The NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference concluded its 39th annual convention in Long Beach on Oct. 25, reaffirming its commitment to civil rights, civic engagement and economic equity.
Held October 22–25 under the theme “We the People: Will Not Be Deterred,” the convention brought together NAACP members from local branches and youth and college units across California and Hawaii.
“We come together at a critical moment. Our civil rights, voting rights, educational opportunities, economic security, history, and democracy continue to face serious challenges,” said NAACP (CA/HI) President Dr. Rick L. Callender in his welcome statement addressed to attendees. “This is not the time to become discouraged or distracted. It is the time to become even more determined.”
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Elected officials, community leaders, labor representatives and young people also attended the four-day convention, participating in discussions, workshops and celebrations focused on issues affecting Black communities and other communities of color.
Among guests were U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.); U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43); California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond; civil rights attorney John L. Burris; J. Luke Wood, California State University Sacramento president; and LaNiece Jones, president and CEO of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).
“We Are in the Thick of It,’ underscores the urgency of collaboration and collective action,” Jones said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to strengthen partnerships between NAACP CA/HI, BWOPA California, sororities/fraternities and Black-led community organizations statewide — expanding civic engagement, developing future leaders, and continuing to build Black political power.”
Jones added, “Our organizations were not created simply to sustain themselves; we were created to sustain our people’s will to progress.”
The California-Hawaii State Conference (CA/HI) coordinates advocacy, organizing and community engagement through its regional network of branches in both states.
The annual convention provides an opportunity for members and leaders to assess progress, establish priorities and strengthen partnerships, according to organizers.
This year’s gathering explored the connections between civil rights, political participation, environmental justice and economic opportunity, emphasizing the importance of turning advocacy into meaningful community improvements.
