NAACP Convention Closes Underscoring the Fierce Urgency of Now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2025
Contact: communications@naacpnet.org
CHARLOTTE – The 116th NAACP National Convention concluded on a high note as nearly 9,000 attendees gathered in Charlotte to strategize, mobilize, and organize. As the week's events closed, attendees rallied around the theme The Fierce Urgency of Now. Packed with speakers, elected officials, celebrities, sessions, and networking, the Convention challenged the community to shape its own legacy through content, creativity, and collective voice.
The 116th NAACP Convention brought together leading voices in media and activism to discuss how narrative power can be a force for resistance and truth. In a moment marked by rising disinformation, cultural erasure, and political hostility, panelists affirmed the role of Black creators — and organizations like the NAACP — as essential producers of culture and shapers of truth.
Through documentaries, digital content, in-person activations, and scripted media, panelists emphasized that Black storytelling is both a legacy and a lifeline, capable of shifting narratives, fueling movements, and healing generations.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson addressed convention attendees during the closing plenary session. Excerpts from his remarks are below:
- "When you think about the $900 billion being cut out of Medicaid…my mother is 80 years old. So, of course, she receives Medicaid. Of course, she receives Medicare…And it's going to hit a tipping point where there's going to be some mother or grandmother or person who needs to go to the emergency room, and the doctor will not be there because there's no way to provide for the doctor to carry out the services."
- "We all grew up with election after election saying this is the most important election of our lifetime. And we all do what we can to try to get people to the polls…And in November of last year, we realized that cute words – reminiscent of history – aren't enough anymore. The strategies that we have used in the past won't work today."
- "In many cases, some of our partners have taken us for granted, and they've decided to use our Black vote as a business model for their profit opportunity and never put the money in the Black community."
- "We don't have time for a us versus us paradigm. We don't have time for "Black men voted here" and "white women voted here." We don't have time for old people versus young people…We don't have time because the Fierce Urgency of Now is the reality that they are coming for all of us."
The Convention culminated with the Evening of Excellence Awards Dinner, a celebration of artistry, achievement, and the enduring cultural contributions of Black creators.
The 117th NAACP National Convention in 2026 will be hosted in Chicago. Until then, the Association will continue its work to advance social justice and civil rights. Visit naacp.org for more information.
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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.