NAACP Welcomes Tylik McMillan as New National Director of the Youth and College Division
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – The NAACP proudly announces Tylik McMillan as its National Director of the Youth and College Division. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organization as it continues advancing its mission to champion justice, equity, and empowerment for Black communities and work to mobilize voters ahead of the midterm elections across the country.
"Throughout his career, Tylik has remained committed to inspiring young people to see civic engagement as not only a way forward for our community, but a necessity for the future of this nation," said Dominik Whitehead, Chief of Field, Membership Growth and Unit Sustainability. "I'd also like to thank interim Y&C director Derrick Lewis for sustaining the foundation for this division. Tylik will build upon that work. We're confident his vision and dedication to the movement will propel our mission forward at this critical moment for our nation."
A nationally recognized civil rights activist, strategist, and advocate for youth power, Tylik brings a dynamic record of leadership spanning grassroots organizing, national movement building, and strategic policy advocacy. He helped organize the 2020 Commitment March on Washington and the 2021 March On for Voting Rights, mobilizing hundreds of thousands in Washington, D.C., to advocate for racial justice, police reform, and voting rights protections.
"I'm honored to serve as the National Director of Youth and College for the NAACP," said Tylik McMillan. "At this pivotal moment in time, it is crucial that our community continues building power, strengthening civic engagement, and ensuring young people know their voices matter. I look forward to working with our communities and youth advocates across the country to create lasting change."
Tylik has been recognized by former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden-Harris White House as a prominent young voice helping to lead the nation forward. His leadership and impact have earned him numerous honors, including United States Black Chambers, Inc. 50 Under 40 honoree, Bloomberg 50 One to Watch, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Top 10 Most Influential Alumni, Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 honoree, and National Urban League Young Professionals National Trailblazer.
The NAACP welcomes this champion for justice to the largest and most influential civil rights organization in the nation. We look forward to witnessing his bold and innovative leadership approach in action with our youth advocates.
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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.