By Black PR Wire
(Black PR Wire) CHARLOTTE – The NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson was joined by native and nationwide NAACP leaders, Mayor Vi Lyles, and different key Charlotte stakeholders for a press convention to preview the upcoming 116th Nationwide Conference in Charlotte. The conference will happen from July 12, 2025, to July 16, 2025, and can deal with the Affiliation’s theme “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” which highlights the NAACP’s dedication to uplifting the Black neighborhood’s collective power to proceed the combat for civil rights and social justice regardless of widespread adversity.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared the next assertion, emphasizing the significance of the Nationwide NAACP’s presence in Charlotte:
“Yearly, we look ahead to the NAACP Nationwide Conference, particularly throughout instances like these, the place assaults on our tradition and our neighborhood unfold like wildfire all through our nation. For 116 years, the NAACP has been all in on Black America – this 12 months isn’t any totally different.”
President Johnson additionally introduced at this afternoon’s press convention that for the primary time in 116 years, the sitting president of the US is not going to be invited to the NAACP Nationwide Conference.
“Republican and Democratic presidents have proudly attended NAACP Conventions all through the group’s historical past,” he added. “This has nothing to do with political get together. Our mission is to advance civil rights, and the present president has made clear that his mission is to get rid of civil rights.”
Additionally in attendance have been Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP Board of Administrators, and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.
“It’s an honor for Charlotte to host the 116th NAACP Nationwide Conference, probably the most vital gatherings for civil rights and social justice in our nation’s historical past, bringing 1000’s of NAACP members to the town,” stated Mayor Vi Lyles. “This second is greater than symbolic; it’s a celebration of our shared progress and a recommitment to the work forward. As a metropolis formed by civil rights pioneers and strengthened by its range, Charlotte proudly welcomes the NAACP and stands prepared to hitch in constructing a extra inclusive and equitable future for all.”
“Throughout the nation, we’re witnessing a coordinated assault on civil rights, from voter suppression to censorship in school rooms to financial exclusion. These are usually not remoted incidents. They’re a part of a calculated effort to tug us backward. However we aren’t going again,” stated Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators. “As we collect in Charlotte for our 116th Nationwide Conference, we accomplish that with unwavering resolve. The battle for justice is much from over — and neither are we.”
Vice Chair of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators Karen Boykin-Cities and Conference Committee Chairman Michael Turner joined the leaders to announce the opening of registration and share key updates on what attendees can count on when the NAACP’s expansive community of activists, allies and entrepreneurs comes collectively for dynamic conversations with nationwide leaders, celebrations of Black tradition, and strategic planning for the way forward for the Black neighborhood.
“The return of the 116th NAACP Nationwide Conference to Charlotte marks a full circle second for The Affiliation,” stated Michael Turner, chairman of the NAACP Conference Planning Committee. “Practically 30 years since we final joined collectively right here, a lot has modified – however our dedication to the work we do stays steadfast. This conference is greater than a gathering, it’s a motion. We’ve created an area the place generations unite to strategize, strengthen our affect, and have a good time our collective energy. Charlotte, the NAACP has returned, and we deliver with us the total power and spirit of our neighborhood.”
“As we collect in solidarity, we’re not simply convening, we’re mobilizing,” stated Karen Boykin-Cities, vice chair of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators. “From local weather justice to voting rights, from financial alternative to the liberty to be taught, our agenda is daring as a result of our communities deserve nothing much less. This Conference is the place technique meets legacy, and the time is now for us to come back collectively as a neighborhood to combat.”
Throughout the press convention, NAACP management introduced the return of The Hub, an immersive expertise, celebrating Black tradition and social affect. The dynamic 50,000 sq. foot exhibit corridor is open to the general public.
“Welcoming the NAACP Nationwide Conference again to Charlotte is each a proud second and a strong reminder of our legacy. From the historic streets of Brooklyn Village to the soul of Beatties Ford Highway, Black Charlotte has all the time been a drive for change. This Conference isn’t only for delegates, it’s for our total neighborhood,” stated Rev. Corine Mack, President of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Department of the NAACP.
“From our vibrant culinary scene to our walkable Uptown crammed with world-class museums, retailers, and leisure, there’s one thing right here for everybody,” stated Mike Butts, Government Director for Go to Charlotte and Vice President of Gross sales for the Charlotte Regional Guests Authority. “We’re delighted to welcome the NAACP to Charlotte, the place Conference attendees can count on an unforgettable expertise — whether or not they’re exploring the Harvey B. Gantt Middle, taking in a present at Blumenthal, or supporting native companies. We’re proud to showcase all that makes Charlotte dynamic, numerous, and deeply rooted in historical past and hospitality.”
This 12 months’s Conference comes at a pivotal second, as marginalized communities face escalating political assaults, monetary fairness stays elusive, and important federal packages hold within the stability. Throughout the Conference, the NAACP is bringing collectively its huge community to confront these challenges head-on.
Programming will discover the profound affect of Black tradition on DEI, schooling, and justice, whereas additionally serving as a name to motion. By means of highly effective audio system, participating classes, and strategic dialogue, attendees might be empowered to prepare, advocate, and drive significant change. Now greater than ever, the NAACP calls on the Black neighborhood and our allies to mobilize for justice, fairness, and progress.
Some notable individuals will embrace Loretta E. Lynch, former U.S. Lawyer Basic and Letitia James, New York Lawyer Basic. Featured friends additionally embrace YouTuber Carlos King, TikTok educator Aware Lee, TV host Eboni Ok. Williams, content material creator Elizabeth Booker Houston, award-winning journalist Garrison Hayes, actress Leah Jeffries, Without end stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., social media influencer Lynae Vanee, singer-song author MAJOR, actor and dancer Nicco Annan, actor Thaddeus Mixson, the castmembers of CBS’ Past the Gates, and extra. Extra panelists might be introduced within the coming weeks.
The NAACP extends a particular thanks to Mayor of Charlotte, Vi Lyles, and Metropolis of Charlotte, Chair Mark Jerrell and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, and Sheriff Gary McFadden of Mecklenburg County, Mike Butts, VP of Gross sales & Government Director of Go to Charlotte, the Charlotte Regional Guests Authority and Go to Charlotte, and Deborah Dicks Maxwell, President of the NAACP North Carolina State Convention for his or her continued help and partnership forward of the 116th NAACP Nationwide Conference, in addition to our sponsors.
We’d additionally prefer to thank the members of our Blue Ribbon Committee for his or her help of the 116th NAACP Nationwide Conference: co-chairs Georgette “Gigi” Dixon and Lenny Springs, Bakari Sellers, Boris Henderson, Brenda Murphy, Celois Steele, Courtney Crowder, David Howard, Deborah Dicks Maxwell, James “Smuggie” Mitchell, James Bennett, John Jackson, Karen Boykin-Cities, Kevin Monroe, Marcus Bass, Mark Jerrell, Melvin “Skip” Alston, Rev. Corine Mack, Steve Benjamin, and Vinay Patel.
About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights attributable to Black America. Our legacy is constructed on the muse of grassroots activism by the largest civil rights pioneers of the twentieth century and is sustained by twenty first century activists. From school rooms and courtrooms to metropolis halls and Congress, our community of members throughout the nation works to safe the social and political energy that can finish race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial fairness, civic engagement, and supportive insurance policies and establishments for all marginalized folks. We’re dedicated to a world with out racism the place Black folks take pleasure in equitable alternatives in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Authorized Protection Fund – additionally known as the NAACP-LDF – was based in 1940 as part of the NAACP, however now operates as a totally separate entity.
