8 Professional Conferences Black People Should Attend In 2015

A Dream Deferred, March 10-11, New Orleans Why you should attend: This event focuses on the future of African-American education in the United States and features school counselors, college admission and outreach coordinators, higher education administrators, teachers and community leaders, among others. At the heart of the event are discussions about unique academic needs and challenges African-American students face. Click here for more information. National Society of Black Engineers Convention, March 25-29, Anaheim, California Why you should attend: This organization and event set the ambition of increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. This year's event will inspire innovation and celebrate excellence, according to its website. The convention will feature renowned speakers who will help attendees “Reimagine Your Future.” Click here to learn more. National Council on Educating Black Children, April 15-17, Indianapolis Why you should attend: This event has the mantra of introducing, showcasing and providing access to proven programs, materials and strategies throughout the country that are successfully increasing African-American male achievement and development. The event will feature a Youth Summit where local students will attend and speak out about their concerns. Click here to learn more. NAACP National Convention, July 11-15, Philadelphia Why you should attend: The mission of the civil rights organization is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for all people and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Its annual national convention, in general, addresses those issues and much more, with noteworthy speakers and enlightening sessions illuminating the concerns of today and how to counter them. Click here to learn more. National Book Club Conference, Aug. 7-9, Atlanta Why you should attend: In its 12th year, this annual literary event puts readers from across the nation up close to some of the country’s finest Black authors. This year’s event features New York Times best-selling authors Leonard Pitts Jr., Kimberla Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey, Terrie Williams and many other dynamic storytellers. It’s a rare occasion for a reader: To spend significant face time with some of their favorite — and newly discovered — authors. Click here to learn more. Congressional Black Caucus, September, Washington, D.C. Why you should attend: Since 1971, the CBC has committed itself to empowering America’s neglected citizens and addressing their legislative concerns. Its four-day conference features informational seminars, panel discussions and speakers who illuminate the need for political influence and how that influence can affect change. It’s known for its multiple elaborate parties, but the core of the event is about business, and President Barack Obama usually makes a grand speech to the delegation. Specific dates have not been determined. Click here to learn more. National Black MBA Conference, Sept. 22-26, Orlando, Florida Why you should attend: This organization’s mission is in the creation of educational opportunities and economic growth for African-Americans, and its annual national conference focuses on innovative programs to stimulate intellectual and economic growth. The organization also serves to increase awareness and facilitate access to graduate management education programs and career opportunities within management fields. More than 1,200 registered for last year’s conference in Atlanta. Click here for more information. National Alliance of Black School Educators, Nov. 18-22, Washington, D.C. Why you should attend: This event boasts itself as the nation’s premier nonprofit organization devoted to furthering academic success for children, particularly children of African descent. It attracts nearly 6,000 attendees for four days of inspiring plenary sessions, school tours, informative presentations and educational workshops. There also is an exhibition area with more than 300 vendors of educational products and services. Click here for more information.

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