INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (February 6, 2019) -- The 2019 National Urban League Conference, returning to Indianapolis after 25 years, will attract thousands of the nation’s most forward-thinking community and business leaders for four days of speakers, workshops, exhibitions and networking events, all centered on the theme “Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided,” leaders announced today.
As has been the National Urban League’s tradition during presidential election cycles, all major-party declared candidates will be invited to address the Conference.
“These dual goals of equality and unity are profoundly significant as we approach the 2020 Census and the Presidential election,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “We have been dismayed by the efforts we’ve seen from the nation’s top leadership to sabotage the Constitutionally-mandated method by which political power and resources are apportioned. ‘Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided’ serves as our declaration of commitment to a fair Census and a fair election, and to achieving equity in education, jobs, health care and housing.”
Hosted by the Indianapolis Urban League, the Conference is slated for July 24 to 27 and explores the challenges of discrimination and lack of opportunity in every aspect of today’s social and economic landscape and brings together leading innovators and trailblazers in business and industry, government, community and the arts to chart a path to success. The Conference is presented by Nationwide, Honda, and Strada Education Network.
“The theme of ‘Getting 2 Equal’ represents not only a deep passion and commitment for eliminating disparities and expanding opportunity, but also a keen desire to heal the nation’s deep divisions and work with all Americans toward a common goal,” Indianapolis Urban League President and CEO Anthony Mason said.
Morial and Mason were joined by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Leonard Hoops, President & CEO of Visit Indy, who discussed the impact of the Conference and the opportunities it presents for the region and community.
“Indianapolis is eager to welcome the National Urban League Conference to our city in July,” Hogsett said. “Communities across the country are engaging in important discussions around equity and access, and the National Urban League is a critical voice in this dialogue. I couldn’t be more pleased that Indianapolis was selected as this year’s host and look forward to the many opportunities for local residents to learn and engage at this prestigious conference.”
In addition to the Presidential candidates, other speakers and panelists scheduled to participate are:
- Debbie Allen, actress, choreographer and producer
- Norm Nixon, retired NBA star, sports agent and television sports commentator
- Vanessa Bell Calloway, film and television actress and dancer
In addition to dynamic panel discussions, workshops and plenary sessions for registered attendees, the Conference features free events open to the public:
- an extensive Career and Networking Fair where job-seekers can meet with employers and burnish their résumé and interview skills;
- Community & Family Day with backpack and school supply giveaways, health screenings and educational demonstrations;
- the N.U.L. Experience Expo featuring engaging and informative exhibits and entertainment, including a Volunteer Zone for community service and a Health & Wellness Zone providing free health screenings.
The Conference also includes the specialized one-day Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit, and Tech Connect, an intensive gathering of innovators influencing racial justice and social change through emerging technology.
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide.
CONTACT: Teresa Candori (National Urban League)
(212) 558-5362 | tcandori@nul.org
Kim Teague (Indianapolis Urban League)
(317) 693-7603| kteague@indplsul.org
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