“Defeat Hate – Vote,” New Theme for NAACP’s 109th Annual Convention in San Antonio
Baltimore: NAACP, the nation’s foremost civil rights organization, has announced its 109th convention, beginning Saturday, July 14 through Wednesday, July 18 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E Market St.
“This year’s convention happens at a watershed moment in our history where civil rights we once considered permanent, are under attack like never before,” said Leon W. Russell, NAACP Chairman of the National Board of Directors. “We intend to organize, strategize and mobilize our members to defeat the hate and convention will be the gathering place for energizing our efforts over the next 365 days.”
With midterm elections rapidly approaching, the theme, “Defeat Hate – Vote,” exemplifies the nature of the legislative and advocacy work to be done at this year’s convention. Each year, thousands travel to the Convention to set policies, programs and plans of action for the coming year. Recent issues facing the nation, such as implicit bias, the growing popularity of hate groups, and continued threats to civil rights will be at the forefront of this year’s Convention’s agenda.
“Our 109th Convention will be one of our most dynamic Conventions yet,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Some of the most powerful political minds in the country and from the fields of activism, hiphop and academia are coming to San Antonio to engage us. With a newly energized Youth and College Department, under the leadership of Tiffany Dena Loftin, and a revamped Civic Engagement Department under the leadership of Jamal Watkins, Convention participants are in for a powerful experience.”
There are a number of key events taking place at NAACP's 109th Convention that attendees can look forward to such as an LGBTQ Workshop, a Hip-Hop Summit, and Continuing Legal Education Seminars.
The 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.
Other highlights will include the 40th anniversary of NAACP ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technical and Scientific Olympics) final competition and awards, Wednesday’s highly anticipated Freedom Fund Banquet, plus a health pavilion, retail expo, veterans’ luncheon and a diversity career fair. More information about the 2018 NAACP National Convention, including a detailed schedule of events may be found by visiting naacpconvention.org.
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