The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship are gearing up for their second annual Black Commerce Conference, set to take place from June 19-22 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. This year’s conference, themed “Black Commerce: The Future of Entrepreneurship,” aims to celebrate the resounding momentum of Black entrepreneurship worldwide, embodying the essence of Juneteenth.
The event will bring together hundreds of HBCU students, faculty, and aspiring and established Black entrepreneurs for a transformative experience. Distinguished figures and trailblazers such as U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, former NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Honey Pot founder Bea Dixon, artist Eric Roberson, and former WNBA player Renee Montgomery will be featured speakers at the conference.
Erin Horne McKinney, national executive director of HUxPNC, expressed excitement for the gathering of innovators, thought leaders, and change-makers. The conference aims to showcase avenues to prosperity and celebrate the limitless potential of Black entrepreneurship. Through collaboration, idea generation, and network expansion, the event seeks to lay the foundation for a future where Black economic empowerment knows no limits.
The conference will feature a variety of engaging, interactive, and entertaining panels and sessions with nationally recognized leaders, facilitators, and talent. These sessions will elevate intergenerational conversations about Black entrepreneurship while highlighting notable HBCU alumni in various sectors such as business, tech, entertainment, and education.
One of the highlights of the conference is the Juneteenth Music Fest featuring singer-songwriter Eric Roberson, a Howard alum. Roberson will perform a riveting set with a live band, alongside additional featured performances from recording artists Elle Varner and Kevin Ross. The event promises to be a celebration of Black culture and creativity.
The conference will also include an opening reception and Juneteenth celebration, expert-led workshops, celebrity fireside chats, a resource fair, HBCU student social, Black Commerce Gala, and Black Tech Saturday. Session and workshop tracts will cover topics such as funding Black AI founders, creating space for Black entrepreneurship in media, building wealth plans, and more.
Registration for the 2024 Black Commerce Conference is now open, and more information about the initiative can be found on the official website. The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, established in 2021 through a grant from the PNC Foundation, aims to support expanded opportunities for Black entrepreneurship through educational, leadership, and capacity-building resources and programs nationwide.
The PNC Foundation actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. Through initiatives like PNC Grow Up Great®, the foundation focuses on early childhood education and community and economic development. Howard University, founded in 1867, is a private research university committed to excellence in truth and service, producing numerous scholars and Fulbright recipients.
Overall, the Black Commerce Conference promises to be a beacon of inspiration, fostering collaboration, innovation, and economic empowerment within the Black entrepreneurial community. With a lineup of distinguished speakers, engaging sessions, and networking opportunities, the event is set to empower and uplift the next wave of Black entrepreneurs.
