NAACP Brings Talented Youth to Boston for Annual ACT-SO Competition at 114th National Convention
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
July 27, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
BOSTON– The annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition will return to the main stage for the NAACP's 114th National Convention (BCEC) in Boston. The ACT-SO competition is the culmination of a year's worth of local programs hosted by NAACP branches across the country, which brings mentoring and scholastic enrichment to youth while fostering community, achievement, and excellence within Black communities.
This year's programming will include:
Friday, July 28, 2023
- ACT-SO College Summit - BCEC, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
- ACT-SO participants will have the opportunity to network with 14+ colleges and universities from across the country.
- ACT-SO & Youth & College Joint Event - GenZ Culture Talk - BCEC Ballroom, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
- This year ACT-SO participants will come together to participate in the following four separate workshop conversations focused on the essence and future of the culture:
- A STEAM workshop,
- An intimate conversations designed around the idea of the barbershop/salon,
- A discussion of pressures of being a generation on social media, activist burnout, culture & identity,
- And a breakout space for environmental climate justice enthusiasts.
- This year ACT-SO participants will come together to participate in the following four separate workshop conversations focused on the essence and future of the culture:
- ACT-SO STEM & Visual Arts Gallery Opening - BCEC Hall A, 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Observe the STEM and visual artwork created by this year's ACT-SO participants. The Gallery will be open for viewing from July 28-30, 2023.
- ACT-SO + Lancôme Panel: Unlocking Your Potential in College & Navigating the Transition - BCEC Hall A, 2:30 pm- 3:15 pm
- ACT-SO participants will hear from a panel of inspirational leaders as they share their stories of hope, resilience, and success, powered by Lancôme. The panel will feature award-winning journalist Elaine Welteroth, content creator and model Achieng Agutu, and fashion and beauty expert and Fashion & Beauty editor Kahlana Barfield Brown.
- ACT-SO Taste & Savor Culinary Experience - BCEC Hall A, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- ACT-SO culinary participants will share their culinary masterpieces with Convention attendees.
Saturday, July 29, 2023
- 46TH NAACP ACT-SO Awards - BCEC, 8:00 am- 12:00 pm
- Celebrate the winners of the 46th annual ACT-SO Competition! The event will include the presentation of 40 scholarships to young participants from the greater New England area in partnership with Lancôme's "Write Your Future" scholarship program.
The full schedule of events is available here.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.