ATLANTA—The National Business League (NBL), founded 124 years ago by Mr. Booker T. Washington, continues in its pursuit of meaningful, Black economic inclusion. Two years ago, NBL formulated an alliance creating prominence on the world stage.
Combining the organizational efforts and skillsets of The National Black Chamber of Commerce and The World Conference of Mayors, they formed the National Alliance of Black Business (NABB) with the expressed commitment to mobilize the nation’s leading Black business, political and cultural institutions.
This commitment showed up at this year’s National Black Business Conference held at the downtown Hilton Atlanta Hotel on August 21-25, with the theme, “We are Together.”
The gathering not only built upon the success of last year’s conference, which commemorated the 30th Anniversary of the National Black Chamber of Commerce with more than 1,900 attendees, this year marks the 40th Anniversary of The World Conference of Mayors and pays homage to the 50 years since the inaugural Southern Conference of Black Mayors held at the very same Hilton Atlanta Hotel, convened by Atlanta’s first Black Mayor at that time the Honorable Maynard Jackson.
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With a pre-registration of more than 2,300 persons this year, and nearly 3,000 actual attendees, this is NBL’s largest gathering, in the post-COVID pandemic era.
“Since we have launched that initiative and have unified a Black Business Agenda, we’ve mobilized more than 100 Black-led organizations focused on the Booker T. Washington model of Black economic liberation, freedom and empowerment,” said NBL President Dr. Kenneth L. Harris in an exclusive interview with The Final Call at conclusion of this year’s nearly week-long event.
What the gathering witnessed, he said, is a “culmination, of this really, infancy approach—which mobilized more than 32 Pan-African countries and their organizations from around the globe; so that we can come together and reclaim economic power in a unified dynamic by Black-led institutions.”
The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad also taught his followers in the Nation of Islam, and Black people in general, the critical importance of unity, pooling resources and doing business with one another. In his book, “Message To The Blackman in America,”
On page 197, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad writes, “As I noted previously, on matters of economics there is entirely too much distrust among us. We trust everyone but ourselves.
We, therefore, have to build or produce trust in ourselves in order to do something for self and kind. We cannot depend upon the White man to continue to care for us and build a future of good for us and our children.”
His National Representative, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, wrote in a message, “The Key to Success: Do For Self,” from an article printed in The Final Call newspaper, Volume 1, Number 4, that his teacher, “lifted up a mighty example of doing for self for the Black man of America.”
This example included purchasing thousands of acres of farmland to grow food, opening restaurants, grocery stores, dry cleaning businesses and other retail shops as well as producing an independent newspaper, starting an independent school system, trucking and clothing businesses and much more which provided jobs for Black people.
Liberia is open for business
Blacks in America developing business relationships with brothers and sisters in Africa was a key component of this year’s conference with Liberia being a focus.
“I bring you warm greetings from the Motherland!” His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boaki Sr., the 26th President of Liberia, said to the thunderous applause of luncheon attendees.
Assuming office just this past January, he traveled to the United States to keynote the conference’s Pan-African Black Business Luncheon on August 23 and later addressed the press at a news conference with members of his cabinet.
“It is an honor and a profound privilege to be invited to speak to this august assembly. As President of Liberia—Africa’s first independent republic—I am proud to be amidst this distinguished Pan-African assembly of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and leaders,” he continued.
“I am deeply moved by the spirit of common purpose and progress that has brought you to Atlanta —a city renowned for its rich Black heritage and a great example of Black excellence.”
President Boakai stated that he sees this conference not just as a gathering to promote Black business enterprise, but to also celebrate “the enduring legacy of the shared journey of the people of the continent with those in the African Diaspora, and the profound impact this journey has had on our mutual aspirations for progress and prosperity,” he said.
“Our participation at this wonderful gathering is evidence of the remarkable ties that link us across the Atlantic—from the shores of West Africa to the United States, the Caribbean, and the rest of the Americas, as Liberia’s history is woven with that of African Americans and people of African descent in this region.”
Liberia’s story: unwavering determination
The country, founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society, was envisioned as a haven for freed African Americans seeking a new beginning in their ancestral homeland.
Among those whose legacy has profoundly shaped both Liberia and the broader Black American experience is Booker T. Washington. “His contributions transcend time and geography, creating a bridge between our histories and futures.
His vision of education, economic empowerment, and self-reliance resonated deeply across the Atlantic, influencing many, in Liberia who shared his dream of upliftment and progress,” shared His Excellency.
President Boakai said the advocacy for vocational training and his belief in the power of hard work and enterprise by Mr. Washington “led to the establishment of the famous Booker T. Washington Institute in Liberia in 1929. The Institute, the country’s first agricultural and vocational school, had and continues to impact the country’s economic and social development.
His project in Liberia has inspired generations of Liberians to pursue education and business endeavors to improve livelihoods, sustain families, and build their communities,” but is met with a plethora of opportunities as well as challenges.
Liberia’s natural wealth offers some of the best opportunities for Black businesses to leverage and commit to fostering a business-friendly environment, encouraging investment across various sectors with the launch of the “ARREST Agenda, designed to focus on investment and development in agriculture, roads and infrastructure; as well as the rule of law, education, health and sanitation, and tourism,” he said.
During the news conference he elaborated in more detail, emphasizing a few sectors with investment potential.
• Agriculture sector, Liberia’s fertile land and favorable climate offer vast opportunities for agricultural investments, particularly in rice production.
• Cash crops like rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm remain a “significant contributor to the growth of the agriculture sector.”
• The development of livestock and fishing remains unlocked. With the nation’s youth accounting for nearly 60 percent of the population, and more than 60 percent of the agricultural population, investing in the sector holds great prospects, the government has determined.
