2017 NMSDC Conference and BOE

Kenneth L. Harris
President & CEO
National Business League, Inc.


Dr. Kenneth L. Harris is known for his innovative style and visionary approach to addressing societal and economic challenges within Black and minority-owned communities. Born and raised in Detroit, Dr. Harris started the International Detroit Black Expo, Inc. (IDBE) on May 24, 2005, which hosted more than 1,000 exhibitors from around the globe and reached 300,000 consumers, becoming one of the largest expositions in the entire country in 5 years. The Honorable Dr. Harris was also elected to the Detroit Charter Commission by 40,149 votes in a highly contested citywide race featuring 54 candidates. Dr. Harris recently became the President/CEO of the National Business League, Inc., (formerly the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce) founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington in 1900, encompassing more than 15,000 members and 365 local leagues, with access to 2.5 million Black-owned businesses across the country. Dr. Kenneth L. Harris graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Counseling/Clinical Psychology from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. He also received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Detroit's Lewis College of Business in 2008 and an Educational Specialist (EDS) degree from Wayne State University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Dr. Harris earned his Ph.D. at Michigan State University in African American and African Studies with a specialization in Business and Entrepreneurship from the Eli Broad School of Business.

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