NAACP Celebrates Black Excellence Across All Industries through The Advancement List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2026

Contact: communications@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — The NAACP today announced the launch of the NAACP Advancement List, a new national recognition initiative designed to celebrate and elevate the extraordinary accomplishments of Black leaders, innovators, creators, and change agents across every industry.

From business and technology to entertainment, education, healthcare, public service, advocacy, and beyond, the NAACP Advancement List will honor individuals whose work is driving meaningful progress for Black communities and shaping the future of America.

At a time when the contributions of Black leaders are often minimized or overlooked, the NAACP Advancement List stands as both a celebration and a declaration: advancement is happening, and it deserves to be recognized.

"Black excellence is not confined to one sector, one title, or one moment," said Trovon Williams, Founder and Creator of the NAACP Advancement List and SVP of Marketing and Communications at the NAACP. "The NAACP Advancement List is about affirming the power of our community across industries — from boardrooms to classrooms, from studios to startups. We must intentionally celebrate those who are building, innovating, leading, and advancing our people forward every single day."

The NAACP Advancement List will spotlight individuals whose work reflects impact, influence, innovation, and a measurable commitment to uplifting Black communities. Honorees will represent a cross-section of industries and disciplines, reinforcing the truth that advancement is not limited to traditional spaces of power — it is happening everywhere.

"Celebrating our own is an act of resistance and an act of affirmation," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "For more than a century, the NAACP has fought to ensure that Black achievement is recognized and protected. The NAACP Advancement List continues that legacy by honoring the leaders who are pushing our communities forward, often against tremendous odds. Their success is our collective progress."

Submission Window

Early entries for nomination and submissions for the inaugural NAACP Advancement List will open on June 8th. Individuals may nominate themselves or others whose work demonstrates exceptional leadership, impact, and advancement within their respective fields.

Selected honorees will be announced later this year and celebrated across NAACP platforms.

By launching the NAACP Advancement List, the Association reaffirms its commitment not only to advocacy and accountability but also to recognition — ensuring that the brilliance, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders are visible, documented, and celebrated.

For more information and to submit a nomination beginning June 8, 2026, please visit www.advancementlist.com for more information. 

About the 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.