2021 A.G. Gaston Conference elevates African American entrepreneurship
The 17th A.G. Gaston Conference will be held virtually due to the pandemic. (contributed)
A hallmark of Birmingham-area Black History Month celebrations, the A.G. Gaston Conference will be virtual this year, providing an opportunity for leaders outside of the city to attend.
Each February, the conference brings together business owners, thought leaders and philanthropists to share their experiences and best practices, and to celebrate and inspire one another. The event also recognizes local business leaders who exemplify the ideals of A.G. Gaston.
The 17th annual event is Feb. 23-24, with the theme “One Vision, One Cause, Elevating African American Entrepreneurship.”
Gaynelle Adams Jackson, founder and administrative member of Advanced Planning Services, and community leader Bob Dickerson are slated to co-host the two-day conference.
An advocate for African American-owned enterprises and microbusinesses, Jackson specializes in small business development, event planning and program training. Founder of the Birmingham Business Resource Center, Dickerson has dedicated more than 40 years to advocating for economic justice.
Conference speakers include:
- Maggie Anderson, co-founder of The Empowerment Experiment
- Dedrick Asante-Muhammed, chief of Race, Wealth and Community with National Community Reinvestment Coalition
- Shelly Bell, serial entrepreneur and computer scientist with Black Girl Ventures
- Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.
Known as the “Entrepreneur of the Century,” Arthur George (A.G.) Gaston found success and empowered African Americans during the Jim Crow era. A native of Demopolis, Gaston was born into poverty, but built an empire in communications, real estate and insurance, inspiring those around him and the generations that followed. The A.G. Gaston Conference is dedicated to the legacy and spirit of Gaston and to economic empowerment, with the hope of inspiring the next group of A.G. Gastons — business owners, thought leaders and philanthropists.
For more information or to register, click here.
