The National Urban League Conference Returns to Los Angeles in 2027 After 25-Year Absence The National Urban League announced that its annual conference will return to Los Angeles in July 2027, marking the first time the event has been held in the city since 2002. The four-day gathering is scheduled for July 28–31, 2027, at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE and is expected to draw thousands of attendees from across the country. Hosted by the Los Angeles Urban League, the conference will bring together community leaders, business executives, policymakers, and advocates for discussions on economic empowerment, workforce development, education, housing, and health care. Organizers describe the event as more than a traditional conference, emphasizing its role in shaping national conversations on equity and social justice. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial highlighted the urgency of the moment, stating that systemic barriers to opportunity are being challenged by rising racial polarization and extremism in governing institutions. “Uniting the country means removing systemic roadblocks to opportunity and embracing multicultural democracy,” Morial said in announcing the return. Los Angeles Urban League President and CEO Cynthia Mitchell-Heard joined Morial in making the announcement at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown Hotel on April 22, 2026. Local officials, including Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson, are expected to participate in upcoming press events to share further details. The conference typically features plenary sessions, workshops, the release of the annual State of Black America report, and large-scale networking events such as a Career & Networking Fair and a Community & Family Day expo. These components are designed to connect job seekers, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners with policymakers and advocacy groups. Organizers note that the event is projected to generate significant economic activity for Los Angeles, providing opportunities for local businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs. The Los Angeles Urban League’s existing workforce development and entrepreneurship programs are expected to benefit from the increased corporate engagement and career fair components traditionally included in the conference agenda. The J.W. Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles near L.A. LIVE, will host the event. The hotel offers convenient access to the city’s entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions, positioning attendees at the center of the city’s vibrant urban core. As the nation’s largest and most influential civil rights gathering, the National Urban League Conference serves as a key platform for advancing policy and practice aimed at closing racial equity gaps. Its return to Los Angeles after a 25-year absence underscores the city’s ongoing role in national movements for justice and opportunity.
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