By Rachel Noerdlinger
rnoerdlinger@actumllc.com
NEW YORK, NY (July 2, 2025) — Global Black Economic Forum hosted a multi-day convening at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture July 3, featuring an intensive series of conversations and activations designed to create policy solutions for Black people around the globe. This year, Global Black Economic Forum centering a track on 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.
“At the Global Black Economic Forum we recognize the reality that major decisions on climate, economic opportunity and our freedoms are often made without our input, leading to outcomes that exacerbate disparities for our communities,” said Alphonso David, President and CEO of Global Black Economic Forum. “We have a responsibility to build power across industries to build a future for a healthier, wealthier, and sustainable future for Black communities worldwide.
One of GBEF’s core initiatives this year is the inaugural launch of the future of health neighborhood, recognizing that health influences everything from work and education to participation in civic life. The initiative equips people with the tools to reclaim their well-being through a neighborhood-focused approach with several organizations providing access to resources, health education and screenings, with an emphasis on empowerment rather than just identifying what is broken.
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. Discussions centered on rights, identity and celebration, with speakers including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, 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 Verrett, PhD, and Kat Graham, UN Ambassador, Artist, Actress, and Producer.
C-Suite changemakers committed to the future of work, the future of wealth, the future of health, and the future of democracy gathered at the Four Seasons New Orleans. Designed as a high-level convening of global leaders, executives, innovators, and policymakers, the Summit focused on bold, actionable strategies to advance economic opportunity.
The Future of Health Dinner and Awards marked a powerful kickoff to the Global Black Economic Forum’s (GBEF) health-focused programming during the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. This gathering brought together trailblazers from across the health ecosystem—government officials, cultural icons, healthcare executives, and community advocates—for an evening that celebrates excellence, connection, and impact.
The Global Black Economic Forum’s Public Convention was in July 4 to 6 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, bringing together everyday changemakers, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and community voices for powerful conversations at the intersection of work, wealth, health, and democracy.
The Convention featured dynamic mainstage discussions, immersive activations like the Future of Health Neighborhood, and direct engagement with leaders shaping policy, culture, and business.
Returning for its third year, GBEF Queer Space event is designed as a vibrant celebration and convening of Black LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and advocates, Queer Space centers Black Queer Excellence through culture, connection, and conversation.
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.