New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to Speak at 21st Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project Economic Summit Luncheon on Friday, February 9th

"RAINBOW PUSH COALITION - DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS LUNCHEON" IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DIVERSITY Inc.

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Feb 06, 2018, 11:00 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund will host its 21^st Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit, February 8 - February 9, 2018 at The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7^th Ave., 3^rd Floor in New York City. The Wall Street Project Economic Summit, "50 Years After the Assassination of Dr. King: The Struggle Continues for Freedom, Equity, and Inclusion in Corporate America," will feature sessions on private equity investments, board diversity, minority procurement and other business opportunities, life after pro-sports, and new technology. In partnership with DiversityInc, the Summit will also honor NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio on February 9, 2018 at 12:30 pm for his commitment to diversity among businesses working with the City. Other luncheon honorees include Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Managing Director, and Senior Client Advisory, Morgan Stanley; and, Karen Hunter, award winning radio host and journalist.

"Here in New York, we have been working to ensure that all our residents can succeed, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity," said Mayor de Blasio. "By aggressively expanding resources and support for minority and women owned businesses, all New Yorkers have a chance to do well for the good of the City's economy as a whole. Last year alone, for the first time in City history, we awarded over $1 billion to minority and women owned businesses.

The Wall Street Project's Economic Summit brings entrepreneurs, corporate executives and the nation's leading policymakers together to increase business and employment opportunities for African Americans, women, and other people of color. This year's Summit Co-Chairs include Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

"It's the only SUMMIT of its kind," says Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. "We've been changing the course of Wall Street for two decades. But, there's still so much to be done as the Street is forever changing and minorities need to stay at the forefront."

Throughout the two-days, young professionals and students will also benefit from targeted content that include panels on breaking into Wall Street, and a robust speed networking session with actual recruiters on Day One. On the evening of February 9, the Wall Street Summit will end with a "Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund 21^st Annual Wall Street Project Scholarship Gala," which will include distinguished honorees and musical entertainment by Audrey DuBois Harris and Avery Sunshine. Hosted by actor and comedian Orlando Jones (American Gods, Sleepy Hollow), Gala honorees include FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, Mayor Karen Weaver of Flint, Michigan, and legacy civil rights attorney, Melvyn Rosenman Leventhal, Esq.

Confirmed speakers to date include: Rev. Herbert Daughtry, National Presiding Minister, House of Lords Churches; Cynthia D. DiBartolo, Esq. CEO, Tigress Financial Partners LLC; Wanda Durant, representing the "Mothers of the NBA"; Scott Stringer, New York City Comptroller; Janice Mathis, President and CEO, National Council of Negro Women ; Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League; John Rogers, CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Ariel Investments; Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder, National Action Network; Jason Williams, former NBA player and current business owner, Michael K. Williams, actor (The Wire and Boardwalk Empire) among others.