National Business League Conference Focuses on AI, Economic Opportunity and Business Growth

National Business League Conference

ATLANTA / August 24, 2026 / BPALiveWire - Business leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials and industry representatives gathered in Atlanta last week for the 126th National Business League Conference, a four-day event focused on artificial intelligence, economic opportunity, business growth and economic sovereignty.

The conference was held Aug. 19-22 at the Hilton Atlanta and centered on the theme “The Book of AI: Booker T. Washington and the Sacred Codes to Economic Sovereignty.” The National Business League was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1900.

The conference featured more than 140 AI speakers, panelists and trainers, along with sessions addressing artificial intelligence, capital, government contracting, procurement and business development. The program also included the National State of Black Business Forum and a Booker T. Washington Awards Gala.

The conference’s pre-conference program on Aug. 19 included a Tuskegee tour focused on the legacy of Booker T. Washington and other historic figures and sites connected to Black business, education and American history.

Bruce LeVell, who spoke at the conference, emphasized the economic potential of land ownership and agriculture.

“Our land is more than an asset. It’s an opportunity to build businesses, create jobs, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation,” LeVell said.

Dr. Alveda King also attended the conference and highlighted the continuing importance of entrepreneurship and ownership.

“Booker T. Washington understood that we are one blood, one human race. He focused on the importance of entrepreneurship, ownership and economic opportunity,” King said. “Those values still strengthen families and communities today.”

The National Business League describes itself as the nation’s first and largest independent, nonprofit trade association for Black-owned businesses and professionals. The organization said this year’s conference was designed to connect the legacy of Washington’s economic philosophy with emerging technologies and new opportunities for business ownership.

The conference was hosted by the National Alliance for Black Business and brought together business owners, professionals, policymakers and other leaders for discussions on technology, capital, partnerships and economic development.

Photo: Bruce LeVell USDA Director of Public & Private Partnerships , Tyler Teresa SBA Regional Administrator, Dr. Alveda King Senior USDA Senior Advisor on Faith and Community Outreach, Gina Barr, RNC Political Consultant and Adviser, Dr. Ken L. Harris, The National Business League President & CEO