• Liberia is richly endowed with natural wealth. With the country boasting some of the world’s critical minerals, including gold and diamonds, the mining sector provides one of the best attractions for investment in the country.
• The country has more than 11,000 kilometers of unpaved roads, which presents both challenges and opportunities for investment. The government is seeking to finance road infrastructure through EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracts combined with long-term financing mechanisms.
• There are significant opportunities for investment in Liberia’s real estate market, particularly in residential and commercial properties. The demand for housing and business spaces is growing, driven by urbanization and population growth.
• Infrastructure needs for energy production cannot be overemphasized. With increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions, Liberia is exploring investments in solar, hydro, and biomass energy projects to meet its growing energy needs. Liberia’s current energy demand far exceeds its capacity, with only about 20 percent of the population having access to electricity.
• Liberia’s hospitality industry is poised for significant growth, with opportunities to invest in hotels, resorts, and eco-tourism ventures. The country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage makes it an attractive destination for tourists.
“As Liberia continues to modernize its economy,” President Boakai stated, “there is significant potential for investments in technology and digital infrastructure to support business growth and innovation.
The government has initiated e-governance projects aimed at improving public service delivery, and there is a rising demand for business support technologies. According to recent data, Liberia’s internet penetration rate is around 18 percent, indicating substantial room for growth in the digital sector.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the journey of Liberia and African Americans is a story of a common aspiration—one directed by the determination to be free and take charge of one’s destiny.
As we deliberate and engage each other at the 124th National Black Business Conference, let us reaffirm our commitment to transforming our societies and communities in ways that promote development and progress.
I challenge you to take advantage of the huge potential Liberia and Africa offer by taking the bold step to invest in the motherland. By doing so, you invest in your heritage and your future,” he said.
Conference welcomes the African Union
“I bring you the greetings from His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, (Chairperson of the African Union Commission),” began African Union Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze.
“Let me be clear, if we are to achieve, in general, an Africa that is prosperous, integrated and playing an important and dynamic role on the global stage, the contributions of the Diaspora are critical.
We need to leverage together more effectively the value proposition of the Diaspora in other areas, such as fire, technology development, trade investment and health.
It is crucial that we further reinforce the link between the African Diaspora everywhere and particularly in the Americas, in order to pool all of our resources and capacities to take Africa and U.S. relations to the next level,” she urged.
The inaugural 40 and under NextGen
One of the greater highlights of this year’s gathering was the inaugural of NextGen. A 40-years-of-age and under Black business-led committee of the National Conference that embraces the demographics, technologies, future economies and new monies associated with the bourgeoning of a new age.
“It is built on top of the foundation that Booker T. Washington laid to the training of young men and women’s hands—using their hands, their hearts and their heads to produce economic independence, liberation and freedom in enterprise development,” Dr. Harris said.
He reminded attendees, “There is no success without succession. And as the revolutionist Dr. Huey P. Newton always said, ‘someways remains with the youth.’
So, now we are putting the revolution in the young peoples’ hands. Our young entrepreneurs, both men and women, are to be the core catalysts of this revolution that is taking place across this pan-African global business community,” he said.
“The conference—I love it!” exclaimed Kendra Emeruem, finance partner director of the Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, and lobbyist for Georgia Senators John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, in her comments to The Final Call.
“The conference has been an experience for the Black business owner whether they are a startup or a seasoned business. They’ve come to learn how to grow their business, scale their business or formulate partnerships that don’t always take capital, but it can take just a bartering type of system.
And the other thing that I love about this conference is that we are going to take from it the momentum we have built for the change that is coming. The paradigm has shifted, and the power is being passed down, and it is now time for this generation to keep moving the agenda.
We have to help. We must do our duty, making sure that our people are able to have the same opportunities that middle class families have had and that we are able to shift that mindset to generational wealth. (So) instead of just surviving we are now thriving,” she said.
Close to 80 workshops and plenaries were held reflecting this new age of leadership and budding governance. The World Conference of Mayors, led by convenor the Honorable Johnny Ford out of Tuskegee, Alabama, carved out daylong Saturday activities spotlighting the profound impact of Black mayors in fostering entrepreneurship,
Economic development, and community growth, not only from Tuskegee, but to the historic all-Black towns across the nation, with more than 1,000 historic Black towns and settlements and more than 100 Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation.
“As we celebrate the historic 40th Anniversary of The World Conference of Mayors, we acknowledge the pivotal role Black mayors play in the economic development of cities, towns, and historic settlements. These legacies trace their roots back to the visionary leadership of Booker T. Washington and pave the way for the future of Black Mayors all over the world,” he said.
Mayor Ford was honored throughout the weekend for the many accomplishments of the World Conference of Mayors and the current campaigns and trajectory they are now on, as they head to the United Nations General Assembly in September to champion trade between Black businesses in the U.S. with Africa and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
New digital age
“The National Business League has invested more than $1.8 million to rebuild and nationalize our digital platform,” Dr. Harris said. “The National Business League is now 100 percent digital. We will be unveiling that digital platform, and we will be rechartering all of the chapters that originally existed 124 years ago.
“Most people do not know this, but by 1910, Booker T. Washington had more than 600 chapters throughout the United States and in the international communities. We are now going to digitize that infrastructure. As of January 2, the National Business League for the first time in its 124-year history received its United States Patent and Trademark approval and registration.
That allows for us to rebuild and nationalize this organization, launching chapters in every single urban city throughout the country and throughout the pan-African diaspora. This digital effort launches officially during our 125th quasquicentennial campaign on January 12, 2025,” he said.
