It’s my pleasure and delight to welcome you to the 2018 State of Black North Carolina Conference, presented by Black Business Ink magazine and BBM Strategic Marketing Services. As president and chief executive officer of Black Business Media LLC – the parent of both companies – as well as the founder and convener of the State of Black North Carolina Conference, I am excited that this summit on the status of African Americans across our beautiful state is about to get under way … and we’re humbled to be bringing it to you.