Operation HOPE and The City of Memphis announced today the latest speaker line-up for their historic virtual town hall and working session taking place on April 4, 2025, the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. The event, titled “Where Do We Go from Here? The Future of Inclusive Economics – and a New Business Plan for America,” will bring together 100 of the nation’s most influential leaders from various sectors, including business, finance, technology, policy, faith, civil society, entertainment and community development to discuss economic empowerment, wealth creation and expanding opportunities for all Americans.
The event, co-hosted by Operation HOPE Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant and Memphis Mayor Paul Young at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, will also include special appearances by Dr. King’s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King, and his chief strategist Ambassador Andrew J. Young, who was present on the Lorraine Motel balcony when Dr. King was killed. Delegates will participate virtually, allowing for a dynamic and inclusive dialogue with some of the country’s most influential voices. This Dr. King-inspired working session on shared culture and vision will help shape a blueprint for inclusive economic growth in the United States.
Newly added speakers to the event include:
- Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) – U.S. Senator, Georgia
- Doug McMillon – President & CEO, Walmart
- Sam Altman – Co-Founder, OpenAI
- Alex Rodriguez – Chairman & CEO, A-Rod Corp
- Dr. George T. French – President, Clark Atlanta University
- Rodney Hood – Acting Comptroller of the Currency
- Tip “T.I.” Harris – Artist, Entrepreneur, Activist
- Brian Hooks – Chairman & CEO, Stand Together
- Michael Milken – Chairman, Milken Institute
- Mick Mulvaney – Former White House Chief of Staff
- Joseph M. Otting – CEO, Flagstar Financial
- Stephen Steinour – CEO, Huntington Bank
In addition to these exciting new voices, other featured guests include:
- Thasunda Brown Duckett – CEO, TIAA
- Harley Finkelstein – President, Shopify
- Bishop T.D. Jakes – CEO, TDJ Enterprises
- Steve Steinour –CEO, Huntington Bancshares
- Ray McGuire – President, Lazard
- Van Jones – Commentator & Founder, Dream Machine Innovation Labs
- Charlamagne tha God – Co-Host, The Breakfast Club
- Killer Mike – Grammy Award-Winning Rapper & Entrepreneur
And special guests:
- Ambassador Andrew Young – Civil Rights Icon, former UN Ambassador, former Mayor of Atlanta
- Dr. Bernice A. King – CEO, The King Center
The latest details about the program are available at https://operationhope.org/dream-forward. A live stream will be available on Operation HOPE’s YouTube, @OperationhopeOrg.