In 2026, the NAACP will bring its signature national gathering to Chicago from July 18–22. Known for its endurance, innovation, and community leadership, the city will welcome thousands of leaders, organizers, artists, policymakers, and advocates for the 117th NAACP National Convention—five days focused on advancing civil rights and shaping the future.
Chicago has long been a place where progress takes root. Its labor history, rich Black cultural legacy, and tradition of grassroots organizing place the city at the center of culture and social change. In the summer of 2026, Chicago will again serve as a national forum for conversations on democracy, community safety, and justice.
Chicago and the NAACP: A Centennial Return
The 2026 Convention marks a meaningful centennial return to Chicago. The NAACP first held its national convention in the city in June 1926, followed by a return in 1994. The upcoming Convention will be the third time Chicago has hosted the organization’s national gathering. This milestone marks Chicago’s enduring role in the civil rights movement and reflects the strength of its communities and their continued pursuit of equity and justice.
Chicago also provides a timely and powerful setting for the Convention. The city has been at the center of national debates on immigration, federal enforcement actions, and the role of local communities in protecting civil and human rights. As Chicago has faced heightened scrutiny and federal activity involving immigration enforcement, the Convention’s presence affirms the NAACP’s commitment to defending civil liberties, advocating for due process, and standing with communities impacted by these policies.
Building on the Momentum of 2025
The 117th Convention follows the 116th NAACP National Convention, held July 12–16, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Charlotte Convention Center. Centered on the theme “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” the gathering brought together thousands to confront urgent civil rights and social justice issues.
Highlights of the 116th NAACP Convention in Charlotte, NC; Photo Credit: Getty Images and The Exclusive Press
With powerful speakers and focused programming, the Charlotte Convention energized members and set the stage for continued action leading into 2026.
What to Expect in Chicago
Attendees can expect timely discussions on voting rights, economic opportunity, education access, criminal justice reform, health equity, and the protection of Black history. The Convention will feature leading voices in civil rights, public policy, and culture through plenaries, workshops, and strategy sessions that help guide the NAACP’s work in the year ahead. These engagements foster collaboration and build lasting networks beyond the Convention. Alongside advocacy and policy, the 117th National Convention will celebrate Black excellence. Chicago’s arts and cultural landscape provides a powerful setting to honor achievements in creativity, innovation, and community leadership.
Whether you are a longtime NAACP member, a student activist, an elected official, a creative, or newly engaged, the 2026 Convention offers a space to connect, contribute, and move the work forward.
