During the opening plenary of this year's conference, we will release the 50th edition of the acclaimed State of Black America Report®. The 2026, America at 250: Is the American Dream Dead?, assesses whether the country upheld its promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The report answers the question: if the American dream is out of reach, is it salvageable or is it time to imagine a new one?
Karl F. Dean Grand Ballroom C, 4th Floor
Americans are not feeling optimistic about the future. In the 50th edition of our State of Black America report, we reflect on how Americans feel about the promise of this country, liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness as the nation turns 250. In this highly anticipated address, hear from our President and CEO, Marc H. Morial, policymakers, and young people who, in the face of soaring living costs, political tensions, and challenges to our rights, attempt to answer the question: Is the American Dream Dead?
Moderator
Ed Gordon, Emmy Award-winning Broadcaster, President, Ed Gordon Media
Preceding: Rhonda Spears Bell, Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, National Urban League Conference
Presiding:
Tim Murphy, Vice Chair, Mastercard, Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Urban League
Marc H. Morial, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Urban League
Remarks: Clifton E. Harris, President & CEO, Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Panelists:
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of African American Studies, Vanderbilt University
Dr. Sheena Meade, CEO, Clean Slate Initiative
Van Jones, CNN Host;
Founder, DreamMachine.org and
Founder, RAPPORT.co
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
Marc H. Morial is President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation'
...Read more
Hard-hitting, inspiring, intelligent, honest, and direct—these words define the style and...Read more
Rhonda Spears Bell is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with more than 30 years...Read more
Van Jones is a U.S. media personality, entrepreneur, and world-class changemaker. Jones has a...Read more
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad has over 20 years of experience addressing racial and economic...Read more
Michael Eric Dyson is one of the nation’s most renowned professors, gifted writers, inspiring...Read more
The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) is a national bipartisan movement...Read more
