"State of the Black Union" was an annual event created and hosted by renowned journalist and activist Tavis Smiley. The event brought together prominent Black intellectuals, activists, and leaders to engage in discussions about contemporary issues affecting the African American community. The first "State of the Black Union" conference was held in 1999 in Chicago.

The goal of the event was to provide a platform for open dialogue, critical analysis, and action planning around issues such as education, social justice, economic empowerment, and political engagement in the Black community. The conference featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, and audience interaction, with a focus on promoting unity, empowerment, and progress within the African American community.

Over the years, the "State of the Black Union" event gained significant attention and became a notable platform for addressing pressing issues facing Black Americans. The event addressed topics such as racial disparities in education, healthcare, criminal justice, and economic opportunity, and sought to inspire collective action and advocacy for change.

While the last "State of the Black Union" event took place in 2009, the legacy of the conference lives on as a testament to the importance of dialogue, unity, and activism in advancing the interests and rights of the Black community.