07/31/2026
Recapping an eventful and newsworthy Day 2 here in Nashville at the National Urban League Conference.
Esteemed civil rights attorney Ben Crump delivered a stirring call for justice. He was joined on stage during the morning plenary alongside the families of three 18-year-old men—Nolan Wells, Daniel Erving, and Tyler Smith—whose deaths within the past three months are being disputed or investigated for unanswered questions.
The session underscored the conference's commitment to accountability and justice. Later, Crump held a press conference heavily attended by local, state, and national media. Crump told reporters the evidence he has been presented in all three cases "doesn't add up."
Earlier in the plenary session, a distinguished panel of newsmakers, including Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, implored the audience to never give up, never surrender, and understand that they hold the power "to vote."
Afterward, a dynamic panel of youth influencers reiterated Congresswoman Crockett's message, telling an audience made up of hundreds of other youth leaders, "Do not underestimate us."
This all coincided with today's release of the National Urban League's 2026 State of Black America report, which begs the question, "Is the American Dream Dead?" Written by President & CEO Marc H. Morial with contributors including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, and others, this report serves as a progress report card for Black America. It is the 50th edition of this landmark publication.
Later in the day, we attended the always inspiring Women of Power Awards Luncheon. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak at the conference on Friday.
Numerous other workshops and panel discussions were held throughout the day. The Young Professionals also hosted a panel discussion on entrepreneurship featuring Intuit, with whom we partnered on our Intuit IDEAS cohorts.
The conference, centered on Defending Democracy, Demanding Diversity, and Defeating Poverty, continues for two more days.
