About DuSable

What is the DuSable Conference?

The DuSable Conference is hosted annually by the African American MBA Association (AAMBAA) at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business (Booth). Booth operates primarily on Chicago’s South Side in the Hyde Park neighborhood, in the center of Chicago’s Kenwood, Woodlawn and Washington Park neighborhoods, predominantly African American areas of Chicago. While these neighborhoods have historically lagged in access to the city's economic resources, Booth students have the rare privilege of learning from world-renowned faculty and access to resources within the University's ecosystem. As such, the students at AAMBAA believe it is important to contribute positively, uplift and give back to the broader communities surrounding the campus. The DuSable Conference aims to serve as the nexus for activity in Chicago's Black Business Economy by delivering content to encourage collaboration between AAMBAA Students and Alumni, Chicago Black Business Owners, Chicago Black Professionals, and the broader University of Chicago Black constituency.

Who was Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable?

Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable (DuSable), Haitian by birth, founded the settlement now known as Chicago on March 4, 1750. For 20 years, DuSable operated an elaborate fur-trading post, establishing the city as a vital commercial center in the new world. DuSable's home was the location of the city's first recorded birth, first formalized wedding, first election, and court session. DuSable, a true pioneer of his day, inspires the Chicago Booth African-American MBA Association and the greater Chicago community to continue his spirit of exploration, innovation, and leadership.

History of the DuSable Conference

As one of the longest running student conferences at Chicago Booth, we continue to build upon 38 years of legacy. Started in 1985, the DuSable Conference remains today one of the longest running student-led conferences at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with past conferences featuring prominent speakers such as the Honorable Harold Washington, Jesse Jackson, John Rogers, James Bell and many more. Year after year, the conference convenes Booth students and alumni, as well as colleagues from across the city of Chicago for robust conversation and powerful networking opportunities on relevant issues of the time.