The National Business League®

Founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington – August 23, 1900

THE LEAGUE         THE 125th         the chapters         the membership         the conference         the events         the alliance

THE LEAGUE

THE NATION'S FIRST BLACK BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FOUNDED 1900

“At the bottom of education, at the bottom of politics, even at the bottom of religion itself, there must be for our race, as for all races, an economic foundation, economic prosperity, economic independence.”

Booker T. Washington, Founder of The National Business League

THE 125TH QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE

The National Business League’s 
125th Quasquicentennial 
NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS CONFERENCE

ATLANTA GEORGIA

National Alliance for Black Business
Host
The National Business League’s 
125th Quasquicentennial 
NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Tuskegee University
NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS PRE-CONFERENCE
Booker T. Washington Black Business Summit
Sunday, August 17, 2025 – Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Tuskegee, Alabama
Historic Hilton Atlanta Hotel
NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – Saturday, August 23, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia
 
Secure Your Spot Today!

THE 125TH NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN

0 Days
0 Hours
0 Minutes
0 Seconds

BLACK ECONOMIC FREEDOM MOVEMENT
DIGITIZE 1 MILLION BLACK BUSINESSES BY 2028 CAMPAIGN

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised;
But It Shall Be Digitized

– Kenneth L. Harris, Ph.D., 16th President/CEO, The National Business League
Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron

MEMBERSHIP

The 125th QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

AUGUST 23, 1900 – AUGUST 20-23, 2025

MEMBERS
0 K+
Chapters
0
CONTRACTS
$ 0 M+

Community

Join the Tribe – “Ubuntu”

Be part of a thriving network dedicated to building and uplifting Black communities through collaboration, unity, and shared success.

Black Business Enterprises (BBE's)

Become an Advocate – “Muvugizi”

Empower your enterprise with cutting-edge tools, strategic resources, and powerful partnerships to elevate Black entrepreneurship.

Professionals

Become a Warrior – “Ngakula”

Strengthen your career with networking, skill-building, and access to a global community of ambitious Black professionals.

Students

Become an Apprentice – “Amoosu”

Unlock resources, mentorship, and transformative opportunities designed to prepare the next generation of dynamic Black leaders and entrepreneurs.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Become an Advocate – “Muvugizi”

Harness innovative solutions, expert guidance, and essential support to help your business thrive and reach new heights.

Organizations

Become a Champion – “Asafo”

Collaborate with aligned organizations to amplify impact, inspire innovation, and drive transformational change in Black communities.

Corporations

Become an Ally – “Umufasha”

Partner with us to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion while driving meaningful progress for Black economic empowerment.

International

Join the Pan-Black Movement

Connect students, professionals, BBEs, SMEs, organizations, and corporations across the globe to foster collaboration and economic growth.

1895 ATLANTA EXPOSITION SPEECH: LIVE RECORDING

"Cast Down Your Bucket Where You Are"

– Booker T. Washington, Founder

1895 Atlanta Exposition Address

Atlanta Cotton States and International Exposition Speech, September 18, 1895.

Booker T. Washington stressed the importance of business development and enterprise ownership as a core function to lead black people towards economic liberation, independence, and freedom.

BUSINESS LEAGUE CHAPTERS WORLDWIDE

PROGRAMS

NATIONAL BLACK SUPPLIER PROGRAM

Join the National Black Supplier Program, a 4-month development program to connect Black businesses with Fortune 500 companies.

Black Business Enterprise CERTIFICATION

Become certified as a Black Business Enterprise and recognized as a BBE firm to gain access to contracting and procurement opportunities.

National Black Business Conference

Celebrating 125 years as the nation’s leading Black business conference with a unified Black business agenda. Come join usin Atlanta!

National Alliance for Black Business

Get the latest updates on upcoming events, programs and initiatives associated with the National Business League and its affiliates.

BOOKSTORE

"A People Without the Knowledge of Their Past History, Origin, and Culture Is Like a Tree Without Roots"
– Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Founder

Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington

This inspiring autobiography chronicles Washington's journey from slavery to becoming an educator and leader.

The Business Strategy of Booker T. Washington by Michael B. Boston

Analyzing Washington’s visionary approach to Black economic uplift, this book showcases his entrepreneurial strategies.

The Negro in Business by Booker T. Washington

Highlighting the resilience and achievements of Black entrepreneurs in early 20th-century America.

Booker T. Washington and Africa: The Making of a Pan Africanist by Tyrene Wright

A groundbreaking exploration of Washington's Pan-Africanist efforts and global advocacy.

PowerNomics by Dr. Claud Anderson

A transformative strategy for Black self-sufficiency and economic independence.

Blueprint for Black Power by Dr. Amos N. Wilson

A comprehensive guide to Black self-determination through political and economic control.

Black Economics by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu

Solutions for achieving financial independence and building generational wealth.

Marcus Garvey and the Vision of Africa, edited by John Henrik Clarke

A collection of essays and writings exploring Garvey’s Pan-Africanist vision.

Collective Courage by Jessica Gordon Nembhard

A history of African American cooperative economics and its role in civil rights movements.

Maat: Guiding Principles of Moral Living (2023)

A transformative guide rooted in the ancient wisdom of Maat—truth, justice, and balance.

When We Ruled by Robin Walker

A comprehensive exploration of African civilizations and their rich contributions to world history.

Black People Invented Everything by Supreme Understanding

A captivating mini-encyclopedia revealing the profound contributions of Black inventors, creators, and innovators throughout history.

EVENTS

NETWORK WITH BLACK BUSINESSES WORLDWIDE

upcoming event

upcoming event

MOBILE APP DOWNLOAD

NBL Mobile App Coming Soon

"I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."

MEDIA

SHOPPING

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Members Are Saying

Stories of transformation and success from those who’ve been impacted by the League.

"Joining the National Business League has completely transformed my perspective on business and community impact. The insights, resources, and connections I’ve gained through the NBL have been invaluable in supporting my entrepreneurial goals and driving success. It’s more than a network—it’s a movement."

Shaquille O'Neal

NBA All-Star & Entrepreneur

"As a student preparing to own my own architectural firm, joining the National Business League has been a game-changer. The mentorship, resources, and connections I've gained have empowered me to align my education with real-world entrepreneurial goals. NBL is paving the way for my dreams to become a reality."

Alana Honorable

3rd Year Architecture Student | Tuskegee Student Business League

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP