Thread by @NatUrbanLeague

Watch our Opening Plenary LIVE! twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

We like to call her our Conference Queen: our Chief Marketing Officer Rhonda Spears-Bell opened our morning plenary as we hear the State of the Urban League. She reminded us of the millions who didn’t make it through the pandemic to keep in mind as we reunite this week. #NULCONF

We are proud to have @BankofAmerica as a conference sponsor, and Chief Administration Officer @DSteveBoland shares how BoA is helping Black communities, like dedicating $25M to 21 HBCUs and $25M to help improve health outcomes in communities of color. #NULCONF22

Our conference sponsor, @target, is committed to “ joy of everyday life and that includes joy for Black families,” says @LayshaWard, the company’s EVP and Chief External Engagement Officer. #NULCONF22

To show this, @target has created the Racial Equity Action and Change initiative. “This isn’t about making statements. It’s about listening, learning and co-creating solutions with partners like you.” -@LayshaWard #NULCONF22

It was a standing ovation for Brianna Woods, 17-year-old rising senior with @LouisvilleUL, who introduced our luminous President + CEO @MARCMORIAL, who delivers our “State of the Urban League” Address. #NULCONF22

And President @MARCMORIAL hits the stage and officially starts the 2022 Annual Conference. #NULCONF22

“We’ve gathered here to reflect upon and to refine our role in responding not only to the medical and economic crises wrought by the COVID pandemic, but to the rise of extremism and an unprecedented assault on democracy, civil liberties, and civil rights.” -@MARCMORIAL

“When we say the Urban League Fights for You, we have an outside game and an inside game. And if you think our outside game is effective, our inside game gets results.” -@MARCMORIAL #NULCONF22

“This is not your grandmother and grandfather’s Urban League. But we stand on the shoulders of our grandmothers and grandfathers to build a movement for our grandsons and granddaughters.” -@MARCMORIAL #NULCONF22

Conference sponsor @Target is building intergenartional wealth and jobs that will change the trajectory for black families and is committed to spending $2B with black-owned businesses.