News & Impact
July 24, 2026
117th NAACP National Convention Ends in Chicago, Mobilizing Thousands Under the Theme “We, The People”
Chyna Fields (cfields@naacpnet.org)
CHICAGO –The 117th NAACP National Convention ended in Chicago, after bringing together civil rights advocates, community organizers, youth leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers from across the nation. Held under the theme "We, The People," the five-day gathering served as a powerful call to action on civic engagement, civil rights protection, environmental justice, and economic equity.
Throughout the convention, thousands of attendees engaged in panels, planning sessions, mainstage discussions, and setting the Association's policies focused on addressing systemic inequities, defending democracy, and advancing opportunities for Black communities.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson stated in his opening address,"All roads lead to November. There is nothing more important than this convening as we prepare to have an impact at the polls because November is the destination. As we do our work as an association, it is important for us to see us – our light, our power. Because we are once again being called to save this democracy.
"A democracy that has not always been kind to us. A democracy that has always worked to figure out how to go around us. That has preferred to circulate capital control to exploit us. And yet we are here at this place as the most loyal and dedicated citizens this country has ever seen."
The 117th National Convention highlighted several pivotal policy areas and community initiatives:
Civic Engagement & Policy Resolutions: Delegates voted on policy resolutions that will frame the NAACP's national advocacy agenda, with a focus on voting rights protection, education equity, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. During the Democracy Summit, the NAACP civic engagement team led sessions on the importance of getting out the vote in the midterm elections.
The Hub & Economic Empowerment: The Hub highlighted Black-owned businesses, technology innovation, financial literacy, and community health initiatives.
Youth Leadership & Innovation: Youth scholars and creatives showcased their achievements during the national finals of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) and Youth and College advocates addressed food insecurity in the city of Chicago with the Day of Service.
Marquee Events: Delegates gathered for signature proceedings, including the Charles Hamilton Houston Legal Advocacy Training Institute, which featured some of our nation's most revered Attorneys General, and the annual Spingarn Medal presentation, the highest honor of the NAACP which was awarded to Rev. Dr. Amos Brown. Tutored by Medgar Evers, Benjamin Mays, Samuel Williams, J. Pious Barbour, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (as one of the eight students in the only class Dr. King taught in his lifetime at Morehouse College), Dr. Brown is known among World leaders, presidents, celebrities, and academicians alike for his trademark activism, intellectual discipline, and masterful oratory.
"Illinois is proud to welcome the NAACP and thousands of its members, allies, and leaders to Chicago," said Governor JB Pritzker. "At a moment when the right to vote and the promise of equal representation are under attack, the NAACP's courage and leadership has never been more important. The theme 'We, the People' is a reminder that our democracy only lives up to its promise when every voice is heard, especially those that have been systematically silenced and Illinois stands with the NAACP in that fight."
Out of Bounds
College Athletics
We're calling for Black athletes, families, alumni, and fans to withhold athletic and financial support from public universities in southern states attacking Black voting rights.
No Representation.
No Recruitment.
No Revenue.
Across the South, Black athletes have helped build some of the most profitable college athletic programs in America, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. At the same time, several southern state governments are moving to limit, reduce, weaken, or erase Black voting representation by creating new, unconstitutional voting districts.
You can't have one without the other. Profiting off of Black athletes while suppressing their vote is out of bounds.