In the first panel of an afternoon session titled “State of the Black Union 2005: Defining the African American Agenda,” Tavis Smiley moderated a discussion on framing a contract or covenant to advance issues of concern to the African American community and to establish a new direction for the black community to effect social and political change. Among the issues they discussed were the role of black religious, political, and intellectual leaders in the community, defining the most prominent issues to the community, and how the contract, or covenant, should be presented to both the black community and American society as a whole. They also talked about diversity within the black community and using the covenant or contract as a unifying document. 

The event was held at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. 

This event was sponsored by Tavis Smiley Presents.