NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE OPENS THE NATION’S LARGEST CIVIL RIGHTS AND URBAN ADVOCACY CONFERENCE AMID A FIRESTORM OF VOTER SUPPRESSION AND CIVIL RIGHTS ROLLBACKS
Innovators, Advocates & Thought Leaders in Public Service, Business, Education & Arts Gather to Confront Unprecedented Threats to Democracy, Equity, & The Rule of Law
NASHVILLE, TN (July 29, 2026) – With the battle to protect voting rights, representation, and economic opportunity centered in Tennessee, a counterforce of resistance convened in its capital to open the 2026 National Urban League Conference.
A cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, Tennessee has been a focal point of the national struggle for voting rights and fair representation, with some of the most restrictive voting laws and the first racially gerrymandered congressional map enacted in the South after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act.
“The Declaration of Independence promised every American the unalienable right to pursue happiness,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “For 250 years, Black Americans have fought to make that promise real, not just for ourselves but for this country. This Conference not only will examine the gap between what America promised and what it delivered but will advance a strategy for making that promise a reality.”
Hosted by the Urban League of Tennessee, the Conference brings together the nation’s leading advocates and policymakers to confront the challenges posed by the most aggressive rollback of civil rights protections since Reconstruction and to map out a strategy to fight back.
“We are honored to welcome the nation to this year’s Conference,” Urban League of Middle Tennessee President and CEO Clifton E. Harris said. “At a time when our communities are navigating both profound challenges and powerful opportunities, this gathering affirms our shared commitment to equity, economic empowerment, and justice. Nashville stands ready to host the conversations—and inspire the solutions—that will shape a stronger future for all.”
As the country enters its 250th year, political tensions, soaring living costs, and challenges to our rights have pushed Americans to a breaking point. During tomorrow’s Opening Plenary, Morial will join thought leaders, advocates, and the next generation of leaders to discuss this year’s State of Black America report and address the question: “Is the American Dream Dead?”
Notable speakers will take stages throughout the Conference including: former Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ed Gordon, CNN host Van Jones, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Vanderbilt scholar Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation President & CEO Melanie L. Campbell, National Council of Negro Women President & CEO Rev. Dr. Shavon Arline-Bradley, and civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Crump and the families of Nolan Xavier Wells, Daniel Erving, and Tyler Smith will provide updates on all three cases. The 18-year-old Black men died within three months of each other and in each case, the families dispute or are still awaiting the official account of how their son died.
In addition to the dynamic panel discussions, information-packed workshops and forums, and plenary sessions for registered attendees, the Conference also features free events open to the public, including the State of the Urban League Address, a Career & Networking Fair, the Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit, and the Community & Family Day Expo.
The Expo includes a free legal and expungement clinic, school supply giveaways, workshops, activities & demonstrations, and the Project Ready College, Work, & Life Fair.
Attendees will have access to the Urban League Connect: Experience & Lounge, a cutting-edge networking and innovation space, where they can network in the coworking zone, receive complimentary headshots, and enjoy exclusive product launches and celebrity appearances. Featured areas include Health & Wellness, HER Space, KINGS Corner, Creators Suite, Mom’s Village. Community Marketplace, and AI Innovation Station.
A full schedule of events is available on the Conference website.
Highlights include:
- Career & Networking Fair, Wednesday, July 29, 11 AM-4 PM
Opportunities for resume refinement, career coaching, and direct engagement with hiring companies. - State of the Urban League Address, Wednesday, July 29, 6 PM-7:30 PM
Marc H. Morial delivers a keynote on the current landscape of racial justice presided over by Tim Murphy, Chair of the Board of Trustees. - Opening Plenary and release of State of Black America report, “America 250: Is The American Dream Dead?” Thursday, July 30, 8:30 AM-10:30AM
Speakers: Marc H. Morial, President & CEO. National Urban League; Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of Nashville; civil rights attorney Ben Crump; Ed Gordon, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster; Van Jones, CNN Host; U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30); Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of African American Studies, Vanderbilt University; Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies - Women of Power Awards Luncheon, Thursday, July 30, 12:30 PM-2:15 PM
Host: Emmy Award-winning journalist Michelle Miller
Honorees: Kym Whitley, Actress, Comedian, and Producer; Racquel Oden, Head of Wealth, Premier and Global Private Banking, U.S. at HSBC; Nicole Hannah Jones, Creator, The 1619 Project, Pulitzer, Peabody and Emmy -winning Journalist; Michelle Merriweather, President & CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle; Debbi Howard, Director, Office of Alumni Relations, Tennessee State University; Nina Easton & Patti Sellers Co-Founders SellersEaston Media, Executive Producers, The Gumbo Coalition documentary film. - Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala, Friday, July 31, 8 PM-10 PM
Host: Rashan Ali, Multi-Media Personality, Actor, Author & Philanthropist
Honorees: Dr. Glenda B. Glover, Educator, Past President of Tennessee State University and Past Alpha Kappa Alpha President; CeCe Winans, Gospel Artist, Co-founder and Pastor, Nashville Life Church; Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. - Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit, Saturday, August 1, 8 AM-5 PM
A full day of resources, networking, and a pitch competition for aspiring entrepreneurs at 1 PM. - Community & Family Day Expo, Saturday, August 1, 10 AM-3 PM
FREE Backpacks & School Supplies
Free Legal and Expungement Clinic
Health screenings, hands-on workshops, fitness activities & beauty demonstrations
Project Ready College, Work, & Life Fair, featuring information about scholarships, financial aid, career pathways, apprenticeships, internships, workshops, resources, and more!