‘Thriving together’: NAACP national convention coming to Boston in July

BOSTON — Mayor Michelle Wu on Tuesday joined local, state and national leaders in the Black community to discuss the 114th NAACP National Convention, which will be held in Boston from July 26 to July 31.

Wu, in addressing convention organizers and leaders in Roxbury, said she’s thrilled that the NAACP chose to hold its convention in Boston.

“We have always been a city carried forward and lifted higher by the wisdom of Black ideas, the music of Black voices, the power of Black brilliance,” Wu said. “And so we are infinitely proud to be welcoming an organization with such deep roots in Boston’s Black history.”

Wu said within the past few years, Boston and Massachusetts have seen greater representation from members of the Black community: in the mayoral office, on the City Council and also at the state level.

“Thanks to the work and the diligence and the focus of this city and many of the people in this room, there are more than ever now, Black- and brown-owned businesses in this thriving neighborhood of Boston and efforts underway to ensure that we will see equity represented in every part of our city and every part of our economy, " Wu said.

The convention had earlier been planned in Boston a few years back, but didn’t happen due to the pandemic, said Leon Russell, NAACP Chairman of the Board, who told the audience that he’s thrilled the convention is finally coming to Boston.

“Come through the convention, be a part of what we do at the NAACP,” said Russell. “We are the national’s oldest and largest and boldest and probably, proudest, civil rights organization. We are that grassroots organization that attempts to impact public policy across this country, and so we are so happy, so happy that we’ll be here.”

Russell said organizers have set a theme of “thriving together,” which will be the focus of this year’s convention.

“When we come to Boston in July, we’re going to wake this place up,” Russell said. “We’re going to wake this place up. We’re going to face the fact that we need to continue the fight for education equality and equity in education. We’re going to raise the issues of gun violence in America, and how police use their authority in America. We’re going to look at the issues that are confronted by communities across this country.”

In speaking to the audience, Wu also paid tribute to famous Black historical figures who are part of the city’s rich history, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Bruce Bolling, Melnea Cass and Mel King, among others.

“Black leadership, Black excellence and Black resilience and Black joy are not new here in Boston. Boston is not only the cradle of democracy but the birthplace of the abolitionist movement,” Wu said.

Wu said Boston will be hosting a variety of programming to celebrate local diversity this summer, and especially during the week of the NAACP convention.

The five-day convention will include inspirational guest speakers who will discuss a “variety of hot-button topics impacting the Black community,” according to the NAACP.

“Each year, the Convention fosters an intergenerational approach to advocacy, connecting activists, allies, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds through main stage discussions, luncheons, and the experience hall. Together, they are united in their commitment to ensuring the Black community thrives together,” the NAACP said.

For more information on the convention schedule, visit the NAACP website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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