1991–2024
Archive
2024
LEADING ONWARD: ELEVATING NEW VOICES FOR JUSTICE AND EQUITY
Keynote Speaker: Marley Dias, Founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks
Moderator: Dr. Yohuru Williams
UNCF Remarks: Laverne McCartney Knighton, Area Development Director, UNCF
Chair: Courtney Andersen, Vice President of Supply Chain Morning Foods, General Mills
Special Guest Performer: Nunnabove, KNOWN
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Excerpted from April 16, 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.] (upenn.edu)
2023
KEEP MOVING FORWARD
Keynote Speaker: Valerie Jarrett, CEO, Barack Obama Foundation
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
Moderator: Abou Amara
UNCF Remarks: Laverne McCartney Knighton, Area Development Director, UNCF
Chair: Kenneth Edwards, Director of Innovation Technology, and Quality, General Mills
Special Guest Performer: Nunnabove, TKO Drumline and Knockout Dance Team
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
2022
FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW
Keynote Speaker: Laura Coates, CNN Host and Senior Legal Analyst, Constitutional Expert and Author
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
Moderator: Angela Davis
MC: H. Adam Harris
UNCF Remarks: Laverne McCartney Knighton, Area Development Director, UNCF
Chair: Ebony Wyatt, Sales Director, General Mills
Special Guest Performer: KNOWN, MPLS
Location: Virtual with performances from The Capri North Minneapolis, Performance Art Theatre
2021
OUR RISING VOICES: A CALL FOR BOLD SOCIAL ACTION
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bernice A. King and Ambassador Andrew J. Young
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: H. Adam Harris
UNCF Remarks: Dr. Michael L. Lomax
Welcome/General Mills: Chris Majors, General Mills, FSQ Director
Chair: Chris Majors
Special Guest Performer: Billy Steele and the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Choir
Location: Virtual
Attendance: 6000
2020
RISE UP: Standing Together for Positive Change
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Eric H. Holder Jr., 82nd Attorney General of the United States (2009-2015); Partner, Covington & Burling LLP.
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Aiesha Dempster
UNCF Remarks: Dr. Michael L. Lomax
Welcome/General Mills: Aiesha Dempster, General Mills, External Supply Chain Sourcing Director
Chair: Aiesha Dempster
Special Guest Performer: Jovanta Patton, SHAPESHIFT
Location: The Armory
Attendance: 2400
2019
DOING FOR OTHERS: A Call to Social Action
Keynote Speaker: Don Lemon, Journalist, Author and host of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon.
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Ugo Ukabam
UNCF Remarks: Dr. Michael L. Lomax
Welcome/General Mills: Ugo Ukabam, General Mills, Sr. Counsel, Employment Law
Chair: Ugo Ukabam
Special Guest Performer: Sounds of Blackness
Location: The Armory
Attendance: 2400
2018
Building Bridges for a Bold Dream
Keynote Speaker: David Oyelowo, a British-Nigerian actor and producer.
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: James Momon
UNCF Remarks: Dr. Michael L. Lomax
Welcome/General Mills: James Momon, General Mills, Director Global Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources
Chair: James Momon
Special Guest Performer: Sounds of Blackness
Location: The Armory
Attendance: 2400
2017
The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right
Keynote Speaker: Myrlie Evers-Williams, author and civil rights activist. Evers-Williams was the wife of murdered civil rights activist Medgar Evers.
