Examination of Racial Relation, Police Violence, Part of Intense Aug. 3-6 Schedule of Dynamic Dialogue, Focused on Theme of "Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice
NEW YORK (July 26, 2016) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today said the dismissal of charges against three Baltimore police officers stands as a stark symbol of the nation’s continuing struggle with the racial unrest an inequality that is the focus of the organization’s Conference in Baltimore next week.
“The dismissal of these charges, coupled with the recent wave of violence that has taken so many lives in recent weeks, demonstrates how the nation continues to grapple with issues of racial hostility and injustice," Morial said. "The focus of our conference is to forge a path toward eliminating inequality in income and wealth, academic achievement and opportunity, criminal justice and voting rights."
Presidential Candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, emerging from one of the most racially-charged primary campaigns in recent history, have been invited to address the Conference.
The Presidential Plenary is a long-standing tradition of the Conference, Acknowledging the indispensable relationship between the nation's highest office and its leading civil rights and social justice community, according to National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial.
“As we convene in Baltimore to deliberate solutions to the economic and social challenges our cities are facing, it’s vital that those contending for the highest office in the land be part of that conversation,” Morial said.
The Presidential Plenary will take place on Thursday, August 4, the second day of the Conference themed “Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice.”
The four-day event at the Baltimore Convention Center features empowering sessions and workshops presented by political, business, and entertainment leaders and influencers on topics including education, business, the economy, health, and justice. The N.U.L. Experience Hall, free and open to the public, includes exhibits, entertainment, a Volunteer Zone, Health Zone and chances to win exciting prizes.
New this year is the family-focused Community Day on Saturday, expected to attract thousands of Baltimore-area residents for informative and entertaining exhibits and sessions.
The Conference also will present a Career & Networking Fair, a One-Day Entrepreneur Summit and a Young Professionals Summit.
Notable speakers, panelists and honorees include:
- Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
- Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
- Senior White House Adviser Valerie Jarrett
- Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards
- BET Chair and CEO Debra Lee
- Former Baltimore Mayor and University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke
- U.S. Education Secretary John B. King, Jr.
- Attorneys William H. "Billy" Murphy and Benjamin Crump, representing the families of Freddie Gray and Trayvon Martin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Teresa Candori
(212) 558-5362 | tcandori@nul.org
