Email, check out this week’s NAACP news.
TheGrio: NAACP President calls on Trump DOJ to investigate deaths of young Black men in Tennessee
“The Department of Justice cannot continue to stand by while Black lives are taken,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson wrote in a statement. “The DOJ has a fundamental responsibility to support, protect, and defend the United States Constitution — and let me be entirely clear: that Constitution includes the rights, the safety, and the futures of Black Americans. When officers fail to deliver equal protection under the law, the federal government must step in with its investigative authority.”
Chicago Defender: NAACP National Convention kicks off in Chicago: 5 days of taking action
Before the official opening of the 117th NAACP National Convention, the NAACP will host five days of dynamic pre-convention programming from July 15–19, 2026, bringing together activists, policymakers, legal experts, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, youth advocates, environmental justice champions, entrepreneurs, and community organizers from across the nation.
CBS Chicago: NAACP cuts ribbon ‘The Hub’ at Chicago conference today
The NAACP is holding its annual conference in Chicago this weekend and holding a ribbon cutting for “The Hub” at McCormick Place Friday.
MS NOW: NAACP president: Trump’s election interference address is an attempt to ‘hold on to power’
“Donald Trump can’t even repair the reflecting pool, and we’re supposed to trust him with the integrity of our elections? To state the obvious, there’s no evidence that calls into question the results of the 2020 election,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement.
WABE (NPR): Atlanta-filmed ‘Beyond the Gates’ lands 15 Daytime Emmy noms for historic first season
The daytime soap is produced at Doraville’s Assembly Studios and is the creation of veteran daytime scribe Michelle Val Jean and Sheila Ducksworth, president of CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, a partnership that works to bring content representing African Americans to the screen.
NewsOne: NAACP Demands Suspension Of Memphis Safe Task Force
The NAACP’s demand was spurred by the shooting death of Tyrin Johnson by National Guard members and the in-custody death of Darius Chappell.
Blavity: Deaths Of Two Black Men Prompt NAACP To Call For DOJ Investigation, Suspension Of Task Force Set By Trump
In a letter addressed to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the NAACP calls attention to the fact that “In just one week, two young Black men have been killed while in the custody of, or in the presence of, law enforcement agencies in Tennessee.”
The Tennessee Tribune: NAACP calls for federal investigation of TN deaths
In a letter sent to the Department of Justice, the NAACP called for an immediate investigation into the deaths of both Darius Chappell of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Tyrin Johnson of Memphis, Tennessee.
TheGrio: Black leaders say this is why Todd Blanche is not qualified amid AG confirmation hearing
“Todd Blanche has used his position to carry out the personal and political bidding of the president, at the literal expense of the American people. From supporting Trump’s unlawful $1.8 billion slush fund to covering up the Epstein Files, he is unqualified and cannot be trusted to prioritize or protect us,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. “We’re at a pivotal point in our nation, where we face attack from every angle, and we must stand against unprincipled, so-called leaders who are personally loyal to a corrupt president.”
Ebony: The State of US: Nolan Wells Update, Harriet Tubman $20 Bill Halted, Funding For Black Farmers, and More
NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the Justice Department has a responsibility to protect the constitutional rights of Black Americans and ensure transparency in cases involving law enforcement. The organization said a federal investigation would help determine the circumstances surrounding both deaths and provide accountability for affected communities.
The Power to Persist: NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson On The Habits of True Leadership Resilience
As the NAACP convenes this week in Chicago for its National Convention, there could not be a more timely conversation than this one. In this powerful episode of The Power to Persist podcast, host Lamell McMorris sits down with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson for an intimate discussion on the front lines of modern civil rights leadership.
WIVT TV: VIDEO: Local NAACP says man was wrongfully convicted
Local NAACP says man was wrongfully convicted
WBNG TV: VIDEO: Broome-Tioga NAACP advocates for release of inmate Tabu Waddell
Broome-Tioga NAACP advocates for release of inmate Tabu Waddell
NAACP NEWS AND UPDATES
117TH NAACP NATIONAL CONVENTION
IT’S TIME! As many of you begin your descent on the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago, we’ve got you covered.
Special guests? We’ve got an amazing lineup waiting for you, including acclaimed filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee, actress and activist Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, actor and singer-songwriter Billy Porter, actor Morris Chestnut, singer-songwriter Kenny Lattimore, preacher, author, and civil rights advocate Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, gospel artist Jekalyn Carr, and many others.
Looking to shake up your career journey? Don’t miss the NAACP National Convention Virtual Career Fair on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 12-4 p.m. CT. This fair is open to all candidates across the nation, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to attend – you do not have to be a member of NAACP or conference attendee to participate.
Explore our schedule-at-a-glance, stay up to date at naacp.org/convention and follow us on social media (@naacp).
We The People are ready to gather, mobilize, and ACT.
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Head to the convention and back for just $5. Ride the CTA. The Green & Red Line are a short walk from McCormick Place and many buses drop you off right out front. Tap-to-pay is available on all CTA trains & buses. Find your best route at transitchicago.com/planatrip/. |
2026 ONCON ICON AWARDS
The NAACP has been named a 2026 ONCON Icon Awards finalist for the top 100 Marketing Team Award, a globally recognized, peer and community-voted honor that recognizes some of the top marketing teams in the entire world. We’re proud to be recognized for the work we do to inform, engage, and empower communities through meaningful storytelling and advocacy.
Voting is now open. Help us bring this recognition home by casting your vote today!
The deadline to vote is July 22, 2026.
THE ADVANCEMENT LIST
Applications will close THIS MONTH on July 26 for The Advancement List, NAACP’s new initiative recognizing the Black leaders and visionaries making an impact across every industry. This list honors those whose work is creating change, opening doors, and helping shape the future of America. The future is being built right now, and Black excellence is leading the way. Learn more and apply today.
NAACP CREATIVE FELLOWSHIP
The NAACP Creative Fellowship program, in partnership with Adobe, is a 14-week paid fellowship that includes training, mentorship, and hands-on workplace experience. This Fellowship is for individuals with some experience with video editing who are ready to launch their careers in post-production.
This program includes:
- Intensive Week-Long Retreat
- Industry Mentorship and Career Coaching
- Craft Conversations
- Hands-on Industry Experience
- Tools & Creative Support
Visit our site to learn more. The deadline to apply is July 24, 2026.
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ONGOING ACTIONS
- Out of Bounds: NAACP is calling on Black athletes, families, alumni, and fans to withhold athletic and financial support from public universities in these states until they protect Black voting power.
- Redistricting: Explore our “Redistricting, Power & Our Vote” collection, learn more about the fight for fair maps, and stay informed ahead of the 2026 midterms. Plus, visit the NAACP Store to grab our “A Black Vote Was Suppressed Today” merch and support the fight for voting rights.
- One Nation, Overcharged: This summer, NAACP is proud to join One Nation, Overcharged. Together, we’re demanding a healthcare system that puts our health over corporate profits – and works for everyone.
- 25th Amendment: The stability of our nation hangs in the balance under President Trump. Tell the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment.
- Fund the Future Now: Learn more about this youth-led campaign by the NAACP Youth & College Division fighting to make college affordable, accessible, and free from lifelong debt.
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