Photos: YouTube Screenshot\Michael Franklin\Global Economic Forum
NEW YORK, NY (July 15, 2025) — The Global Black Economic Forum concluded its annual Business Summit and Public Convention at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, featuring conversations and activations to chart a path forward for Black people around the globe. This year’s appearance by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson marked the first time a sitting Supreme Court Justice took the stage – solidifying Global Black Economic Forum’s emergence as a preeminent convener for the most prestigious leaders around the globe.
“Global Black Economic Forum brought together leaders from around the world, across multiple sectors, for some really meaningful conversations about where we go from here,” said Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “While these were an enriching four days full of solutions, it’s clear the work is just getting started as we navigate increasingly complex times that require courageous and creative leadership.”
This year, the Global Black Economic Forum highlighted the Future of Health, addressing the greatest issues impacting Black people’s wellness and livelihood, given its foundational role in elevating employment, wealth, and democracy. Health represents one of the organization’s four pillars – alongside work, wealth, and democracy – and serves as a driver for all to excel and participate in society. To that end, the Future of Health Awards Dinner on July 3rd recognized Former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure; the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), led by Al B. Sure! and Rachel Noerdlinger; and Gilead Sciences Inc. for its commitment to equitable healthcare innovation and its new breakthrough in HIV prevention treatment.
Taking place over the July 4 weekend, the Forum also focused on democracy, with leaders speaking on what it means to be Black in America today and exploring the true meaning of Independence Day. It came at an especially poignant time, with leaders convening as Congress enacted a massive bill that is expected to take Medicaid coverage away from millions of Americans, drive up utility costs, and create more economic hurdles for already disadvantaged communities.
Discussions centered on rights, identity and celebration, with speakers including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, SEIU President April Verrett, Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, NovellaWells President and CEO Dr. Aletha Maybank, CNBC Anchor and Reporter Frank Holland, Xavier University President and CEO Reynold Verret, PhD, and Kat Graham, UN Ambassador, Artist, Actress, and Producer.
About the Global Black Economic Forum
The Global Black Economic Forum is an international enterprise focused on advancing the economic interests of the Black Diaspora and other marginalized groups through global summits, workplace training and leadership development, policy advocacy, and thought leadership.
For more information, visit https://www.gbef.com.
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