"State of the Black Union" was an annual gathering organized by Tavis Smiley, a prominent African American television personality, journalist, and political commentator. The event brought together scholars, activists, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss issues impacting the African American community and create a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

The State of the Black Union conferences began in 1999 and continued for over a decade, with the last one taking place in 2009. These gatherings addressed a wide range of topics including education, employment, criminal justice reform, healthcare disparities, and political empowerment.

The State of the Black Union events provided a space for critical conversations, mobilization, and strategic planning to address the challenges faced by African Americans. They served as a forum for voices from across the Black community to be heard and for solutions to be proposed and implemented.

Although the formal State of the Black Union conferences are no longer held, the legacy of these gatherings continues to inspire activism, advocacy, and community engagement within the African American community.