The National Business League

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON DAY AT THE ALABAMA STATE CAPITOL Join us for a historic gathering as we honor the enduring legacy of Booker T. Washington, one of the most influential architects of Black economic empowerment in American history. The National Business League, founded by Booker T. Washington in 1900, is proud to support this important day of recognition at the Alabama State Capitol. This special convening will bring together community leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, educators, and citizens from across Alabama to reflect on Booker T. Washington’s vision of economic self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and institution building—principles that continue to guide our work today. Hosted by the Honorable Pebblin Warren, this event is an opportunity to celebrate history while recommitting ourselves to building a stronger economic future. EVENT DETAILS Tuesday, March 31, 2026 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM Alabama State House 11 South Union Street Montgomery, Alabama 36130 For additional information contact: Office of Representative Pebblin Warren 📞 (334) 261-0541 If you are in Montgomery or anywhere in Alabama, we invite you to join us at the Capitol as we honor a legacy that continues to shape the future of Black business and economic sovereignty. Let’s gather, reflect, and move forward together. #BookerTWashington #NationalBusinessLeague #EconomicSovereignty #BlackBusinessHistory #TuskegeeLegacy #MontgomeryAlabama #BlackEconomicPower #BookerTWashingtonDay

Black Business Leaders Secure Their Seat at the Table in Washington, D.C. The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB) convened Black CEOs, chamber executives, and entrepreneurs at the White House and U.S. Senate for the Annual National Business Policy Conference. Representing thousands of Black Business Enterprises (BBEs), leaders engaged policymakers in bipartisan discussions focused on the issues that matter most: • Capital access for Black businesses • Federal procurement opportunities • Made-in-America manufacturing • Workforce partnerships with HBCUs • Artificial intelligence and digital transformation • Global trade expansion • Support for Black farmers This work is about results. Black businesses are engines of American growth, and leadership remains focused on ensuring Black entrepreneurs have a seat at the table where economic policy decisions are made. The work continues. #NationalBlackChamber #NationalAlliance #BlackBusinessEnterprise #NationalBusinessLeague #WorldConferenceofMayors

HONORED TO SERVE AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER The Meridian Guild Investors Conference | Beyond the Frontiers 2026: The Wealth of Values “The revolution won’t be televised; it shall be digitized.” — Dr. Ken L. Harris, Ph.D. On March 11–12, 2026, I will join institutional leaders, investors, policymakers, and system builders in Washington, D.C. for a serious working convening focused on capital alignment, institutional strength, and scalable investment frameworks. Beyond the Frontiers 2026 brings together practitioners, donors, investors, and SME leaders actively shaping new operating models, capital flows, and strategic partnerships in real time. The dialogue centers on how value is truly created, where capital becomes constrained, and what financial and regulatory conditions must exist for disciplined investment to succeed in frontier markets and emerging sectors. As the 16th National President & CEO of the National Business League — founded by Booker T. Washington in 1900 — my message remains clear: • Capital must move with discipline. • Institutions must be strengthened. • Wealth must be built with intention. • Leadership must move beyond slogans. This is not rhetoric. This is infrastructure. This is digital transformation aligned with economic sovereignty. Beyond the Frontiers 2026: The Wealth of Values March 11–12, 2026 American University College of Law – Claudio Grossman Hall Washington, D.C. Participants may receive a 50% discount using code: BEYOND26DISCOUNT Register here: whova.com/portal/registr… For additional information: Clinton White clinton@meridian-guild.com The National Business League encourages our partners, investors, policymakers, and SME leaders to participate in this important convening. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. #BeyondTheFrontiers2026 #WealthOfValues #EconomicSovereignty #InstitutionalPower #GlobalInvestment #DigitalTransformation #MeridianGuild

