NABOB Black Media Summit & Power of Urban Radio Forum Convene Industry Leaders at the New USBC Campus—Formerly the Historic BET Campus

Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) and the Power of Urban Radio Forum successfully concluded their 2025 Summit at the newly acquired U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) Campus, formerly the historic BET Campus.

This two-day gathering marked a defining moment for Black media, advertising, and business, bringing together leading executives, advertisers, creators, and policymakers to shape a bold and transformative future for multicultural media.

This year’s Summit was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Partners General Motors, Nielsen, Geo Broadcast Solutions, and AARP, whose continued commitment to equitable media investment and diverse storytelling underscores their leadership in advancing Black-owned media and multicultural marketing.

Day one featured a series of insightful mainstage sessions exploring the role of AI in Media and Advertising, the Creator Economy, and the State of Black Media and Information a dynamic discussion featuring Jim Winston (President of NABOB), Ron Busby Sr. (President and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.), and Charles O’Neal (Board Chair of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.).

The Washington Update—What Broadcasters Need to Know panel brought together influential policy leaders, including Robert E. Branson (President and CEO of Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council), Charlyn Stanberry (VP of government Relations at the National Association of Broadcasters), and Greg Willis (VP of Phoenix Strategies), to discuss key legislative and regulatory issues impacting the broadcast and media industry.

Nicky Sparrow, EVP of Multicultural Sales at iHeartMedia, delivered an exciting update on the Black Information Network (BIN) expansion, highlighting iHeartMedia’s mission to deliver trusted, real-time coverage through a Black voice and perspective.

Presenting partner Nielsen shared a data-driven session, Nielsen Insights for Black Media, presented by Laura Kutscher, SVP/Sales Director, Audio, Nielsen, and Cecilia Jato Bitz, VP/Sales Director, National Audio, Nielsen. The session provided valuable audience insights and trends shaping the future of multicultural media engagement.

Day one concluded with the expert panel “Action Is More Than Words – NABOB’s Actionable Steps to Create Opportunities for Black-Owned Media,” moderated by Ebony McMorris, White House Correspondent for AURN. The conversation featured powerhouse media owners Steve Roberts (President, Roberts Broadcasting), Chesley Maddox-Dorsey (CEO, A Wonder Media Company), and Kevin Perry (CEO, Perry Publishing & Broadcasting).

Together, they shared tangible strategies and solutions for driving investment, access, and measurable equity across the Black-owned media ecosystem.

Day two opened with the second annual Global Marketers Matchmaking Workshop, presented by Procter & Gamble, Toyota, and AARP. This innovative session connected over 70 Black-owned media companies, agencies, and platforms with global brand decision-makers in an exclusive “speed-networking” format designed to drive investment, partnership, and visibility across the Black media ecosystem.

Jim Winston, President of NABOB, reflected on the milestone event: “Hosting the NABOB Black Media Summit at the new USBC Campus was deeply symbolic. This space—once the home of BET—now stands as a hub for innovation, ownership, and empowerment. It represents NABOB’s collective vision to ensure that Black-owned media continues to thrive in the evolving landscape of advertising, policy, and technology.”

The energy continued with the NABOB & Power of Urban Radio Awards Luncheon, where keynote speaker and advertising trailblazer Carol H. Williams, Chairwoman & Chief Creative Officer of Carol H. Williams Advertising, delivered an inspiring address celebrating creativity, perseverance, and cultural leadership.

The luncheon honored outstanding leaders and organizations shaping the future of media and marketing:

• Marc Pritchard Corporate Impact Award: Carol H. Williams, Carol H. Williams Advertising
• Service Award: Publicis Media USA
• Mickey Leland Public Service Award: FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez

Sherman Kizart, Founder and CEO of Kizart Media Partners, added: “This year’s Power of Urban Radio Forum embodies our mission to advance equity, partnership, and opportunity in the media industry. Thanks to the leadership of our partners, we are turning conversations into concrete collaborations that strengthen the ecosystem for broadcasters, media owners, and advertisers alike.”

The afternoon sessions concluded with the Power of Urban Radio Forum, which hosted intentional and forward-looking conversations, including:

• African American Agency CEO Discussion featuring Bob Wingo (Chairman, Sanders Wingo Advertising), Tara DeVeaux (CEO, Burrell Communications Group), Cliff Franklin (CEO, Fuse Advertising), and Imani Greene (CEO, Amplify Media).

• Global Media Agency / Chief Investment Officer Discussion – Powered by Horizon Media, featuring Josh Rahmani (CRO, Urban One), Stephen Paez (EVP Cultural Investment and Innovation, Publicis Media USA), Maureen Bossetti (CIO, IPG), and Sheldon Levy (VP, Horizon Futures).

• Special Presentation: Digital & Social Media Trends, presented by Cheyenne Bridgewater-Kizart, President, KMP Digital Media Strategies.