The four-day independent gathering brings together influential Black voices across business, education, media, mental health, family, and finance to address the future of Black America.
Nationwide — Finance professor, author, and Black Business School founder Dr. Boyce Watkins will convene the 2026 All Black National Convention October 15-18 in Jersey City, New Jersey, bringing together influential Black leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs, educators, scholars and community builders for four days centered on wealth, health, family, business and the future of Black America. Nationally recognized media personality Stephen A. Smith is among the confirmed participants, joining a multidisciplinary group of speakers that includes Brother Nuri Muhammad, educator and community leader; Dr. Maurice Greene, head of the Black Doctoral Network; Dr. Ken Harris, president and CEO of the National Business League; Dr. Lanee Javet, entrepreneur and educator; and Dr. Alicia Watkins, licensed therapist and professor of social work.
Rather than approaching Black advancement solely as an economic issue, the convention is built around the relationship between strong families, healthy communities, education, ownership, mental wellness, and economic independence. Watkins, who founded the All Black National Convention, will lead conversations around investing, entrepreneurship, wealth building and Black economic empowerment. The Black Business School, which he founded to provide education in financial literacy, investing, entrepreneurship and ownership, is a leading sponsor of the gathering. “The problems facing our communities are too important for us to always wait for someone else to solve them,” said Dr. Boyce Watkins. “Black people have enormous amounts of talent, intelligence, economic power, creativity and institutional knowledge. When we get in the same room, build relationships, exchange resources and develop solutions together, there is very little we cannot accomplish.”
Programming will address generational wealth, entrepreneurship, Black-owned business development, investing, real estate, mental health, marriage and family, education, leadership, community institution building and economic self-determination. A defining feature of the All Black National Convention is its independence. The gathering is independently funded rather than controlled by large corporations or political organizations, a structure organizers say creates greater room for honest conversation, differing perspectives and community-centered solutions. The convention welcomes professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, investors, educators, families and community members from a range of backgrounds and perspectives who share an interest in strengthening Black families, businesses, institutions and communities.
The 2026 All Black National Convention will take place October 15-18, 2026, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Tickets, event information, and additional speaker announcements are available through the official website at TheAllBlackNationalConvention.com
Media inquiries, interview requests, sponsorship opportunities, and organizational partnerships are welcome.
About the convention
The All Black National Convention is an independently funded national gathering founded by Dr. Boyce Watkins and focused on strengthening Black families, businesses, institutions, health, wealth, relationships and communities. The convention brings together entrepreneurs, educators, scholars, professionals, community leaders and families for education, networking, strategy and institution building.
About the school
Founded by Dr. Boyce Watkins, The Black Business School is an educational platform focused on financial literacy, investing, entrepreneurship, business ownership, and generational wealth, providing financial and business education to students around the world.
For press inquiries, contact Manny Long at manny@boycewatkins.com/ 813-895-2398