The nation’s premier civil rights and urban advocacy conference is coming to Nashville, Wednesday, July 29, through Saturday, August 1. More than a gathering, it’s a movement — a powerful convergence of visionaries, activists, business leaders, and policymakers committed to advancing justice. The 2026 National Urban League Conference, hosted by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT), is a meeting place to be restored, informed, and prepared for the work ahead, bringing opportunity, connection, and impact to Music City, for students, families, and young professionals.
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial lays it out clearly: “Across the country, we’re seeing efforts that make it harder for people to vote and roll back the progress generations fought for. But this moment isn’t about being discouraged. It’s about being energized. That’s why the National Urban League Annual Conference, is so important. Leaders, advocates, and community members from across the country will gather to organize, strategize, and move the work forward.”
Among the activities planned for the four-day conference is the FREE Community and Family Day, Saturday, August 1 at the Music City Center. Families from across our region will enjoy a day filled with resources, entertainment, health and wellness opportunities, networking, school supplies, career information, games, and more. From the Back to School Zone and Building Black Wealth Pavilion to the Community Marketplace, Health & Wellness Lounge, Legal Clinic, and College Fair, this is about connecting people with opportunities that can make a lasting impact.
Included in the Community Day activities is the 14th Annual Project Ready College, Work & Life Fair. From colleges and scholarships to skilled trades, apprenticeships, credentialing programs, and career pathways, this fair is designed to help open doors for the next generation.
Additionally, business owners, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend the Conference’s Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit, also on Saturday, August 1, at Music City Center. This FREE summit will bring together industry leaders, executives, investors, and experts from across the country for a full day focused on business development, networking, certification opportunities, marketing, financial education, and more.
Urban League Live
“Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, this summit was designed with you in mind,” commented ULMT President and CEO Clifton Harris. Registration for the business summit is required, so make plans now and learn more at NULConference.org.
The Conference officially kicks off with the Music and Murals Welcome to Nashville — The Official Kickoff Experience on Wednesday, July 29, from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. at Assembly Food Hall Skydeck. The evening will feature live music, with headliner After 7, curated local artistry, and a dynamic atmosphere that reflects the heartbeat of Nashville. Guests will enjoy a lively welcome reception, with optional access to the National African American Music Museum available as an added experience. Tickets are available for the event and can be purchased by contacting Jade McCree at: jmccree@ulmt.org
Learn more and register for the conference at: www.nulconference.org
Other Upcoming Major Black Conventions This Summer
We have previewed three major Black organization conventions happening in Nashville this month. There are several others happening across the nation this summer. Among them are the following:
- July 16-19 National Dental Association, Richmond, VA
- July 22-29 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Chicago, IL
- July 25-29 National Medical Association, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- July 26-31 National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Las Vegas, NV
- July 28-August 2 National Black Nurses Association, St. Louis, MO
- July 29-August 1 Association of Black Psychologists, Baltimore, MD
- August 12-16 National Association of Black Journalists, Atlanta, GA
While we previewed the recent Boule of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, these Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternity are also meeting this summer:
- July 18-24 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Las Vegas, NV
- July 22-26 Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Tampa, FL
- July 30-August 3 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Cincinnati, OH
