26th Liberian President Opens Economic Opportunity Doors to Black American Businesses and U.S. Private Sector Investors
ATLANTA, Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 3,000 attendees gathered at The National Business League's 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta to hear a powerful keynote address by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the 26th President of the Republic of Liberia. This landmark event, co-hosted in partnership with the National Alliance for Black Business and its co-founders—the National Black Chamber of Commerce, The World Conference of Mayors, and their hundreds of Black-led member organizations—focused on enhancing economic partnerships and collaboration between Black American businesses and the African continent, with a particular emphasis on Liberia.
3,000+ Attend 124th National Black Business Conference as President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Delivers Keynote Address
Video of 3,000+ Attend 124th National Black Business Conference as President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Delivers Keynote Address
The Liberian Commission was hosted at Tuskegee Institute by Booker T. Washington in 1907. Standing (L-R): Charles Branch, Booker T. Washington, Charles Anderson. Seated (L-R): Charles B. Dunbar, G.H. Gibson (former President of Liberia), J.J. Dossen (former Vice President of Liberia). On the ground (L-R): Emmett J. Scott (Washington’s secretary), Thomas Calloway. Photo Credit: Tuskegee University Archives.
President Boakai's participation in the conference is historically significant, drawing a direct line back to Booker T. Washington, founder of The National Business League, who played a crucial role in Liberia's history. In 1907, facing the threat of annexation by European colonial forces, Liberia sought Washington's diplomatic intervention. His successful efforts not only prevented foreign encroachment but also ensured Liberia's survival and laid a foundation for Pan-Africanist relations. This connection underscores Washington's enduring legacy in shaping African affairs, as detailed in the book "Booker T. Washington and Africa: The Making of a Pan Africanist" by Dr. Tyrene Wright, author and board member of The National Business League.
In his address, President Boakai emphasized the vast potential for economic collaboration between Liberia, the broader Pan-African community, and the U.S. private sector. He highlighted the need for stronger economic ties and expanded opportunities for Black businesses globally. The conference, presented by major sponsors such as Amazon, Comerica Bank, and Prosper Africa, attracted a diverse audience, including government officials, business leaders, and representatives from 32 Pan-African countries.
Announcing the 125th National Black Business Conference Quasquicentennial Celebration
Looking ahead, The National Business League is proud to announce the 125th National Black Business Conference Quasquicentennial Celebration, scheduled for August 20-23, 2025, at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel in downtown Atlanta, GA. This historic milestone will be co-hosted by the National Alliance for Black Business, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, and The World Conference of Mayors. The event will bring together hundreds of Black-led organizations from across the nation to unite under a shared global Black business agenda, continuing the mission of fostering economic empowerment and growth among Black entrepreneurs throughout the Pan-African Diaspora.
About the National Black Business Conference
Founded by Booker T. Washington, The National Business League held its first National Black Business Conference on August 23, 1900, in Boston, MA. Over the years, the conference has evolved into a global Pan-African event through partnerships with the National Alliance for Black Business, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, and The World Conference of Mayors. Together, these organizations are dedicated to advancing the success of Black-owned businesses in the United States and worldwide, making the National Black Business Conference one of the largest of its kind globally.
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