Empowering Black Business Success for 125 Years

The National Business League Celebrates 125 Years of Black Economic Empowerment

The National Business League (NBL)—the world’s oldest Black business organization—is set to host its landmark 125th Annual Black Business Conference this August. Honoring the enduring legacy of its founder, Booker T. Washington, the event aims to empower a new generation of Black entrepreneurs and leaders around the globe.

Held during National Black Business Month, this historic celebration will take place August 20–23, 2025, with events hosted at Tuskegee University and the Hilton Atlanta Hotel, as part of Booker T. Washington National Business League Week (August 17–23, 2025).

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A Celebration of Legacy and Progress

Founded on August 23, 1900, by Booker T. Washington, the NBL has championed Black economic self-determination for 125 years. The upcoming conference will convene over 3,000 Black Business Enterprises (BBEs), leaders, elected officials, and delegates from more than 30 Pan-African nations and island regions under the theme:
“125 Years of Self-Reliance, Self-Determination, and Economic Power.”

The event will commemorate key milestones, including:

• 125th Anniversary of the National Business League (1900–2025)

• 130th Anniversary of Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech (1895–2025)

• 100th Anniversary of the National Bar Association (1925–2025)

• 100th Anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids

• 40th Anniversary of the National Policy Alliance

• 10th Anniversary of the All Black National Convention

• 3rd Anniversary of the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB)

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Powerful Programming and Networking Opportunities

Attendees can expect dynamic sessions, cutting-edge insights, and meaningful collaboration across the Black business ecosystem, including:

• Panels, Workshops & Seminars led by top business, finance, and policy thought leaders

• A Global Buyer-Supplier Summit connecting Black-owned businesses with procurement opportunities

• A prestigious Black-Tie Awards Gala celebrating excellence in Black enterprise

• Networking Events & Trade Dialogues designed to foster collaboration across the Pan-African Diaspora

The celebration begins with the 29th Annual Booker T. Washington Economic Summit Pre-Conference in Tuskegee, August 17–20, 2025.

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A Legacy with a Global Vision

Washington’s doctrine of economic self-reliance continues to inspire the work of the NBL. His early leadership helped establish over 600 NBL chapters by 1905 and contributed to the formation of historic organizations such as:

• The National Negro Business Women’s League

• The National Negro Insurance Association

• The National Bar Association

As Washington said: “Without economic power, the fight for civil rights remains incomplete.”

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Inclusive & Accessible

To make the conference widely accessible, registration starts at no cost and ranges up to $149.99. Secure your spot at nationalbusinessleague.org—spaces are limited and filling quickly.

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Join the Movement

This is more than a conference—it’s a historic call to action. Join us as we reclaim the past, organize for the future, and build a united global Black economic community.

Register today. We'll see you in Tuskegee and Atlanta this August.

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Media Inquiries
Minehaha Forman, Global Media Contact