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Steve Mayle
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Kim Nelson, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Steve Mayle
Ministers: Pastor Nicole Bullock
Special Guest Performer: Vocal Essence
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2016
Civil & Right
Keynote Speaker: Deval Patrick, governor, Harvard graduate, and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Donzel Leggett
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Kim Nelson, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Donzel Leggett
Ministers: Imam Makram El-Amin, Masjid An-Nur; Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel; Rev. Laurel Bunker, Bethel University
Special Guest Performer: Steven Daniels
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2015
Infinite Hope, Meaningful Action
Keynote Speaker: Vernon Jordan, civil rights leader, presidential adviser, attorney and senior managing director of Lazard, Frères & Co. LLC
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Donzel Leggett
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Kim Nelson, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Donzel Leggett
Ministers: Imam Makram El-Amin, Masjid An-Nur; Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel; Rev. Laurel Bunker, Bethel University
Special Guest Performer: Yolanda Adams
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2014
Reimagine the Future
Keynote Speaker: Speaker: Donna Brazile, Veteran Democratic political strategist and commentator, author and adjunct professor
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Tiffanie Boyd
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Tiffanie Boyd
Minister: Rev. Steve Daniels, Jr. , Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Special Guest Performer: Darnell Davis and the Remnant
Performance: Warren C. Bowles, actor, director and writer; the MacPhail Community Youth Choir
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2013
Education: The Fierce Urgency of Now
Keynote Speaker: Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund
Special Guest: Michael L. Lomax Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF
MC: Martin Abrams
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Martin Abrams
Minister: Rev. James C. Thomas, Mount Olivet Baptist Church
Special Guest Performer: Ann Nesby
Music: Greater Praise, Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1902
2012
Building Peace and Unity within the Global Community
Keynote Speaker: Naomi TuTu, Global human rights activist
MC: Kofi Bruce
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Kofi Bruce
Minister: Rev. Gloria Roach Thomas, Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church
Music: The Steeles
Performance: Walker West Music Academy
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1902
2011
The Dream: Rejoice, Reclaim, Renew Community
Keynote Speaker: Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey
Special Guest: Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF
MC: Cheryl Bethune
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Cheryl Bethune
Minister: Rev. Dwight Seawood, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
Music: Paris Bennett
Performance: Steppingstone Theatre
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1911
2010
Dream from the Mountaintop: Share the Legacy, Shape the Future
Keynote Speaker: Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
Special Guest: Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF
MC: Humphrey Otita
Welcome/UNCF: Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Humphrey Otita
Minister: Pastor Dennis M. Oglesby, Jr., The Park Avenue United Methodist Church
Music: The Ladies of Jazz Project, High School for the Recording Arts
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2009
Because of his Dream, I can Lead, Grow, Inspire
Keynote Speaker: General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret)
MC: Kelly Baker
Welcome/UNCF: Deborah Tansil Graham
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Kelly Baker
Minister: Rev. Efrem Smith, Sanctuary Covenant Church
Music: Steven Daniels and Young Voices
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1980
2008
Answering the Call
Keynote Speaker: Charlayne Hunter-Gault
MC: Angela Davis
Welcome/UNCF: Deborah Tansil Graham
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Kenneth Charles
Minister: Rev. Aaron Felty
Music: Gregory Washington & Voices of Praise/Melinda Doolittle
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1970
2007
Children of the Dream: Building Community Through Commitment
Keynote Speaker: Roslyn McCallister Brock
MC: Robyne Robinson
Welcome/UNCF: Deborah Tansil Graham
Welcome/General Mills: Ellen Luger, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Denise Holloman
Minister: Reverend Byron Moore, St. James AME Church
Music: 4Given
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1990
2006
Honoring the Legacy of a Servant
Keynote Speaker: Congressman John Lewis
MC: Rev. Alfred Babington-Johnson
Welcome/UNCF: Henry Crosby
Welcome/General Mills: Chris Shea, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Anton Vincent
Minister: Reverend Lurah Bean, Fellowship Missionary Baptist
Music: Steven Daniels and the Shiloh Baptist Church Gospel Choir
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1980
2005
Strong Minds, Great Hearts, Ready Hands, & True Faith...Remember the Dream
Keynote Speaker: Juan WIlliams
MC: T. Michael Rambo
Welcome/UNCF: Henry Crosby
Welcome/General Mills: Chris Shea, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Curtis Bell
Minister: Pastor Stephanie Bond, Spirit and Truth Worship Center
Music: Excelsior Choir
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2004
Strength to Love, Courage to Change
Keynote: Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
MC: T. Michael Rambo
Welcome/UNCF: Henry Crosby
Welcome/General Mills: Chris Shea, General Mills Foundation
Chair: CeLois Steele
Minister: Rev. Jerry McAfee, New Salem Baptist Church
Music: Sounds of Blackness
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2003
World Peace...It's in the Dream
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ruth J. Simmons
MC: Jearlyn Steele
Welcome/UNCF: Henry Crosby
Welcome/General Mills: Chris Shea, General Mills Foundation
Chair: Anthony Scott
Minister: Rev. Albert GaIlmon, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
Music: Twin Cities Freedom Choir
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 1950
2002
Lift Every Voice
Keynote Speaker: Julian Bond
MC: Jearlyn Steele
Welcome/UNCF: Tiffany Slemmons
Welcome/General Mills: Karlene Silvera
Chair: Karlene Silvera
Minister: Rev. Alfred Babington-Johnson
Music: Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 2200
2001
View from the Mountain Top
Keynote Speaker: Jesse Jackson, Jr.
