Urban League Conference Arrives in Cleveland Amid Civil Rights Focus

Cleveland Hosts National Urban League Conference to Protect Civil Rights Gains

Cleveland, Ohio is set to become the epicenter of a major civil rights gathering this week as one of the country’s most influential organizations, the National Urban League, holds its annual conference in the city for the first time. The event, which will run from Wednesday through Saturday at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, is expected to draw around 10,000 attendees, making it one of the largest conferences in recent years.

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, emphasized the importance of the gathering, calling it a moment for leaders to come together and defend the progress made over decades. “The conference brings together a new generation of leaders that is rising to defend the gains we’ve made and push for the progress still to come,” he said.

Key Events and Activities

One of the highlights of the conference is the kickoff gala on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena. Titled “The Family Reunion: Bridging Generations Through Music and Culture,” the event will feature dancing, fashion, a jazz lounge, artists’ gallery, food, drinks, and more. Tickets start at $50, with proceeds benefiting the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.

Throughout the conference, attendees can look forward to keynotes, seminars, and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, health, and voting rights. Notable speakers include Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, civil rights leader Al Sharpton, and journalist Ed Gordon.

On Thursday, the National Urban League will release its annual report titled “State of Emergency: Civil Rights, Democracy & Progress.” According to Morial, the report highlights a “deliberate, coordinated campaign to reverse decades of progress.” The document warns that democracy is in crisis, with Black Americans particularly at risk due to the erosion of constitutional safeguards.

A Historic Opportunity for Cleveland

Marsha Mockabee, president and CEO of the Urban League of Cleveland, expressed pride in hosting the conference, especially considering the organization’s history. Just 16 years ago, the local affiliate was struggling financially and planning to shut down. “Achieving a national conference in our city is the crown jewel for any affiliate,” she said. “It means everything.”

Mockabee noted that when the city was awarded the conference in early 2024, no one could have predicted how timely the event would be, given recent efforts to roll back diversity programs and voting rights. “We are fired up and unified,” she said. “We’re ready to stand up for the people we serve. We’re ready to stand strong.”

Additional Events and Community Engagement

Prior to the conference, on Tuesday, the City Club of Cleveland will host a conversation between Morial and Mockabee titled “Advancing Civil Rights and Economic Empowerment in Cleveland and Beyond.” The discussion, led by Kevin Clayton, executive vice president and chief impact and equity officer at the Cleveland Cavaliers, will focus on the role of civil rights and economic empowerment in the region.

On Saturday, the final day of the conference, the Urban League will host a Community and Family Day Expo. Attendees can expect free backpacks and school supplies, a college fair, legal advice, health screenings, and workshops on hair braiding, candlemaking, and other activities. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the convention center and requires registration.

Morial credited Mockabee for bringing the conference to Cleveland, highlighting her leadership since 2011. “Hosting a National Urban League Conference is a big commitment for an affiliate, so the selection of Cleveland is really a testament to Marsha Mockabee,” he said. He also praised the Equity Institute, founded in 2022, which supports organizations in building and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Impact on Cleveland and Future Opportunities

David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland, noted that the conference will bring tourism dollars to the region while putting the city in the national spotlight. “Our city will be the backdrop for an influential gathering focused on civil rights and urban advocacy,” he said. “And it’s likely that many attendees will be in Cleveland for the first time; we hope the experience excites them and inspires another visit.”

Cleveland is also preparing for another major event in August, when the National Association of Black Journalists will hold its conference in the city for the first time. This series of events underscores the city’s growing role as a hub for civil rights and community advocacy.

For more information and a complete schedule of the Urban League conference, visit conference.iamempowered.com/cleveland-2025.