LEGACY GALA: EVOLUTION Presented by STAAND – Stellantis African Ancestry Network Diaspora The National Business League proudly supports this distinguished cultural experience honoring the evolution of Black history through music, movement, and spoken word — from Classical to Jazz to Hip Hop — celebrating the rhythm, resilience, and revolution woven into every era. Saturday, February 28, 2026 Conner Museum 20000 Conner Street Detroit, MI 48234 Ticket Price: $100 Evening Program: 7:00 PM – Cocktail Hour with Chef-Crafted Hors d’Oeuvres 8:00 PM – Concert Performance 9:30 PM – Afterglow with DJ Produced by GhostLight Productions, Inc., this elegant evening brings together artistry, heritage, and community in one powerful celebration of legacy and evolution. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and leaders who wish to align with excellence in arts, culture, and community impact. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/2026-staand-… Join us in Detroit for a night where history, culture, and enterprise intersect. #STAAND #Stellantis #NationalBusinessLeague #LegacyGala #DetroitEvents

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES The Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. The nation will gather in Chicago to honor the life, legacy, and historic contributions of The Honorable Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.—civil rights leader, founder of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, presidential candidate, and global advocate for justice, economic inclusion, and human dignity. For more than six decades, Reverend Jackson stood at the intersection of faith, politics, civil rights, and economic empowerment, advancing policies and platforms that expanded opportunity and elevated the voices of the marginalized. His life’s work reshaped American political discourse and strengthened the fight for equity across generations. Service Arrangements Lying in State – Rainbow PUSH Coalition Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Thursday, February 26, 2026 930 E. 50th Street Chicago, Illinois 60615 Doors Open at 10:00 AM The People’s Celebration – House of Hope Friday, February 27, 2026 752 E. 114th Street Chicago, Illinois 60628 Doors Open at 9:00 AM Homegoing Services – Rainbow PUSH Coalition Saturday, February 28, 2026 930 E. 50th Street Chicago, Illinois 60615 Doors Open at 9:00 AM These services will provide an opportunity for civic leaders, clergy, business leaders, elected officials, and community members to pay tribute to a man whose voice and vision helped shape the modern Civil Rights Movement and the pursuit of economic justice. For updates and registration details, please visit: JesseJacksonLegacy.com May we honor his legacy not only in remembrance, but in continued action.

NBL x Ultimate Government Contracting Summit 2026 The National Business League is proud to partner with the Ultimate Government Contracting Summit – Must Attend 2026 in Atlanta. If you are serious about winning federal, state, and local contracts in FY26, this is where policy meets playbooks — and relationships turn into real revenue. This one-day, high-impact experience blends strategy, execution, and access so you can scale without losing the human touch. Thursday, March 26, 2026 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST Rooftop Mixer: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MODEx Studio | Atlanta/Buckhead, Georgia As part of this new partnership, all National Business League members and alumni receive 25% OFF any ticket or sponsor level. Use code: NBL at checkout. This is about positioning your business to compete — and win — in the government marketplace. Tickets and full details: govconsummits.com Let’s show up prepared. Let’s show up powerful. Let’s show up ready to build. #NationalBusinessLeague #GovernmentContracting #BlackBusinessEnterprise #EconomicSovereignty #FY26

HONORING A GIANT OF OUR TIME A Gentle Warrior. A Brother. A Freedom Architect. The National Business League (NBL) honors the transition of The Honorable Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson at 84. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026—during the eclipse and New Moon in Aquarius—we recognize the life and legacy of a disciplined, fearless champion of civil rights and economic inclusion whose work reshaped American corporate and public contracting systems. Appointed in 1966 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the Chicago chapter of Operation Breadbasket, and elevated in 1967 to national director of the SCLC’s economic arm, Rev. Jackson institutionalized economic pressure as a pathway to jobs, contracts, and capital access. He later launched the Chicago Black Expo, creating a national platform to circulate Black dollars and elevate Black enterprise visibility. Through Rainbow PUSH and related initiatives, nearly $20 billion in contracts were secured for Black Business Enterprises nationwide. Rev. Jackson’s leadership and mentorship influenced generations of economic advocates, entrepreneurs, and institutional builders who continue advancing the unfinished work of economic sovereignty. Civil rights without economic power remains incomplete. Rev. Jackson helped institutionalize that truth. We don’t die. We multiply. Rest in power. NBC News Link: nbcnews.com/news/obituarie… #KeepHopeAlive #BlackEconomicInclusion #BlackEconomicPower #NationalBusinessLeague #LegacyLeadership

