Plenary II: Breaking the Silence: Mastering Media and Making Your Voice Heard

Time:
July 18, 2025 - 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Room:
Huntington Convention Center // Ballroom A

Day 5, Friday, July 18

Join us in Cleveland for four unforgettable days of inspiration, connection, and impact. 

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At a time when meaningful conversations about issues that matter are more crucial than ever, it’s all the more important to understand the nuances of mass media and how to ensure that a spectrum of voices and perspectives come through. This session is dedicated to lifting the barriers to media access and sharing the skills to empower anyone to be compelling and persuasive in that space. Join expert media professionals and experienced communicators who share the art of reaching a broad audience with your authentic voice.

Remarks: Rhonda Spears Bell, Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, National Urban League Conference

Presiding: Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League

Chariman's Remarks: Tim Murphy, Vice Chair, Mastercard, Chair of the Board of Trustees, National Urban League

Co-Moderators: 
Alencia Johnson, Author, Thought Leader, and Cultural Critic
Ed Gordon, Award-Winning Journalist. President, Ed Gordon Media

Panelists:
Reverend Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association
Valeisha Butterfield, Founder & CEO, SEED MEDIA
Rachel Noerdlinger, Partner, Actum; Crisis Management & Communications Expert
April Ryan, D.C. Bureau Chief & Senior White House Correspondent, Black Press USA
Eugene Daniels, MSNBC Senior Washington Correspondent, Host of “The Weekend"
 

Speaker(s)