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    •  ☆ Plenaries
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State of the Urban League Address

Time:
July 29, 2026 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Room:
Music City Center (Convention Center) // Grand Ballroom C

Day 3, Wednesday, July 29

Logo: 

Join us in Nashville for four unforgettable days of inspiration, connection, and impact. Today kicks off our in-person conference with the Opening Press Conference and the In-Person Career & Networking Fair.

The day concludes with a special welcome event hosted by our host affiliate,  the Urban League of Middle Tennessee — an evening of culture, connection, and celebration you won’t want to miss.

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Sponsored By

Karl F. Dean Grand Ballroom C // 4th Floor

(Doors open: 5:30PM)

Featuring Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League. The State of the Urban League Address is our marquee kickoff event on Wednesday evening, uniting Urban Leaguers and the community in a powerful and inspirational setting. Hear from our President and CEO as we assess the movement, outline key priorities, and chart the path forward for the year ahead.

Remarks: Rhonda Spears Bell, SVP & Executive Director, National Urban League

Presiding: Tim Murphy, Vice Chair, Mastercard, Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Urban League

Invocation: Reverend Dr. Shane B. Scott, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill

One Movement Gospel Praise Team

Remarks: Clifton E. Harris, President & CEO, Urban League of Middle Tennessee 

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

Sponsor Remarks:
Kiera Fernandez, Executive Vice President, Chief Community and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, and Target Foundation President
Kala Gibson, Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Fifth Third Bank

 

Speaker(s)

tmurphy26@nul.org's picture
Tim Murphy
Chairman
National Urban League

Tim Murphy is vice chair of Mastercard, where he serves as a global...Read more

mmorial26@nul.org's picture
Marc H. Morial
President & CEO
National Urban League

Marc H. Morial is President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation'

...Read more
sscott26@nul.org's picture
Reverend Dr. Shane B. Scott
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill

The Reverend Dr. Shane B. Scott serves as the senior pastor of the...Read more

rspearsbell26@Nul.org's picture
Rhonda Spears Bell
Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
National Urban League

Rhonda Spears Bell is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with more than 30 years...Read more

kfernandez26@nul.org's picture
Kiera Fernandez
Executive Vice President, Chief Community and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, and Target Foundation President

Kiera Fernandez leads teams responsible for Target’s community and philanthropic strategy,...Read more

kgibson26@nul.org's picture
Kala Gibson
Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer
Fifth Third Bank

Kala Gibson oversees the Bank’s corporate citizenship work for Fifth Third Bancorp, which...Read more

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