NAACP Announces 108th National Convention set for July 22-26

(Press Release) – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP_ – the oldest and largest national civil rights organization in the United States – has announced its 108th annual convention, beginning Saturday, July 22nd through Wednesday, July 26th at the Baltimore Convention Center, One W. Pratt St.

Embracing the theme, “Steadfast and Immovable,” the NAACP will be headed back to its headquarters city to set policies, programs and plans of action for the coming year, while also moving to address today’s challenges collectively—notably the current climate of economic uncertainty and political unrest. The organization’s national convention each year attracts some 8,000 members, supporters, branch delegates and staff, local youth activists and organizers, legislators, business leaders and celebrities all coming together to engage, network, share strategies, successes and key learnings with the purpose of driving the NAACP’s agenda forward.

“This year’s convention takes place at a pivotal time for our country, and for our Association,” said Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “These are changing times, and today, we find ourselves in a new period of turmoil as a nation. We are facing a budget that threatens to gut critical funding for education, a rollback in Civil Rights enforcement, and a rollback in health care reform that will take affordable care away from 23 million Americans, all while we witness unprecedented efforts to suppress the votes of black and brown people, young people and progressives who would work to see this nation become more inclusive and just,” he continues.

“Our theme for 2017 reminds us that as an organization, our intent is to fulfill the vision and mission of our founders, and we will leave Baltimore united and committed to making our nation a better place for all,” said Derrick Johnson, vice-chair of the Board of Directors.

The 5-day conference will feature a robust series of seminars, committee meetings, workshops, exhibits and panel discussions, augmented with inspiring keynote addresses from key NAACP leadership, civil rights and faith leaders, media, youth and political influencers.

About the NAACP: Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACP.org.

Source: NAACP