NAACP Kicks Off Historic 116th National Convention

CHARLOTTE – Today, the NAACP officially opens its 116th National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, under the powerful theme, The Fierce Urgency of Now. Day one set the tone for a week of action, reflection, and mobilization as delegates, community members, and national leaders gathered to confront the defining civil rights challenges of today.

"We are witnessing a full-scale assault on democracy in real time — from the statehouse to the courthouse. This summit is not just a gathering — it's a call to action. We're here to equip our local leaders, uplift our communities, and mobilize our members against those trying to silence our voices and dismantle our rights. Democracy cannot wait — and neither can we. Our time is now," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of NAACP.

At a time when the rule of law, equal access to the ballot, and basic freedoms are under threat, the summit reaffirmed that local leaders — especially mayors — are frontline defenders of democracy. On Day One, the message was clear: This is not business as usual. The fight to preserve fundamental freedoms is happening in real time, and the NAACP stands at the helm of that fight.

Yesterday morning, the 2025 Back to the Basics Democracy Summit covered topics including Data & Targeting, Messaging & Research, Issue Advocacy, Community Organizing, and Effective Communication Strategies. Attendees had the opportunity to collaborate with political action members from across the country and work closely with subject matter experts from both within and beyond the NAACP to tackle the biggest crises facing our democracy.

Returning by popular demand, The Hub also opened its doors yesterday to the public, showcasing the vibrancy, ingenuity, and resilience of Black America. Free and open to the public. The Hub featured legendary DJ MC Lyte and Charlotte's DJ Ace on the mainstage and a wide array of opportunities and activations, including:

Job and Career Fair
Sports, Games, and Mini-Golf
Free Student backpack giveaway
Professional Headshots
College Summit & Career Fair
Tech and Banking Centers
Content Creator & Author's Clubhouse featuring Black authors
Retail Lab: "Queen City Market" with small local and Black owned businesses

Check out The Hub, open from Friday, 11th to Monday, 14th, naacp.org/thehub.

This morning, during the Health Equity Summit, leaders in public health, medicine, and policy convened to examine urgent issues facing Black communities — from medical racism to mental health access to maternal mortality. Organized around the NAACP Center for Health Equity's four strategic pillars, the summit spotlighted actionable solutions to dismantle structural barriers and promote whole-community wellness.

One of the most anticipated additions to this year's Convention launched today, called Be in the Biz – a new initiative from the NAACP Hollywood Bureau. Designed to bridge the opportunity gap for underrepresented creatives, the series connects aspiring filmmakers, writers, and producers with industry insiders — including executives, producers, and changemakers shaping culture behind the scenes.

As the Convention continues, attendees will engage in a series of policy sessions, trainings, cultural events, and strategic convenings all designed to drive the NAACP's mission forward and ensure Black communities thrive, not just survive.

NAACP would like to thank its sponsors of the 116th NAACP National Convention for their support.

For more information and ongoing updates from the 116th NAACP National Convention, visit naacp.org/convention.

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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.

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