UPO 42nd - MLK Jr. Memorial Breakfast 2026

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 

Professor Darrick Hamilton 

The Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School

We are delighted to announce our honored keynote speaker, Professor Darrick Hamilton. He's one of our nation's foremost public intellectuals, a pioneer who reimagines how an economy should work. He has developed and advised on bold, transformative policies that have shifted billions of dollars toward building a fair and inclusive economy. We are especially pleased to welcome his keynote address because Dr. Hamilton's strong belief in education as a path to economic security aligns seamlessly with UPO's mission.

WHAT DOES YOUR SUPPORT MEAN?

Your generous donation creates opportunities for students like Erica Davis, a 2011 Beavers Scholar who graduated from the University of Kansas, earning her Bachelor's in Social Welfare in 2016. She earned her Master's in Social Work in 2017 and is now a Clinical Counselor at Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, DC's Ward 7. Erica is the first person from her family to graduate from college, which is true for the overwhelming majority of our scholars.

"The Joseph A. Beavers Scholarship was the best thing that ever happened to me," says Ms. Davis. "It gave me the courage to grow in ways that I could not imagine. I am now a well-rounded, culturally humble and competent person, hungry for equality and equity. I am determined to seek justice and empower others."

You can help scholars like Erica Davis grow wings with your donation to UPO today.

Thanks to generous donors, UPO has awarded over $1 million to support over 200 scholars. Your gift also creates opportunities for families to lift themselves out of poverty. 

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 

1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

A concierge desk is located near each entrance door for additional assisstance.

HOW TO GET THERE: CLICK HERE

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SECURITY NOTE 

Please plan to arrive early! There are metal detectors at the entrances which will slow your arrival. Also: If you park in the building, your car will have a security check when you drive in (they want to look through the car, check the trunk, etc.).