MC: Harris Faulkner, KSTP TV
Welcome/UNCF: Tiffany Slemmons
Welcome/General Mills: Clayton Wiley, Jr.
Chair: Clayton Wiley, Jr.
Minister: Rev. Albert Gailmon
Music: Moore by Four, Twin Cities Mass Choir
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Attendance: 2137
2000
The Message, The Movement, The Mission
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cornel West
MC: Roxane Battle, Morning Show Host, KARE-11
Welcome/UNCF: Vance Opperman, Key Investment
Welcome/General Mills: Steve Sanger, CEO of General Mills
Chair: Darren Harmon
Minister: Rev. Thomas
Music: The Steeles, the Girls Choir of Harlem
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1945
1999
Equality Begins with a Dream
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
MC: Freddie Bell, Solid Gold Soul, 950 AM
Welcome/UNCF: Tiffany Slemmons, Jim Smiley, US West
Welcome/General Mills: Austin Sullivan, Senior VP of Corporate Relations
Chair: Debra Spears
Minister: Rev. Vapordeel Sanders
Music: Excelsior Choral Ensemble
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1971
1998
It Takes a Nation to Raise His Dream
Keynote Speaker: Martin Luther King, III
MC: Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools
Welcome/UNCF: Gregory G. Cunningham, Eric Watson, St. Paul Company
Welcome/General Mills: Steve Sanger, CEO of General Mills
Chair: Gerry Fernandez
Minister: Rev. Randy Morrison
Music: Big Jim and Group
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1900
1997
Living His Dream, Today and Everyday
Keynote: Ambassador Andrew Young
MC: Lou Bellamy, Artistic Director for Penumbra Theatre
Welcome/UNCF: Lawrence Pearlman, Chairman, President and CEO of Ceridian Corporation
Welcome/General Mills: Mike Peel
Chair: Darrel Gradford
Minister: Janet Johnson
Music: Speak The Word
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1850
1996
His Dream, Our Challenge, Their Future
Keynote Speaker: Yolanda King
MC: Jayne Khalifa, Operations Director for the Office of Secretary of State
Welcome/UNCF: John F. Grundhofer, President, Chairman and CEO of First Bank Systems
Welcome/General Mills: Austin Sullivan
Chair: Sean Walker
Minister: Reverend Richard Coleman, St. Peters AME Church
Music: City Songs
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1850
1995
His Dream Woke Up The World
Keynote Speaker: Harry Belafonte
MC: Alfred Babbington-Johnson, CEO of The Stairstep Foundation
Welcome/UNCF: Ron James, CEO of US West Communication
Welcome/General Mills: Leslie Frecon
Chair: (Suzanne FuIler-Terrill
Minister: Dr. Willa Grant Battle, Grace Temple Deliverance
Music: Rakia
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1850
1994
Non-Violence: A Discipline of Change
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery
MC: Darryl Savage, Former Education Reporter, WCCO
Welcome/UNCF: Eddie Phillips, Phillip Beverage
Welcome/General Mills: R.C. King
Chair: Marc Belton
Minister: Pastor Mac Hammond, Living Word Christian Center
Music: The Voices of Praise, Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1800
1993
Come Together as One
Keynote Speaker: Della Reese
MC: Robyn Robinson, Anchor, KMSP-TV
Welcome/UNCF: Jim Howard, NSP
Welcome/General Mills: T.P. Nelson
Chair: Marc Belton
Minister: Father Arnold Weber, Holy Name Catholic Church
Music: J.D. Steele & The Voices of Praise
Location: Minneapolis Hilton & Towers
Attendance: 1300
1992
Celebrate The Dream
Keynote Speaker: Alex Haley
MC: James Brown, CBS Sports
Welcome/UNCF: T. Green
Welcome/General Mills: R.C. King
Chair: John Cooper
Minister: Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller Pilgrim Baptist Church
Music: Special Ministry Ensemble, Zion Baptist Church
Location: Marriott City Center
Attendance: 1100
1991
This Will Be The Day
Keynote Speaker: Cicely Tyson
MC: Don Shelby, Anchor, WCCO-T
Welcome/UNCF: T. Green
Welcome/General Mills: R.C. King
Chair: John Cooper
Minister: Rev. Stephen Cornils, Central Lutheran Church
Music: Sanford Moore, Yolanda Bruce
Location: Marriott City Center
Attendance: 800
Donate to UNCF
Invest your time or money in better futures for young people in Minnesota. Proceeds benefit UNCF Twin Cities in helping local students of color get to and go through college.
