News Summary
The 116th NAACP National Convention is underway in Charlotte, bringing together thousands of attendees for a week of activities focused on civil rights and social justice. The event, themed ‘The Fierce Urgency Of Now,’ includes workshops, networking opportunities, and performances. NAACP leaders have controversially decided not to invite President Trump, marking a historic moment. Local businesses are poised to benefit economically, with high demand for accommodations and increased restaurant traffic, as the city prepares for a significant cultural impact.
Charlotte, NC – The 116th NAACP National Convention is currently taking place in Charlotte, running from July 9 to July 16, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center. The convention, which is expected to attract thousands of attendees including entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, and activists from across the nation, has the theme titled “The Fierce Urgency Of Now.”
Organizers anticipate high participation rates, needing around 200 staff members and volunteers to support the myriad of activities throughout the week. The event commenced earlier with the National ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) competition, showcasing talent from youth participants. The convention is recognized by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority as one of the most significant events on its 2025 calendar.
This year’s gathering is projected to fuel a considerable economic boost for Charlotte, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and hospitality workers. High demand for hotel accommodations has led to many blocks selling out, with nightly room rates varying from approximately $183 to $457 during the event. Local restaurants in the area anticipate a substantial increase in business, with some establishments relying on conventions to account for as much as 30% of their summer revenue.
In a significant move, NAACP leaders have made the historic decision not to invite President Trump to this convention, marking the first time a sitting president has not been invited to attend. The event will feature an open public area dubbed “The Hub,” which will provide resources, interactive exhibits, and showcases of local Black-owned businesses.
A block party is scheduled for Friday night, featuring performances from rapper and DJ MC Lyte. Officials are optimistic that this convention will surpass the previous year’s attendance and economic impact figures. Last year’s NAACP convention, held in Las Vegas, attracted over 6,000 attendees and generated an estimated economic impact of $16.7 million.
Scheduled activities for this year’s convention include career summits, empowerment brunches, and workshops focusing on various societal issues, all designed to underscore themes of civil rights, social justice, and Black excellence. The convention serves as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, offering unique opportunities for community members and attendees to connect, learn, and draw inspiration from one another.
As the week progresses, participants can look forward to a rich lineup of events designed to foster engagement and highlight critical issues facing the Black community. The combination of workshops, performances, and open forums aims to not only educate but also energize attendees to take action within their communities.
With a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and fostering unity, the 116th NAACP National Convention in Charlotte is set to leave a lasting impact—both culturally and economically—on the city and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: NAACP Convention in Charlotte
- Wikipedia: NAACP
- Charlotte Observer: NAACP Convention
- Google Search: NAACP National Convention
- Qcity Metro: NAACP Convention
- Google Scholar: NAACP National Convention
- WSOC TV: Schedule for NAACP Convention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NAACP
- QC News: NAACP National Convention
- Google News: Charlotte NAACP Convention
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
