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

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125th National Business League Conference

Presented by the National Alliance for Black Business® (NABB)

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DR. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

Founder, The National Business League

Celebrating
125 Quasquicentennial Years of Legacy

Connecting Global Business, Politics, and Culture!

In a historic tribute, The National Negro Business League (NNBL), now known as The National Business League (NBL), convened its inaugural National Negro Business Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 23, 1900. Today, as we approach the remarkable milestone of the 125th Quasquicentennial of the National Business League (NBL), this foundational moment in Black business history takes on even greater significance.
 
Together with esteemed partners and co-founders of the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB), including:
 
  • The National Business League (NBL)® celebrating its 125th Quasquicentennial Anniversary
  • The World Conference of Mayors (WCM)® celebrating 41 Years
  • The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)® marking 32 Years
  • The Black Business School (BBS)® marking its 10th Anniversary
  • National Alliance for Black Business (NABB)® marking 3 Years
 
Alongside over 50 national organizations, we unite under the banner of a “Unified Black Business Agenda.” This year’s conference theme, “WE ARE TOGETHER,” captures the essence of unity, strength, and purpose among Black business leaders from around the globe.
 
As we honor National Black Business Month, this gathering signifies our commitment to advancing the legacy of Black entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, highlighting a pivotal moment in history where we connect business, politics, and culture.

THE 125TH NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN

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THE QUASQUICENTENNIAL

Celebrating 125 Years of Black Business Enterprise (BBE) Legacy

Pre-Conference: August 17–20, 2025 | Tuskegee & Montgomery, Alabama

National Conference: August 20–23, 2025 | Hilton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia

Register Today

Where Business, Politics, and Culture Converge

The 125th National Business League Conference is more than a celebration—it’s a declaration.

This historic milestone pays tribute to the legacy of Booker T. Washington, who founded the National Negro Business League in 1900, igniting a movement of Black entrepreneurship and economic independence.
 
125 years later, we return to that founding vision—bolder, stronger, and more united than ever.

A Unified Black Business Agenda

Presented by the National Alliance for Black Business® (NABB)

This year’s conference is powered by the leadership of the following legacy institutions, supported by over 100 national and international organizations committed to economic equity and enterprise development:
 
2025 Conference Theme:
WE ARE TOGETHER
A bold and unifying call for economic alignment, collaborative power, and generational transformation. This is the moment to come together as creators, builders, innovators, and leaders in business.

Honoring Legacy | Empowering the Future

As part of Booker T. Washington Business Week and National Black Business Month, this year’s conference sets the tone for the next century of Black enterprise.
 
This is your moment to:
  • Honor our historic contributions
  • Mobilize AI, digitalization, innovation, and emerging technologies
  • Expand global trade, capital investment, and commercial opportunity
  • Reaffirm the movement toward full economic sovereignty

World-Class Event Experience

Tuskegee & Montgomery Pre-Conference
  • Historic legacy site tours
  • Entrepreneurial activations and networking
  • Public policy and local business roundtables
 
Hilton Atlanta Main Conference
  • Dynamic mainstage keynotes with industry leaders
  • Curated breakout forums and economic think tanks
  • AI & Innovation Labs showcasing Black tech and digital enterprise
  • Black Buyer–Supplier Marketplace with national corporations
  • The prestigious Booker T. Washington Awards Gala
 
Expected Attendance: Over 2,500 delegates including CEOs, small business owners, government leaders, global mayors, investors, and student entrepreneurs.

10th Anniversary Tribute

The All Black National Convention® & The Black Business School®

Featuring Dr. Boyce Watkins
 
In 2025, we honor the 10-year anniversary of two transformative forces in Black economic thought: The All Black National Convention® and The Black Business School®, both founded by economist, educator, and thought leader Dr. Boyce Watkins.
 
