Empowering Black business excellence—honoring 125 years of legacy, innovation, and global economic impact.
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. The event will honor the legacy of its founder, Booker T. Washington, while empowering a new generation of Black entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. Held during National Black Business Month, this historic celebration will take place from August 20–23, 2025, at Tuskegee University and the Hilton Atlanta Hotel as part of a week-long series of events.
A Celebration of Legacy and Progress
Founded by Booker T. Washington on August 23, 1900, the National Business League has spent 125 years championing economic self-determination and uplifting Black communities. The 125th Annual Conference will bring together over 3,000 Black Business Enterprises (BBEs), leaders, elected officials, and delegates from more than 30 Pan-African nations and island regions. With the theme of “125 Years of Self-Reliance, Self-Determination, and Economic Power,” the event will highlight the lasting impact of Washington’s philosophy on Black enterprise and economic sovereignty.
The conference will feature a vibrant lineup of commemorations, honoring pivotal moments in Black history alongside today’s modern economic 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 (1925–2025)
40th Anniversary of the National Policy Alliance (1985–2025)
10th Anniversary of the All Black National Convention
3rd Anniversary of the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB), a unifying coalition of over 100 national Black organizations.
Powerful Programming and Networking Opportunities
The 125th Annual Conference promises to empower attendees with forward-thinking strategies, actionable insights, and unmatched opportunities to expand Black economic power. Highlights include:
Panels, Workshops, and Seminars led by thought leaders and innovators in business, finance, and policy.
A Global Buyer-Supplier Summit, connecting Black-owned businesses with procurement opportunities across industries and borders.
The prestigious Black-Tie Awards Gala, where excellence within the Black enterprise community will be celebrated in style.
Networking Sessions and Trade Dialogues, tailored to foster collaboration among Black entrepreneurs and organizations across the Pan-African Diaspora.
The festivities will kick off with the 29th Annual Booker T. Washington Economic Summit Pre-Conference in Tuskegee, Alabama, from August 17–20, 2025. Together, the summit and conference will form Booker T. Washington National Business League Week (August 17–23), a celebration bridging history, culture, and economic advancement.
A Legacy with Global Vision
Dubbed the “father of Black capitalism,” Booker T. Washington’s doctrine of economic self-reliance remains a guiding principle for the NBL. At its height, Washington’s vision inspired the creation of over 600 NBL chapters by 1905 and gave rise to significant organizations like:
The National Negro Business Women’s League
The National Negro Insurance Association
The National Bar Association
Today, his philosophy serves as a call to action, reminding us that Black economic strength is key to achieving social and political equality. “Without economic power,” Washington famously said, “the fight for civil rights remains incomplete.”
Conference Accessibility
To ensure inclusivity, the NBL has made conference registration accessible to all. Tickets start at free and go up to $149.99, making it easier than ever to take part in this historic gathering. Registration is now open at nationalbusinessleague.org, with spaces filling quickly.
Join Us in Reclaiming the Future
This year’s National Business League Conference is more than just an event; it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming the past, organizing for the future, and building a united global Black economic community.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of history and contribute to the reinvention of Black enterprise as we know it.
Register today, and we’ll meet you in Tuskegee and Atlanta this August!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Minehaha Forman
Global Media Contact
📞 +1 (510) 220-0759
📞 +1 (334) 313-6762
📧 mmforman@gmail.com
The National Business League is proud to celebrate 125 years of advancing economic empowerment and invites you to stand with us as we continue building toward a brighter future for the Black community worldwide.
#NBL125 #BlackBusinessMonth #BookerTWashington
