National Urban League Conference Returns to New Orleans

By National Urban League
Published01 AM EDT, Tue Jul 2, 2024

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE CONFERENCE, LED BY FORMER MAYOR MARC MORIAL, RETURNS TO NEW ORLEANS TO CONFRONT THE CHALLENGE OF DEFENDING DEMOCRACY, DEMANDING DIVERSITY AND DEFEATING POVERTY
Nation’s Largest and Most Influential Civil Rights Gathering Will Attract Thousands of Attendees, Millions in Economic Impact

NEW ORLEANS (May 15, 2024) – The 2024 National Urban League Conference returns to New Orleans July 24-27, bringing thousands of thought leaders, experts, advocates, and activists to confront the nation’s challenges and shape an empowerment agenda to defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, former Mayor of New Orleans, and Urban League of Louisiana President and CEO Judy Reese Morse announced the Conference today at Urban League of Louisiana headquarters.

“As hateful backlash to the racial and economic progress of the last 60 years continues to grow, so does our obligation to resist and overcome it,” Morial said. “The Conference is an opportunity to examine the challenges we face and our role in responding as we continue working toward a thriving, multicultural democracy.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Morial’s inauguration as Mayor of New Orleans, an office he held for two overwhelmingly successful terms.

“I’m proud to bring the Conference to my beloved hometown during this milestone year and I look forward to incorporating lessons learned and insights gained from my years as Mayor into our discussions,” he said.

Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana, the Conference is slated for July 24-27 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Presented in partnership with Conference Leaders Bank of America, Nationwide, Shell, and Toyota, the Conference will explore the challenges of systemic racism, discrimination, and barriers to opportunity in every aspect of the current social and economic landscape and bring together leading innovators and trailblazers in business and industry, government, and community to chart a path to success.

“The Conference theme of Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty is especially resonant in Louisiana, where DEI, affirmative action, and equitable funding are under attack and we continue to battle for fair representation in Congress, the State Supreme Court, and Louisiana Legislature,” Morse said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to showcase the important work the Louisiana Urban League has been doing with partners to combat these threats and shine a spotlight on our important work for the marginalized in our state.”

U.S. Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) said, “I’m proud New Orleans is hosting the 2024 National Urban League Conference. It’s always an honor to welcome home President and CEO Marc H. Morial, a native son and former Mayor of New Orleans for this exciting event. As the nation's largest event of its kind, it brings together leaders from business, government, and social advocacy to address pressing issues and strategize for equity and justice. 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:

  • Reclaim Your Vote Rally on Wednesday, July 24, at Xavier University of Louisiana Athletics Convocation Center.
  • Career and Networking Fair on Wednesday, July 24, connecting jobseekers with employers and career advice.
  • National Urban League Community & Family Day Expo, Saturday, July 27, at the Morial Convention Center, 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 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, July 27, 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.