NAACP 116th National Convention Returns Charlotte After Nearly 30 Years

Charlotte is set to host the NAACP's 116th National Convention from July 12 to 16 at the Charlotte Convention Center, marking the first time since 1996 the event returns to the city. The convention, themed "The Fierce Urgency of Now," emphasizes civil rights, social justice, and Black excellence, with programming including workshops on mental health, Black-owned businesses, and defending democracy. For the first time in 116 years, the sitting president, Donald Trump, was not invited to speak, a decision attributed to concerns over his policies and perceived attacks on civil rights and democracy. The event will feature free community experiences like a block party with rapper MC Lyte, an interactive space called "The Hub," and celebrity appearances, alongside ticketed sessions focusing on empowerment and activism. Organizers anticipate thousands of attendees, aiming to surpass last year's economic impact of $16.7 million seen in Las Vegas, while local leaders highlight the convention's significance in energizing activists and showcasing Charlotte's diversity. The NAACP maintains a nonpartisan stance but underscores its mission to advance civil rights amid current political challenges.