Happy Black History Month! Founded by Bro. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D., the unyielding "Father of Black History" and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., this powerful celebration began as Negro History Week in 1926 to reclaim and honor the erased achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black people—demanding the world recognize our story as central to humanity's legacy, not a footnote. From son of former slaves to Harvard Ph.D. (second Black man to earn one there), Woodson fearlessly built institutions like the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and mobilized his Que brothers to ignite this movement. No apologies for centering Black excellence—our history is American history, world history, and it's time everyone knows it. #BlackHistoryMonth #CarterGWoodson #OmegaPsiPhi #FatherOfBlackHistory #BlackExcellence

Happy Black History Month! Founded by Bro. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D., the unyielding "Father of Black History" and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., this powerful celebration began as Negro History Week in 1926 to reclaim and honor the erased achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black people—demanding the world recognize our story as central to humanity's legacy, not a footnote. From son of former slaves to Harvard Ph.D. (second Black man to earn one there), Woodson fearlessly built institutions like the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and mobilized his Que brothers to ignite this movement. No apologies for centering Black excellence—our history is American history, world history, and it's time everyone knows it. #BlackHistoryMonth #CarterGWoodson #OmegaPsiPhi #FatherOfBlackHistory #BlackExcellence

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS ATLANTA BUSINESS LEAGUE 🎉The National Business League (NBL) proudly congratulates the Atlanta Business League (ABL) and President & CEO Leona Barr-Davenport on securing a transformational $1M grant from the @Delta Air Lines Foundation supporting the Tradition & Vision Capital Campaign. This historic investment affirms the power of Black enterprise, legacy institutions, and the economic future of metro Atlanta—accelerating entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and long-term impact. We applaud Delta Air Lines for its leadership and commitment to Black business ecosystems. 👏🏽 Honoring the past. Strengthening the present. Securing the future. 🔗 Full Press Release: docs.google.com/.../1Ew5ZDz7vt… #NationalBusinessLeague #AtlantaBusinessLeague #DeltaAirLinesFoundation #BlackBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #Atlanta #EconomicSovereignty

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS ATLANTA BUSINESS LEAGUE 🎉 The National Business League (NBL) proudly congratulates the Atlanta Business League (ABL) and the leadership of Leona Barr-Davenport President/CEO of the ABL on receiving a transformational $1 MILLION grant from the Delta Air Lines Foundation in support of the ABL Tradition & Vision Capital Campaign. This historic investment represents more than funding—it is a powerful affirmation of Black enterprise, legacy institutions, and the long-term economic future of metro Atlanta. The grant will accelerate entrepreneurship, expand economic mobility, and help preserve one of the nation’s most respected Black business institutions for generations to come. As shared by Shirley Franklin, former Mayor of the City of Atlanta and Chair of the ABL Tradition & Vision Capital Campaign, this commitment propels the League forward and strengthens its role as a cornerstone of community empowerment and economic advancement. We applaud Delta Air Lines and the Delta Air Lines Foundation for their continued leadership, corporate citizenship, and belief in the power of Black business ecosystems. 👏🏽 Well done to the Atlanta Business League—your work honors the past, strengthens the present, and secures the future. 🔗 Read the full Press Release: docs.google.com/.../1Ew5ZDz7vt… #NationalBusinessLeague #AtlantaBusinessLeague #DeltaAirLinesFoundation #CapitalCampaign #BlackBusinessLegacy #EconomicDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CommunityInvestment #Atlanta #EconomicSovereignty

BLACK MALES — FASTEST-GROWING ENTREPRENEURS IN AMERICA Pew Research Center | Business Ownership & Economic Shift Across generations, economic survival was enforced while ownership was restricted. The acceleration of Black male entrepreneurship is not accidental—it is a historical correction unfolding in real time. THE DATA — WHAT THE NUMBERS CONFIRM National research shows one in five Black adults now considers business ownership essential to financial success, signaling a decisive move toward autonomy, wealth-building, and legacy creation. In 2022, Black majority-owned firms: • Employed 1.6 million people • Paid more than $61 billion in wages • Expanded despite limited access to capital WHO THE BUILDERS ARE • 54% men, 39% women • Majority between ages 35–54 • Only 7% under 35, revealing untapped generational opportunity WHY THIS IS HAPPENING Economists cite independence, representation, and generational intent. Beneath the data is a deeper pattern: when systems exclude, creators activate. Constraint produces clarity. Pressure births ownership. WHAT THIS SIGNALS Black male entrepreneurship is growing outside political parties, beyond elite validation, and without institutional permission. This is not reaction—it is realignment. This is not a phase. It is economic momentum.

