Urban League Summit Under Way July 26

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial will kick off the organization's 2006 annual conference on Wednesday, July 26, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesites of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King before his annual keynote address at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The league's 96th annual conference runs from July 26 through 29 at the Georgia World Congress Center. This year's theme is "Building Economic Power for Black America" and is expected to draw over 10,000 people from across the nation. UPS and The Coca-Cola Company will serve as lead sponsors.
The keynote address also will feature a performance by the Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir and remarks by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta Urban League President and CEO Dr. Clinton E. Dye Jr.
"The history surrounding Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic site is one of the richest in the African American community's struggle for equality in this nation," Morial said.
"It is the perfect place to kick off a conference devoted to economic empowerment — the civil rights movement of the 21st century."
The National Urban League conference is the premier networking, recruiting and issues conference for African American professionals nationwide. Highlights include: a career fair with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and recruiters; top speakers in business, politics and academia; prominent entertainers; an interactive exhibit hall with five specialty zones; the "Influencer Summit," targeted at young professionals under 40; franchise and business development opportunities; career coaching; and interactive sessions on building wealth, entrepreneurship, health, education and entertainment.
More information about conference registration, exhibit or sponsorship opportunities is available on the league's Web site, www.nul.org, or by calling 1-800-263-9926.
Established in 1910, the Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 35 states, including Oregon, and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than 2 million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.
The Urban League of Portland is at 10 N Russell St., and its Multi-Cultural Senior Center is at 5325 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Call the main office at 503-280-2600 for information or visit www.ulpdx. org.