New York, NY, July 7, 2003—The National Urban League has assembled a panel of researchers, writers and educators to lead a plenary session titled The State of the Black Family: A Town Meeting, at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29 during its 2003 annual conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Scheduled to participate in what should be a frank, open and insightful discussion about issues that both sustain and threaten the strength of black families, the participating speakers are contributors to this year\'s edition of the League\\\'s hallmark publication, The State of Black America.

The plenary session participants include (unless otherwise noted, all article titles are from the National Urban League\\\'s The State of Black America 2003):

• Moderator: Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Director, Women\\\'s Center, Spelman College and co-author (with Dr. Johnetta Cole), "Gender Talk: The Struggle for Women\\\'s Equality in African-American Communities";
• Dr. Walter Stafford, Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy, Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, New York University and author, "The Class System Among Black Americans";
• Dr. Ernest M. Drucker, author, "The Impact of Mass Incarceration on Black Families";
• Dr. Carolyn West, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Washington-Tacoma, "The Feminist Perspective and the Black Family";
• Dr. Larry E. Davis, Dean and Director, Center on Race and Social Problems, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, author, "Black and Single: Finding and Choosing a Partner Who is Right for You"
• Dr. Tony Allen, President, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.

The National Urban League 2003 Annual Conference takes place July 26 through July 30 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. This year\\\'s theme is The State of The Black Family: Building on its Resilience.

The PNC Financial Services Group and Office Depot are the National Co-Chairs. The Urban League of Pittsburgh is the host affiliate and Equitable Resources, Inc. is the Chair of the local host committee.

Registration, hotel, travel and exhibit/sponsorship information for the National Urban League 2003 Annual Conference is available at www.nul.org.. Discount rates are in effect until July 21.

Requests for materials can also be sent to urbanleagueconference@nul.org or made by calling 1-800-263-9926.