BLACK MALES — FASTEST-GROWING ENTREPRENEURS IN AMERICA Pew Research Center | Business Ownership & Economic Shift Across generations, economic survival was enforced while ownership was restricted. The acceleration of Black male entrepreneurship is not accidental—it is a historical correction unfolding in real time. THE DATA — WHAT THE NUMBERS CONFIRM National research shows one in five Black adults now considers business ownership essential to financial success, signaling a decisive move toward autonomy, wealth-building, and legacy creation. In 2022, Black majority-owned firms: • Employed 1.6 million people • Paid more than $61 billion in wages • Expanded despite limited access to capital WHO THE BUILDERS ARE • 54% men, 39% women • Majority between ages 35–54 • Only 7% under 35, revealing untapped generational opportunity WHY THIS IS HAPPENING Economists cite independence, representation, and generational intent. Beneath the data is a deeper pattern: when systems exclude, creators activate. Constraint produces clarity. Pressure births ownership. WHAT THIS SIGNALS Black male entrepreneurship is growing outside political parties, beyond elite validation, and without institutional permission. This is not reaction—it is realignment. This is not a phase. It is economic momentum.

Dr. Ken L. Harris, President & CEO of The National Business League, is honored to serve as Keynote Speaker at the Black Chamber of Arizona’s 27th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala & Business Awards — Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Leadership. Legacy. A night that defines Arizona’s future. This sold-out celebration brings together the state’s most dynamic changemakers and visionaries shaping the next era of Black business and economic growth. Joining the stage: • Governor Katie Hobbs • Mayor Jerry Weiers, Glendale • Mayor Kevin Hartke, Chandler • Dr. Velma Trayham, President & CEO, Black Chamber of Arizona • Keynote: Dr. Ken L. Harris, President & CEO, The National Business League • Honorary Co-Chairs: Dr. Sharon Smith, Arizona State University & Tony Bell, Salt River Project A powerful night of connection, innovation, and celebration. If you didn’t secure your seat in time — stay tuned. Highlights and impact moments will be shared soon! 🔗 pinnaclepathwaysgala.eventbrite.com #PinnaclePathwaysGala #BlackChamberAZ #EconomicSovereignty #BookerTWashingtonLegacy #NationalBusinessLeague #ArizonaBusiness #BlackExcellence #CommunityImpact #Leadership #Legacy #EconomicGrowth

Dr. Ken L. Harris, President & CEO of The National Business League, is honored to join the Rise Higher Detroit Mayoral Transition Team as a member of the Workforce, Economic Development & Small Business Committee. At this pivotal moment in our city’s history, he is committed to advancing Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s agenda for all Detroiters and supporting the bold vision and historic leadership of Detroit’s first woman mayor. Stay connected at RiseHigherDetroit.com #RiseHigherDetroit #MarySheffield

We Did It — History Made in Detroit! Congratulations to The Honorable Mary Sheffield, the 76th Mayor of Detroit and the first woman ever elected to lead our great city. At just 38 years old, Detroit’s own—born and raised right here—has risen from the streets to the 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. With a commanding 77% of the vote against Triumph Church Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. (23%), this landslide victory is more than an election win — it’s a mandate from the people. Mary Sheffield has fulfilled her family’s generational legacy and now carries the torch to inspire a new generation of leaders and innovators. At long last, Detroit has a mayor who reflects the supermajority of its residents — a city that is 78% Black, powered by hardworking people in every neighborhood, not just downtown. Mayor Sheffield was not handpicked by the establishment — she earned this moment through relentless work, integrity, and vision. Today, our ancestors smile. One of their daughters now stands at the helm, ready to lead Detroit toward a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future. We love you, Mary. We support you. We believe in your leadership. The Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce has your back. The work begins now — and we’re ready to build with you, for Detroit, and for generations to come. #Detroit #MarySheffield #HistoryMade #BlackWomenLead #DetroitPride #Leadership #WeDidIt

