ATLANTA – August 15, 2023 – Forbes today announced its inaugural ForbesBLK Summit, bringing together the world’s top Black business leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers and creators who are creating a more equitable world. The summit is being hosted in Atlanta on November 5-6, 2023.
The theme for the first-ever ForbesBLK Summit is The Future of Black Entrepreneurialism: Convening Culture, Creativity and Community.
The event will ignite critical conversations with leaders across the Black community who are breaking barriers, creating more equitable economies, and driving a new culture of connection, collaboration and change. The summit will also include immersive cultural experiences across the city of Atlanta.
Atlanta serves as the innovation hub for Black entrepreneurs, businesses, entertainers, and creators. The city is the number one Black entrepreneurial center and startup ecosystem, convening the world’s most innovative leaders who are changing business, culture and society. The city’s goal of being the go-to market for Black professionals aligns with the ForbesBLK mission and commitment to curate best-in-class experiences, while championing the global community of Black trailblazers.
“We are thrilled to announce Forbes is hosting its first-ever Forbes BLK Summit in Atlanta. We are the city that’s synonymous with Black excellence,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Atlanta is the perfect place to host an inaugural event that is so timely, progressive and connected to culture.
Confirmed speakers include:
· John Hope Bryant, CEO, Operation Hope
· Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
· Shelly Cayette, Chief Commercial Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers
· Tamira Chapman, President & CEO, Storehouse
· Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations, Amazon
· Dr. Debra Furr-Holden, Dean of Global Public Health, NYU
· Milt Newton, Assistant General Manager, Milwaukee Bucks
· Nicole Pullen Ross, NY Region Head of Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs
· Isiah Thomas, Former NBA Player, Philanthropist, and Chairman & CEO of Isiah International LLC
“The ForbesBLK Summit is the larger extension of what we’re building around this Forbes platform,” said Jabari Young, ForbesBLK Editorial Lead. “It’s no secret the city of Atlanta is the core foundation of the ForbesBLK community and it’s the perfect home to host and celebrate our inaugural ForbesBLK Summit.”
ForbesBLK is a global community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and creators who are driving systematic change in business, culture and society. ForbesBLK recently announced strategic plans for growth, new leadership and an Advisory Council of diverse and influential leaders. With new leadership and plans for expansion in 2023, ForbesBLK (BEE-EL-KAY) is focused on best-in-class editorial content and community experiences to advance representation and inclusion.
“ForbesBLK is proud to partner with the City of Atlanta and our newly formed local advisory council to bring the first-ever ForbesBLK Summit to Atlanta,” said Ayisha Mendez, Community Manager, ForbesBLK. “This event is the first of many and will serve as a catalyst for future immersive experiences that will advance the culture, creativity, and access for Black professionals around the world.”
“Welcome to the Black mecca, welcome to the birthplace of the Black Middle Class, welcome to the place of Black success,” said Kelly Beaty English, ForbesBLK Advisory Council Member.
For more information about the event, visit: 2023 ForbesBLK Summit
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Media Contact:
Jocelyn Swift, Jswift@forbes.com