NAACP to Host 106th Annual Convention in Philadelphia July 11-15

The NAACP recently announced it will host its 106th Annual Convention in Philadelphia, July 11-15. This year's convention theme is Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice. In the wake of the social and economic unrest across the country, the NAACP will focus on building a broad-based agenda around voting rights, criminal justice reform, health equity, economic opportunity and education equality ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

"Under the banner of Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice, the NAACP looks forward to convening thousands of civil rights, human rights and social justice activists to network and develop measurable strategies that inspire courage in participants to implement sustainable political and economic changes in vulnerable neighborhoods throughout the country," said NAACP board chairman Roslyn M. Brock.

The convention occurs a few weeks ahead of the kickoff of the NAACP's America's Journey for Justice—a series of direct actions that will take place along the 850 mile route from Selma, Ala. to Washington, D.C.—through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, to highlight vulnerable communities subject to regressive voting rights tactics.

"Our lives, our votes, our jobs and our schools matter," said Cornell William Brooks, NAACP president and CEO. "I look forward to meeting with citizen leaders in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American liberty, who share these values and our unyielding commitment to protecting the lives of Americans, the sustainable jobs of our citizenry, our right to vote and the integrity of our democracy. As we head into the 2016 election, we must secure unfettered access to the ballot box for every American. The ballot box is our most powerful way to raise our voice. Join us in Philly as we work together to find the solutions, strategies and inspiration for what yet ails our nation."

This year's convention speakers include well-known—as well as the next generation of—civil rights leaders, elected officials, faith leaders, actors and community activists.