Presidential Plenary Highlights Intense Schedule of Dynamic Dialogue, Community Service, Live Entertainment, Themed "Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice"
BALTIMORE (August 3 , 2016) – As the nation continues to struggle with issues of racial hostility and social inequity, as demonstrated by the wave of violence that has taken so many lives in recent weeks, the National Urban League today convened its 2016 Conference.
"A lack of social and economic opportunity is at the root of the unrest," National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. "The troubling divisive rhetoric that has characterized the 2016 Presidential race has fed the unrest. And only a historic, targeted mobilization of public-private partnerships can address the unrest."
“Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice,” the theme of the 2016 National Urban League Conference campaign represents an unprecedented mobilization to influence public policy through grassroots political action. Continuing through Saturday at the Baltimore Convention Center, the nation’s largest civil rights and social justice conference attracts thousands of the nation’s most influential community leaders, together with top policy-makers, academicians, business leaders and artists.
“This year, as we celebrate 25 years of partnership, Toyota is proud to stand alongside the National Urban League in our shared efforts of empowering communities and changing lives," said Jim Lentz, CEO of Conference Title sponsor Toyota North America. "We look to the National Urban League annual conference as a convener of some of the nation's most prominent leaders for the critical and necessary conversations that shape a strong future for our country. Through our service together, along with NUL's affiliates nationwide, the promise and power of service to others continues to make a difference."
Making his first solo appearance since being named Hillary Clinton's running mate, Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine will address tomorrow's Presidential Plenary.
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.
“Nationwide is proud to partner with one of the country’s premier civil rights organizations," said Steve Rasmussen, CEO, Nationwide. "Our complimentary missions coupled with the National Urban League’s purposeful vision enables us to be involved in efforts that support equality, empower people and shape positive outcomes.The State of the Urban League Address, scheduled for 7pm August 3 at New Shiloh Baptist Church, serves as Morial's annual report on the progress and accomplishments of the Urban League Movement and the challenges of the year ahead.
“Target is proud to be a part of the National Urban League’s efforts at this year’s conference to inspire and empower each of us to address economic and social issues,” said Target Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Laysha Ward. “At Target, we believe that the power of diversity and inclusion is to embrace what unites us, not what divides us. Together with action-oriented organizations like the National Urban League, we can create a pathway to more opportunity for all.”
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.
“The National Urban League and Bank of America share the view that strong cities are important to driving the real economy forward,” said Brian Moynihan, CEO, Bank of America. “Our partnership with the Urban League spans more than seven decades of seeking practical solutions that help improve the financial lives of our customers and clients and strengthen the communities we serve.”
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
