PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The 113th NAACP National Convention comes to Atlantic City Thursday. The theme for the week-long event is “This Is Power.”
Many of the nation’s civic leaders, clergy, lawmakers and grassroots activists will highlight the difficult issues that affect the Black community, including the rise of white supremacy, voter suppression and housing discrimination.
“When we talk about things like Roe v. Wade, education and all of those things, we end up meeting and discussing all of those things throughout the conference,” said Philadelphia NAACP Branch President Catherine Hicks.
“It gives us the power to make change when we talk about voter registration, when we talk about gun legislation and different things. Our voice is power.”
The convention, to be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center and various nearby venues, is expected to draw over 8,000 people before concluding on July 20. Workshops will include continuing education and preparing for homeownership, along with others.
”Our vote, our power: That’s a youth workshop,” said Hicks. “Education workshops, civic engagement, race and justice, environmental and climate.”
Organizers are also hosting a career fair and academic competitions which will include some Philadelphia-area students.
“We are really excited about Philadelphia being a part of this convention, and being able to meet and discuss the issues that plague our city,” said Hicks. “To bring back some information we’ll be implementing as well.”
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Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to attend on Monday, as the president and vice president are traditionally invited. Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, both D-New Jersey, and most of the state's congressional delegation are also expected.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first time in two years the convention is being held in person. Organizers are requiring attendees to wear face masks and offer proof of vaccination.
Atlantic City is hosting the convention for the first time since 1955.