Thousands Gather in South Florida as National Urban League Conference Puts Racial Justice Issues at Forefront of U.S. Presidential Race
NEW YORK (August 5, 2015) – An intensely-watched forum at the 2015 National Urban League Conference, Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs & Justice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, found Republican and Democratic Presidential candidates both defending their own records and challenging their potential opponents on racial justice issues.
“It was a lively, substantive discussion that gave the nation a glimpse into the candidates’ vision for saving our cities and addressing inequities in education, jobs and justice,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Their appearance here sends a strong signal that they are taking seriously the challenges facing urban American and communities of color.”
Among the Democratic candidates, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley spoke to nearly 4,000 Conference attendees, along with Republicans Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
“As a nation, we’re experiencing what may be the most intense focus in decades on economic inequality, educational equity and racial justice,” Morial said. “As Congress continues to debate reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, jurisdictions across the country are raising the minimum wage and looking for ways to expand economic opportunity. Meanwhile, a horrific series of racially-motivated incidents of violence has inspired a collective examination of entrenched racial attitudes.”
The Conference’s workshops, panel discussions and policy sessions centered on the Urban League Movement’s agenda to address the challenges of unemployment, educational inequity, and social injustice.
The National Urban League Conference occupies a singular echelon in America’s cultural and political discourse, Morial said. The nation’s largest civil rights and social justice conference traditionally attracts thousands of the nation’s most influential community leaders, together with top policy-makers, academicians, business leaders and artists for three days of dynamic dialogue, intellectual exchange and community service.
Among the honorees at the Whitney M. Young Awards Gala were Ambassador Andrew Young, attorney Benjamin Crump, and radio host and philanthropist Tom Joyner. Women of Power awards were presented to United States Treasurer Rosa Rios, hip-hop legend MC Lyte, Urban League Association of Executives President Dr. Valerie Thompson, AT&T Senior Vice President Charlene F. Lake and Coca-Cola Foundation Chair Lisa Borders.
Dignitaries and thought leaders such as U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Fox, Rev. Al Sharpton, Essence Editor Emeritus Susan L. Taylor inspired and informed as speakers, panelists and participants.
National Urban League Board Chair Michael Neidorff, Chairman, President and CEO of Conference sponsor Centene Corp., said the Centene’s partnership with the National Urban League and it focus on access to affordable health care has far-ranging consequences.
“Centene is proud to partner with the National Urban League,” Neidorff said. “The National Urban League and Centene Corporation strive for the same goal – to transform the health of our communities, one person at a time.”
At least 13,000 people attended the conference, including events open to the public such as the Career Fair and the N.U.L. Experience Expo, which included workshops with thought leaders and influencers including Michael Eric Dyson, Bravo’s Bevy Smith andVH1’s Yandy Smith; free health screenings and useful tips in the Health& Wellness Zone sponsored by Walgreens. This year’s Volunteer Zone, sponsored by Volkswagen, set an Urban League record with more than 1,200 participants assembling more than 500 kits for schoolchildren and homeless veterans.
“Each year, the National Urban League brings together some of our most prominent leaders for critical conversations about economic empowerment, social justice, and civic engagement,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Conference sponsor Toyota North America. “At Toyota, we recognize that a strong nation is based upon a celebration of diversity and the promise of opportunity for all, so we appreciate the role the National Urban League plays in helping to address the issues that are shaping our country’s future.”
Other highlights of the Conference included a free College Fair, Career and Networking Fair and a one-day Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Conference. Dozens of programming experts worked over two days to develop a social justice application and a chance at $10,000 in financing during the TechConnect a Hack-a-thon for social justice. The winning app was developed by Ronnie King of the Jacksonville Urban League and his team, My Village.
Hundreds of fans also gathered at for the live broadcast of the Tom Joyner Morning Show on Friday, 8/1.
“Nationwide is proud to have a longstanding relationship with the National Urban League,” said Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen. “This year’s conference provided a great opportunity to make connections and learn from others, and we’re so glad we had the opportunity to be the presenting sponsor of this inspiring event.”
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CONTACT: Teresa Candori
212-558-5362/tcandori@nul.org
