NAACP to Host Panel Featuring Robert Kraft, Meek Mill, Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. at 114th National Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – The NAACP's 114th National Convention will feature a panel discussion entitled "Hate Has No Home Here - A Moderated Conversation on Racism, Antisemitism, and Building Bridges to Fight All Hate" focused on the intersectionality of racial justice and the continued rise in hate crimes. Prominent figures and experts in the field including Chairman of the Kraft Group and Founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, Robert Kraft, Professor Henry Louis Gates, and criminal justice reform advocate Meek Mill will delve into the challenges and importance of combating racial injustice and hate crimes in a conversation moderated by Joy Taylor.
"Panel discussions like this one is what makes the NAACP's National Convention the most rewarding place to be this summer,"said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. "I look forward to the conversation as we focus on the pressing issues of hate crimes against Black individuals and the alarming increase in antisemitism. These esteemed panelists will undoubtedly provide us with meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions to inspire change and foster a society where equality and social justice thrive."
"The NAACP has long been a leader in confronting hate and their fight for equity, equality and social justice," said Chairman of the Kraft Group and Founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism Robert Kraft. "I created the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to raise awareness of the rise of antisemitism and hate we are seeing in communities across our country and to try to combat all forms of hate through education. I am eager to partner with the NAACP and join in this important conversation to work together to fight against antisemitism and hate towards all minority groups."
The convention, themed "Thriving Together," will take place in Boston from July 26th to August 1st and offer attendees extensive programming focused on addressing critical issues faced by Black communities.
"The inequities the Black community faces every day are ones that I've lived in real life and have witnessed firsthand," said Co-Chair of the REFORM Alliance, Meek Mill. "Ever since that pivotal moment in my life when I was faced with injustice and was proud to fight back, I promised to tackle racial inequality and hate of all kinds so people can be treated as they are and not how they are perceived. I am proud to join this conversation to continue that dialogue."
"I am so honored to be a part of the NAACP's 114th National Convention with the opportunity to moderate such a prestigious panel of individuals who are true advocates for racial injustice and hate crimes," said Joy Taylor, Host of "Speak" on Fox Sports 1. "It has always been a goal of my career to help enact change. It is important to me to be a part of conversations regarding the betterment of Black and Brown people in disenfranchised spaces. To have the opportunity to speak to NAACP President Derrick Johnson, Robert Kraft, Meek Mill, and Professor Louis Gates on not only the segmented topics but also about the active work that they are doing in the space, is inspiring."
WHO:
Joy Taylor, Fox Sports Analyst and Co-Host of Speak on FS1
Robert Kraft, Chairman of The Kraft Group and Founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS)
Robert "Meek Mill" Williams, Co-Chair of REFORM Alliance, Grammy-nominated recording artist, and entrepreneur
Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., Historian, Filmmaker, and Harvard University Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research
WHEN: July 30, 2023
WHERE: To attend the panel discussion, please RSVP by completing the form here. Location will be provided upon RSVP.
WHY: The 114th NAACP National Convention will be held in Boston from July 26- August 1, 2023. This empowering and immersive experience is held each year to celebrate the collective power of the Black community. The Convention attracts innovative change-makers, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives, offering a platform to network and exchange ideas. Each year, the Convention fosters an intergenerational approach to advocacy, connecting activists, allies, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds through main stage discussions, luncheons, and the experience hall. Together, they are united in their commitment to ensuring the Black community thrives together.
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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.