The 125th National Business League Conference, held in Atlanta from August 20 to 24, 2025, was a landmark celebration of 125 years of Black economic empowerment, resilience, and legacy. Hosted by the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB) with the National Business League (NBL) at its center, the event attracted over 3,300 delegates from more than 33 Pan-African countries, including CEOs, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and visionary leaders. The theme, “125 Years of Self-Reliance, Self-Determination, and Economic Power,” underscored a collective mission to unite Black business communities globally under an agenda focused on generational wealth building, innovation, and collaboration.

The conference ignited with a high-energy opening reception that radiated the spirit of unity without ego. Dr. Ken Harris, President and CEO of the National Business League, alongside co-host Dr. Boyce Watkins, founder of The Black Business School, passionately addressed the crowd as “Negroes with no egos,” emphasizing that collaboration, humility, and collective responsibility are the cornerstones for propelling Black economic freedom. This ethos set the tone for a transformative four-day summit.

Friday, August 22, known as Pan-African Day, was packed with influential programming. It opened with the “Wake Up Black America” Fireside Chat, featuring Dr. Watkins and Rizza Islam, moderated by Dr. Harris, which catalyzed conversation about the state and future of Black America. The day’s General Sessions provided in-depth discussions on economic trends, wealth-building strategies, and entrepreneurship, enriched by dynamic panels featuring industry experts and thought leaders. Lamar Tyler, founder of Traffic Sales and Profit and the event’s presenting sponsor, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the importance of building Black-owned businesses through strategic marketing, community empowerment, and digital innovation. His inspiring message reinforced the luncheon, highlighting how collaboration and education drive sustainable economic growth for Black entrepreneurs.

Saturday, August 23, was a day of empowerment and exploration, filled with breakout sessions that spanned multiple rooms and covered a wide range of critical topics. Financial literacy and investment took center stage with sessions like “Fly Nubian Money” and “Stock Options & Swing Trading.” Panels such as “The Existential Crisis of the Black Family” and “Should Black Children Be Educated by Black People?” sparked thought-provoking dialogue on urgent social issues. Meanwhile, forward-looking discussions on the crypto economy and AI’s role for Black founders highlighted the future of technology, while sessions on wealth transfer and real estate investment emphasized strategies for community ownership and control.

The day culminated in the Booker T. Washington Black Tie Gala, an elegant celebration of 125 years of Black business excellence. Keynote speaker Kenneth B. Morris Jr. delivered a powerful address, connecting the pioneering legacies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington to today’s ongoing fight for economic justice. The evening closed with the After Glow Reception, where attendees gathered in fellowship and celebration.

An integral highlight of the day was the cultural impact of the Nation of Cherut and The Ishola Empire. Together, they co-hosted the “Birth of a New Nation Cultural Workshop Summit,” a dynamic series that convened thought leaders, historians, economic strategists, and entrepreneurs. The workshops explored transformative topics such as sustainable fashion, the role of the Black diaspora in global politics, women reclaiming leadership as catalysts of change, and holistic health and wellness within Black communities. These sessions advanced dialogue on economic sovereignty, leadership, and unity, while spotlighting innovative initiatives and inspiring critical conversations around collective liberation and empowerment across the diaspora. The summit also featured the Parade of Power, led by HRM Queen Shanta Lana Hereford, Matriarchal Monarch of the Nation of Cherut, and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Myishola Matthews, The Oba Barin of the Ishola Empire, celebrating the strength, influence, and unity of Black leadership.

Alongside forward-looking sessions, the conference honored significant historical milestones—celebrating 130 years since Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech, acknowledging the centennials of the National Bar Association and Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, and marking the 125 years of the National Business League itself. These commemorations served as powerful reminders of the legacy of struggle and triumph fueling today’s leaders.

Dr. Ken Harris’s rallying call reminded attendees, “Our strength lies in humility and unity — the time for ego is past. We must come together as one body to build and sustain Black businesses for future generations.” Dr. Boyce Watkins’s affirming words underlined this vision: “The future of Black economic power depends on breaking down barriers between us and working collectively. This conference is a blueprint for a stronger, self-reliant Black economy.” Their united voice energized participants to extend momentum beyond the conference walls into lasting impact.

Supported by more than 100 national and international organizations and designed with accessibility in mind, the conference offered free registration as an option, ensuring diverse participation from entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, students, and community members.

For interviews, further insights, or media inquiries, The Nation of Cherut Press Office remains available:
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More than an event, the 125th National Black Business Conference declared emphatically that Black economic power is a present and growing force propelled by unity, legacy, and visionary leadership. The Nation of Cherut and its partners continue to build a strong global movement committed to elevating Black business excellence, economic sovereignty, and generational wealth for decades to come. The time for collective pride and decisive action in Black enterprise is here — and the momentum will not slow.