NAACP to Mobilize Millennials & Youth to Defeat Hate at 109th Annual Convention
Youth and College workshops planned to empower hundreds of the next generation of activist leaders
Baltimore, Maryland (July 5, 2018) – The NAACP’s 109th National Convention, taking place in San Antonio, TX from July 14th – 18th, will feature a wide variety of events and workshops to mobilize the leaders of tomorrow to create a better world for all people to thrive.
“We live in a time where Black millennials and post-millennials feel that their voices aren’t heard; that their opinions on issues that directly affect them don’t matter to people in positions of power,” said Tiffany Dena Loftin, NAACP Youth and College Division National Director. “Our workshops and events in San Antonio will bring several hundred young people together to show our collective strength, and to ultimately make lasting and impactful change in the communities of black and brown people.”
The Youth and College Division of the NAACP has been recharged in the last four months since National Director, Loftin has joined the Association. On March 24, 2018, almost 1,000 NAACP student activists and leaders from all across the country were bussed to Washington, DC to attend the historic March For Our Lives Rally. Since then a partnership has developed with the March For Our Lives Organization to participate in the Road to Change Voter Registration campaign. Both key ways to show and prove that youth are aware of the problems this country faces and they are energetic and enthused to make a lasting change.
The youth and college programming at the 109th convention will feature a series of captivating and informational workshops and events all leading up to the grand finale, the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Dinner: Welcome to Wakanda, The Royal Gala, on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The gala will celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of young people within the NAACP.
Media interested in covering the event should apply for credentials here.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet prominent voices in advocacy today. Activist and Women’s March Organizer, Tamika Mallory will moderate a Hip Hop and Civic Engagement panel at the Roy Wilkins Youth Luncheon and Senior Director of Social Media for MTV/TRL; and Terron Moore, will speak at the Clara Luper Youth and College Luncheon, an event dedicated to honoring youth advisors and bestowing the “Advisor of the Year” award.
The Youth and College Public Mass meeting will take place on Monday, July 16th, this event is free and open to the public. The conversation will center on a panel discussion with notable organizations that work to advance civil rights alongside the NAACP. This year’s convention theme Defeat Hate – Vote reminds us that to combat white supremacy and bigotry, we must vote in elected officials that share our values.
**Youth and College Public Mass Meeting Panel Discussion Highlight**
“This Non-Violent Stuff Will Get You Killed”
Moderator: Van Lathan, Reporter, Red Pill Podcast and TMZ
Panelists: Opal Tometi, Black Lives Matter
Philip Agnew, Dream Defenders
Mysonne The General, Recording Artist
Jamira Burley, Gun Violence Prevention Advocate and Essence 100 Black Woke Women
Blair Imani, Author, Activist, and Founder of Equality for HER
Workshops scheduled from Monday, July 16th to Tuesday, July 17th will tackle topics pertinent to today’s political climate such as using collective power at the ballot box, gun reform, reproductive health and women’s rights, and opportunities for advancement in the relationship between the LGBTQIA community and the Black church.
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Other highlights will include the 40th anniversary o f NAACP ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technical and Scientific Olympics) final competition and awards, Wednesday’s highly anticipated Freedom Fund Banquet, plus a health pavilion, retail expo, veterans’ luncheon and a diversity career fair. More information about the 2018 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 credentials here.