forums, and plenary sessions for registered attendees, the Conference features free events open to the public:

  • Back to School Community & Family Day on Saturday, August 1, featuring informative exhibits, free health screenings, legal clinics, live entertainment sessions, games with prizes, and backpacks loaded with school supplies for K-12 students. 

  • Project Ready College, Work, & Life Fair, part of Community & Family Day, featuring colleges and universities from across the country, and information on financial aid, scholarships, and college access organizations. 

  • The Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit on Saturday, August 1, a day filled with workshops, resources, and networking to help launch or your business to the next level, including networking with industry leaders, potential investors and successful entrepreneurs, valuable information about MBE certification process and how to do business with Fortune 500 companies, and a pitch contest with cash prizes for the best business ideas.

 

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