Michigan Federation of Black Chambers Express Support for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield as the First Woman and 76th Mayor of Detroit Detroit, MI — Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — The Michigan Federation of Black Chambers of Commerce (MFBCC), together with its 24 affiliated chapters representing more than 120,000 Black-owned businesses across Michigan and 49,000 Black Business Enterprises (BBEs) in Detroit, extends its unified support for the future administration of The Honorable Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President and poised to become the first woman—and 76th—Mayor of the City of Detroit. “Council President Mary Sheffield has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Detroit’s Black business community since the earliest days of her public service,” said Dr. Ken L. Harris, President & CEO of the National Business League. “Her dedication to equitable economic opportunity, small business empowerment, and community revitalization reflects the very principles the Detroit Black Chamber was founded upon. We look forward to working collaboratively with her administration on a national and local level to advance Detroit’s continued growth and prosperity.” “Mary Sheffield carries forward a proud family tradition of entrepreneurship and service,” said Crystal L. Gunn, Chairwoman of the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce. “We are inspired by her commitment to advancing an inclusive economic ecosystem. As she steps into this historic new role, we look forward to working with her administration to expand opportunity for Detroit’s business community—particularly our Black entrepreneurs and business owners.” “Detroit’s Black Business Enterprises represent the heart of our city’s economic story,” said Bartel Welch, President of the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce. “With thoughtful leadership and a shared commitment to innovation and inclusion, Detroit can once again serve as a national model for entrepreneurship and economic independence. We believe Mayor-elect Sheffield’s administration is positioned to help write that next great chapter.” For more information, please visit: marysheffield.com

Michigan Federation of Black Chambers Expresses Support for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield as Detroit’s First Woman & 76th Mayor Detroit, MI — October 16, 2025 The Michigan Federation of Black Chambers of Commerce (MFBCC) and its 24 affiliate chapters — representing over 120,000 Black-owned businesses statewide and 49,000 BBEs in Detroit — proudly express their unified support for the future administration of Council President Mary Sheffield, poised to become Detroit’s first woman and 76th Mayor. “Mary Sheffield has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Detroit’s Black business community since the earliest days of her public service,” said Dr. Ken L. Harris, President & CEO of the National Business League. “Her dedication to equitable economic opportunity, small business empowerment, and community revitalization reflects the very principles our chambers were founded upon.” “Mary Sheffield carries forward a proud family tradition of entrepreneurship and service,” said Crystal Gunn, Chairwoman of the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce. “We are inspired by her commitment to advancing an inclusive economic ecosystem. As she steps into this historic new role, we look forward to working with her administration to expand opportunity for Detroit’s business community — particularly our Black entrepreneurs and business owners.” Sheffield’s “Mary Means Business” initiative aligns deeply with the Chamber’s mission — empowering entrepreneurs, advancing equitable growth, and strengthening neighborhoods. “Detroit’s Black Business Enterprises represent the heart of our city’s economic story,” added Bartel Welch, President of the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce. “With thoughtful leadership and a shared commitment to inclusion, Detroit can once again serve as a national model for entrepreneurship and independence.” Learn more: marysheffield.com #Detroit #BlackBusiness #EconomicEmpowerment #MarySheffield #MFBCC #NationalBusinessLeague #BookerTWashingtonLegacy #WomenInLeadership #DetroitBusiness #InclusiveEconomy

AfriCon 2025, taking place September 18th–20th at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, is the premier global gathering connecting Africa and the Black diaspora through business, culture, and innovation. Gain access to panels, workshops, mentorship, and deal rooms with investors and retailers like Walmart, Whole Foods, and Dollar Tree. Plus, enjoy cultural events and networking that spark real opportunities. Send us a DM to claim your complimentary ticket. Link for the complimentary ticket: render.jotform.com/252014573143044

#NBLC125 GOES GLOBAL! stream LIVE today on @AlignTV! 📺 App demo: 1l.ink/H4K58CJ 📲 Download: onelink.to/gnpfsw Get: 🔥 A-list keynotes 💡 Power insights 🌍 Global networking Virtual front-row seat! #NBLC2025 #BlackBusinessLive