NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The National Urban League Conference is coming back to the Big Easy for a four-day event at the end of July. President and CEO Marc Morial says there’s something for everyone.
“With the rally that’ll take place at Xavier on the opening night. At Family and Community Day there will be a college fair, a back-to-school zone and backpack giveaways. We are stressing what’s in it for the best of the community,” said Morial.
Aside from family-friendly events, a major part of the conversation is systemic racism and how it threatens democracy. A variety of leaders will also confront voting challenges and how to empower the community to exercise their rights.
“We need people to understand that their vote is the voice, and their voice is their power,” said Urban League of Louisiana President and CEO Judy Reese Morse.
“We vote because we vote for issues. We vote because those issues are important because we want to know where those who want our vote stand on those issues. Then we align our vote with those that support the issues that are important to us,” said Morial.
The conference also plans to address community needs.
“Whether it is focusing on early childhood education, workforce development, entrepreneurship and just about every quality-of-life issue that is a policy issue,” said Morse.
“Disparities in health, disparities in jobs. Disparities in access to capital. To close those disparities is in the best interest of everyone in this nation and that’s the Urban League message,” said Morial.
In addition to panel discussions, workshops, 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 job seekers with employers and career advice.
- National Urban League Community and 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, features 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, is a day filled with workshops, networking with industry leaders, potential investors and successful entrepreneurs, valuable information about the MBE certification process and how to do business with Fortune 500 companies and a pitch contest with cash prizes for the best business ideas.
For more information, visit the event website.
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