The National Business League’s 124th National Black Business Conference brought together over 3,000 participants in Atlanta, featuring a historic keynote address by Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the 26th President of Liberia. Co-hosted with the National Alliance for Black Business and its founding members—including the National Black Chamber of Commerce and The World Conference of Mayors—the event emphasized strengthening economic partnerships between Black American businesses and African countries, with a special focus on Liberia.
Key Highlights from the Conference:
- President Boakai’s Participation: A historical moment connecting back to Booker T. Washington’s role in Liberia’s history in 1907, when Washington diplomatically intervened to protect Liberia from colonial encroachment.
- Economic Collaboration Emphasized: Boakai called for stronger economic ties between Liberia, the Pan-African community, and U.S. private investors, highlighting untapped opportunities for Black businesses globally.
- Strong Attendance and Diverse Participation: Over 3,000 attendees included business leaders, elected officials, and delegates from 32 Pan-African countries.
Historical Significance: Booker T. Washington’s Role in Liberia
President Boakai’s speech touched on the historical ties between Liberia and the U.S. Pan-African movement, emphasizing the pivotal role Booker T. Washington played in Liberia’s diplomatic history. Washington’s intervention in 1907 helped preserve Liberia’s independence, which laid a foundation for the long-standing relations between Liberia and African-American leaders.
Dr. Tyrene Wright, a board member of the National Business League, highlighted this relationship in her book Booker T. Washington and Africa: The Making of a Pan Africanist, illustrating how Washington’s Pan-African vision continues to influence modern economic cooperation.
Key Outcomes of the 124th National Black Business Conference:
- Representation from 32 Pan-African countries and a keynote by President Boakai.
- Attendance by 433 visiting delegates, 17 National Black Chambers of Commerce, and 19 National Business Leagues.
- 132 U.S. and diasporic mayors, elected officials, and 23 ambassadors in attendance.
- Facilitation of $10 million in buyer/supplier contract opportunities.
- 28 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) established between key stakeholders.
- 82 workshops and panel discussions, along with 23 neXGen (40 and under) events.
- 3,121 participants joined the Pan-African Black Business Summit.
- 726 attendees at the Booker T. Washington Black Business Awards Gala, featuring 73 tables.
- 152 Black-led organizations and 34 corporate sponsors participated.
- 213 Black CEOs participated in the Pre-Conference Booker T. Washington Tuskegee Tour.
- 1,743 conference app downloads, driving 9,582 messages and 138 meet-ups.
A Step Towards Economic Empowerment
The conference emphasized the recovery and growth of Black businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Business League and its partners aim to expand opportunities for Black entrepreneurs by creating global economic pathways that reflect Booker T. Washington’s legacy. This year’s event established numerous connections and business opportunities, building a future where Black businesses thrive globally.
Looking Ahead: 125th National Black Business Conference Quasquicentennial Celebration
The National Business League is excited to announce the 125th National Black Business Conference Quasquicentennial Celebration, set for August 20-23, 2025, at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel. This milestone event will celebrate 125 years of Black business empowerment, bringing together hundreds of Black-led organizations across the U.S. and the Pan-African diaspora.
Event’s Legacy and Mission
Founded by Booker T. Washington in 1900, the National Business League has a long-standing tradition of empowering Black businesses. Through partnerships with key organizations like the National Alliance for Black Business and the World Conference of Mayors, the National Black Business Conference has evolved into one of the largest Pan-African events in the world, advancing Black-owned business success in the U.S. and globally.
For more information about the event and its impact, visit the official website: National Black Business Conference.
