National Conference Returns to Boston after 35 years

BOSTON, MA (March 30, 2009)- National Urban League (NUL) President and CEO Marc Morial announced that Boston has been selected as the host city of the Urban League’s 2011 annual conference. The decision marks a victory for the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM), which competed against Urban League affiliates around the country for the honor.  The conference, scheduled to take place July 27 - 31st in 2011, is expected to attract nearly 10,000 visitors to Boston.

Community leaders, government officials, corporate partners, and local residents welcome this exciting opportunity.  “Boston hosted the National Urban League Annual Conference in 1976, so after 35 years, we are extremely honored to assist President Marc Morial and the NUL office to join Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino in welcoming the NUL Annual Conference back to the ‘new’ Boston,” stated Darnell L. Williams, President & CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM), and recently elected Secretary of the Association of Executives of NUL.   Mr. Williams continues, “Our selection to host the 2011 National Urban League Annual Conference is a major validation of our accomplishments and strategic focus on economic empowerment through public policy advocacy, quality programs and employment opportunities.”   "I'm excited to welcome the National Urban League Annual Conference to the City of Boston for 2011," Mayor Menino said.   "Boston is the perfect host city for a conference that will bring together an impressive cross-section of influential leaders to discuss the important policy issues affecting America's urban communities.  As a city that takes pride in its increasingly diverse identity, we have both a lot to contribute and to gain from this conference."  "The National Urban League Annual Conferences are more than just about networking,” said James E. Rooney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “The debates and decisions that will take place inside the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in 2011 are all geared towards creating a greater common good. That’s what we’re about as well. And even though this event is two years away, the MCCA is getting ready to offer the tools and an experience that will ensure the conference doesn’t wait another 35 years before returning to Boston.”