BALTIMORE – Thousands of activists, artists, entertainers, civil rights and social justice leaders will gather for the 110th NAACP Annual Convention in Detroit, Michigan, July 20th to 24th. The five-day convention will include continuing legal education seminars, federal legislative and public policy workshops, youth workshops, civic engagement workshops, the signature NAACP Experience, and more.
The LGBTQ town hall entitled, The State of LGBTQ People of Color in America, will take place on Tuesday, July 23 at 2:30 pm at the COBO Center. The town hall will focus on establishing collaborative partnerships to ensure that all individuals are protected under the law irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and social classes to eliminate race-based discrimination. Panelists will include:
- Curtis Lipscomb, Executive Director, Safe Brave Space LGBT Detroit
- Michelle Elizabeth Brown, Radio Host, Public Speaker, Author, and Activist
- Nicole Denson, International Activist and Warrior
- Attorney Robert Marchman, PFLAG National Board Member
“Effective policy changes are dependent on the active participation of all citizens. Without full inclusion, we acquire an outcome that is less than desirable communally,” said NAACP National Health Manager & LGBTQ Lead Rev. Keron R. Sadler. “The LGBTQ community’s voice rings loudly in the effective process to build and sustain systemic change toward a stronger democracy.”
To ensure that the LGBTQ voice is captured as we advocate for civil and human rights, we will explore distinct priorities that include a strong yet diverse representation of the Black LGBTQ population during this facilitated town hall. This dialogue will explore various topics including: Effective Strategies for LGBTQ Activism; Acceptance & Inclusion; Representation in the Workplace, Congress and Media; and the LGBTQ power in the area of Voting Rights.
Convention participants, grassroots leaders and sponsors will also gather for an LGBTQ networking reception, where they will hear from NAACP leaders about their current work in addition to our stance around equal protection for all under the law. The NAACP along with other grassroots entities will come together over hors d’oeuvres and drinks identifying ways to prevent stigma and discrimination through an inclusive intersectional approach. As we leverage partnerships, it is critical to identify ways to serve the LGBTQ community collaboratively with national LGBTQ organizations.
Honorary Reception: This convention for the NAACP LGBTQ Taskforce marks the 10 year anniversary, of the taskforce. During the NAACP’s Centennial Convention hosted in New York City (July 15, 2009), we officially unveiled the LGBT Equality Taskforce. The taskforce co-chaired by the late Chairman Emeritus, Julian Bond and CA-HI State/State Area Conference President & National Board Membership, Alice Huffman, was officially formed in February 2009 during the Association’s national board meeting.
ABOUT NAACP 110TH CONVENTION:
The NAACP Convention brings together over 10,000 activists, organizers, and leaders to set policies priorities for the coming year. Highlights will include a Presidential Candidates Forum, a legislative session, a CEO Roundtable, LGBTQ workshop, the awarding of the prestigious Spingarn Medal to Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, and the signature NAACP Experience retail expo and diversity career fair. More information about the 110th Annual NAACP National Convention, including a detailed schedule of events may be found by visiting naacpconvention.org.
Media interested in covering the event should apply for press credentials here.
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.
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