Legacy Highlights:
  • Founded: 2015
  • Mission: To equip Black families with the tools to build wealth, own assets, and achieve economic freedom.
  • Reach: Thousands of students, families, and entrepreneurs empowered over the past decade.
  • Flagship Gathering: The All Black National Convention — where unapologetic Black brilliance takes center stage.
 
Special Tribute Session
Dr. Watkins will join us live in Atlanta to deliver a powerful message on:
  • Economic sovereignty in the age of AI
  • Digital entrepreneurship as a pathway to ownership
  • Culturally centered business education for the next generation
 
“You were not born to be a consumer — you were born to be a creator.”
— Dr. Boyce Watkins

Let’s Make History — Together

This is more than a conference.
This is the future of Black business.
It’s a movement.
It’s a milestone.
It’s our moment.

Register Today
Become Sponsor
Download Media Kit
Become Exhibitor

2025 NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH

“WE ARE TOGETHER”

National Alliance for Black Business Hosts

Dr. Ken L. Harris, Ph.D.  

President & CEO
The National Business League
website

 The Honorable Johnny Ford, Esq.

Founder & Chairman
The World Conference of Mayors
website

Charles H. DeBow, III

President & CEO
National Black Chamber of Commerce
website

Dr. Boyce D. Watkins, Ph.D.

President & CEO
The Black Business School
 
website

The Honorable Denise Tyler

Executive Director
The National Policy Alliance
 
website

The Honorable Alberta McCrory

President & CEO
Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance
website

Leona Barr-Davenport

President & CEO
Atlanta Business League
 
website

Stacey J. Key

President & CEO
Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council
website

Melinda C. Sylvester

President & CEO
Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce
website

CONFERENCE AGENDA AT A GLANCE

Booker T. Washington
Prayer Service

Sunday, August 17, 2025
Tuskegee University Chapel
1 Booker T. Washington Blvd, Tuskegee, AL 36088

Booker T. Washington
Prayer Service

Sunday, August 17, 2025
Tuskegee University Chapel
1 Booker T. Washington Blvd, Tuskegee, AL 36088

Booker T. Washington
State Advocacy Day

Monday, August 18, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST
Alabama Legislature
11 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130

Booker T. Washington
State Advocacy Day

Monday, August 18, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST
Alabama Legislature
11 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130

Booker T. Washington
Economic Summit Reception

Monday, August 18, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST
Montgomery, AL
1 Booker T. Washington Blvd, Tuskegee, AL 36088

Booker T. Washington
Economic Summit Reception

Monday, August 18, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST
Montgomery, AL
1 Booker T. Washington Blvd, Tuskegee, AL 36088

Booker T. Washington
Economic Summit Agenda

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL

Booker T. Washington
Economic Summit Agenda

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL

Booker T. Washington
Economic Summit Tour

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Tuskegee, AL

Booker T. Washington
Economic Summit Tour

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Tuskegee, AL

Welcome to Atlanta Day

Thursday, August 21, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM EST
Hilton Atlanta Hotel – Southern Elements
Atlanta, Georgia

Welcome to Atlanta Day

Thursday, August 21, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM EST
Hilton Atlanta Hotel – Southern Elements
Atlanta, Georgia

Pan-African Day

Friday, August 22, 2025
8:00 AM – 1:00 AM EST
Hilton Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia

Pan-African Day

Friday, August 22, 2025
8:00 AM – 1:00 AM EST
Hilton Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia

Booker T. Washington Day

Saturday, August 23, 2025
8:00 AM – 1:00 AM EST
Hilton Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia

Booker T. Washington Day

Saturday, August 23, 2025
8:00 AM – 1:00 AM EST
Hilton Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia

Calling all Black Businesses!

"Pull Up Shawty!

REGISTER TODAY!

125th Conference Presentation

Welcome To Atlanta

Mayor Andre Dickens
City of Atlanta

Welcome to Georgia

Governor  Brian P. Kemp
State of Georgia

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The National Business League®

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