Soledad O'Brien Delivers Keynote Speech at ULEM Summer Event
BOSTON – 2010 marked the 100 th anniversary of the establishment of the National Urban League (NUL). The organization was founded in New York City with the goal of empowering people through economic development and raising the standard of living and quality of life for urban communities. These noble goals were on display this past summer when the NUL held its annual convention in Boston. The NUL has more than 100 local affiliates in 36 states and Washington, D.C. The theme for this year’s NUL conference was “JOBS REBUILD AMERICA.” It was first time in 35 years that the conference was held in Boston, a city of firsts. Boston had the 1 st public library, 1 st public school, and the 1 st public transportation system in the United States. I was not able to attend the conference, however; I was able to attend an affiliated program called The State of Black Boston . The program was held on July 25, 2011 at the Hynes Convention Center. The event was sponsored by the Urba