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| Later this week, thousands of change-makers, thought-leaders, and advocates will converge on Chicago for the 117th NAACP National Convention, July 18–22, 2026. Under the powerful theme of “We, The People” — a direct call back to the founding promise of this nation — the Convention arrives at a defining moment: as America marks its 250th anniversary, and NAACP is reaffirming that the fight for equal rights, quality education, accessible healthcare, and diversity, equity, and inclusion is far from over. |
| Chicago, a city with a rich and proud legacy of Black history and culture, is the perfect backdrop for this pivotal gathering, and whether you’re joining us in person or online, we can’t wait to welcome you. |
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Who’s Coming to Convention?
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| This year’s Convention brings together an extraordinary lineup of speakers and a full slate of programming designed to educate, mobilize, and inspire. Here are some highlights: |
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ACT-SO Awards Ceremony
As we celebrate the hard work, creativity, and brilliance of our ACT-SO scholars, actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. will host this year’s ACT-SO Awards Ceremony. Stream it live here. |
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LGBTQIA+ Forum & Reception
Actor, singer-songwriter, author and advocate Billy Porter, television host, author, activist, and cultural commentator, Karamo Brown and activist Trell Thomas will join our LGBTQIA+ Forum & Reception.
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Juanita Jackson Mitchell Gala
Actor Michael Rainey Jr. will host our Juanita Jackson Mitchell Gala, which will feature a special performance by rapper and Chi-town native G Herbo and a keynote address by Chairman Fred Hampton Jr.
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Praise & Worship Service with Memorial
Our Praise & Worship Service with Memorial will be led by the powerful voices of preacher, author, and civil rights advocate Dr. Rev. Otis Moss and Grammy-winning gospel artist Jekalyn Carr.
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Out of Bounds: Reclaiming Justice, Power & Play
Sports journalists Jemele Hill and Bomani Jones, and host of ESPN2’s First Take Cari Champion, will join our panel “ Out of Bounds: Reclaiming Justice, Power & Play” during our Closing Plenary, which can be streamed live here. |
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Spingarn Freedom Fund Awards Gala
As we close out Convention, actor Morris Chestnut will host and singer-songwriter Kenny Lattimore will perform at the Spingarn Freedom Fund Awards Gala as Rev. Amos Brown receives the Spingarn Medal for over 60 years of service. Stream it live here. |
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THE HUB
THE HUB will be filled with insightful conversations including our Black & Viral panel, which will bring together three powerful voices in the digital content creator space: Jaz Turner, Blake Gifford, and Atiya Walcott, for a conversation moderated by NAACP VP of Marketing Vanessa Mbonu.
And join acclaimed filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee and bestselling author Jayne Allen (“Black Girls Must Die Exhausted”) for an engaging conversation about the award-winning “The Best Man: Unfinished Business,” the first novel in an all-new trilogy that continues the story of the beloved The Best Man franchise.
Plus don’t miss other powerful panel discussions, book signings, shopping opportunities, and so much more.
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| And many more. |
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| Join us as we honor our past, confront our present, and move boldly forward together in the fight for justice and equity. |
We The People,
NAACP |
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