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The Black Afenda

  • About

    The Black Agenda

The Black Agenda Way

The Black Agenda is a community-based initiative focused on economic empowerment, education, policy influence, cultural preservation, and social justice. We create platforms for collaboration between businesses, educators, nonprofits, government, and faith communities to address systemic inequities and build sustainable opportunities for Black and marginalized communities.

200+
PHD's Awarded

6
​Cities

$2.8B
​Valuation

5,000+
​Jobs

Economic Progress Should Be Engineered.

We unite leaders across business, finance, government, faith communities, entrepreneurship, and civic institutions to create stronger pathways to opportunity and long-term economic value.

Leadership With Vision. Execution With Purpose.

The Black Agenda is guided by leaders committed to opportunity creation, economic advancement, and long-term institution building.

Dr. Lance McCarthy
​Chairman & Co-Fuunder

Dr. E. Lance McCarthy, also known as Dr. Lance, is an internationally recognized Faith Based Economist and Investment Advisor with a specialty in urban development.


He has advised nonprofit organizations, churches, corporations, professional athletes, and cities on economic development and financing strategies. His background includes Fortune 100 experience, public policy research, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership.

Dr. McCarthy is known for bringing together leaders across sectors to create practical solutions, strategic partnerships, and scalable pathways to growth.


Dr. Deno DuPlessis
​Co-Founder

Dr. Deno DuPlessis is an evangelist and community speaker known for scripture-rooted leadership and grassroots engagement. He has supported public programming and community initiatives alongside The Black Agenda, helping bring a faith-centered perspective to civic dialogue, service, and economic empowerment efforts.


His leadership strengthens the organization’s connection to trust, service, and purpose-driven action.

How We Work

We combine institutional partnership, private sector discipline, entrepreneurial thinking, and community trust to build initiatives that deliver outcomes.

Our model is designed to launch, measure, improve, and expand.


We focus on:

  • Strategic partnerships
  • High-impact initiatives
  • Disciplined execution
  • Visible results
  • Long-term value creation

Why We Exist

The Black Agenda exists to create real pathways to economic growth, leadership access, and coordinated advancement for communities with extraordinary talent and untapped potential. Too often, entrepreneurs, professionals, and local leaders work in isolation without the networks, resources, and strategic support needed to grow at scale. The Black Agenda was created to bring business, opportunity, and influence together through hiring events, small business expos, partnerships, recognition platforms, and city-by-city expansion models that produce measurable results.

This mission extends beyond the United States. Through Black Agenda Africa, the movement expanded into Africa, including historic engagement in South Africa alongside more than 50 kings and traditional leaders. That global presence reflects the larger vision: to unite leadership, enterprise, and community progress across markets while building systems that open doors, circulate opportunity, and create lasting economic impact.

Speaking Engagements

Dr. Lance McCarthy has spoken on stages that bring together business leaders, policy thinkers, entrepreneurs, faith communities, and global decision-makers. His speaking background reflects decades of leadership in economic empowerment, innovation, community advancement, and strategic growth.


Whether addressing executive audiences, chambers of commerce, universities, ministries, or international forums, Dr. McCarthy is known for delivering timely insight, practical wisdom, and a larger vision for opportunity.


Dr. Lance is avaliable for:

  • Keynote Addresses

  • Executive Summits
  • Corporate Conferences

  • Chamber of Commerce Events

  • Economic Development Forums
  • Universities & Colleges

  • Faith & Leadership Conferences

  • Panel Discussions
  • Virtual Events
    • Book Dr. Lance Coming Soon

    Past Engagements

    CEO Club Global Global CEO Summit, California


    Digital.DAVOS during World Economic Forum week

    Private Jet Summit, London

    African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Gala Keynote Speaker

    South Florida Black Economic Forum & Awards Reception

    National Youth Summit on Justice, Education and the U.S. Economy

    National Organization of Minority Architects International Conference Keynote

    Venture Draft at Saint Louis University

    TEDxGatewayArch Speaker

    Faith and Finances Symposium

    Church leadership and wealth creation forums

    National faith-based economic empowerment events

    Signature Speaking Topics

    Economic Growth & Wealth Creation

    How communities, businesses, and leaders can build sustainable prosperity.

    Leadership in Changing Times

    Leading with clarity, courage, and results during disruption.

    Faith & Finance

    Connecting purpose, stewardship, and economic opportunity.

    Entrepreneurship & Ownership

    Practical strategies for builders, founders, and future leaders.

    Innovation & Inclusion

    Ensuring opportunity reaches the next generation.

    Public Policy & Community Advancement

    How strategy, investment, and leadership create real progress.

    Book Dr. Lance Coming Soon

    Why Audiences Invite Dr. McCarthy

    Economic Growth & Wealth Creation

    Dr. McCarthy combines real-world experience with a message that moves people to action. Audiences gain:

    • Practical insight
    • Stronger leadership perspective
    • Economic understanding
    • Fresh strategic thinking
    • Motivated action steps
    • Long-term vision

    Book Dr. Lance Coming Soon

    Contact Us

    ​Serious Outcomes Require Serious Partners.


    Whether you seek sponsorship, partnership, city activation, workforce engagement, or strategic collaboration, we welcome the conversation.