African American Leadership Conference

Nearly 300,000 formerly enslaved African Americans in Texas waited more than two
years to formally become informed of their emancipated status after slavery was abolished by the
Emancipation Proclamation. When the 13th Amendment was ratified in December, 1865, no one
could have imagined that the United States would declare Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2022,
and with that, share the collective vision to make the true meaning of Juneteenth known
worldwide as a date that could be celebrated by all.

On Monday, June 19, as numerous parades, and celebrations unfold across Texas, the African
American Leadership Institute (AALI) will host the second annual Black X Conference at the Long
Center for Performing Arts. The conference, designed as a catalyst for connection and employer
recruitment, recognizes the transformative power of freedom for African Americans.

This year’s featured speaker will be University of Texas Alum Mandy Price, Co-Founder and CEO of
Kanarys, a social enterprise that works with organizations to build more inclusive cultures. Price is
one of only 10 Black female founders in America to raise $10,000,000 or more in venture capital and
is the only one to do so in Texas.

Bini Coleman, Co-founder/CEO of AALI, said, “The newfound freedom that African Americans
attained paved the way for the rise of highly-skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, educators,
athletes, and even a president of the United States. Our conference emphasizes the significance of
this progress by underscoring the importance of empowerment, networking, and communication
connections.”

The Black X Conference will bring together a diverse range of thought leaders, industry experts,
and aspiring entrepreneurs for a day of engaging discussions, workshops, and networking
opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of business
development, innovation, leadership, and success strategies.

While recognizing the numerous ways communities acknowledge Juneteenth throughout the
state and the country, Coleman said AALI designed the day to include a varied list of speakers and
sessions. “Black X is more than just a conference; it’s a transformative experience that will empower
and equip individuals with the leadership arsenal needed to drive positive change. As we
commemorate Juneteenth, we also celebrate African American excellence, uplift voices, and
inspire action,” she said.