Winston-Salem to host N.C. NAACP convention
Above: Photo by Tevin Stinson- Daphne Holmes-Johnson, state chair for NC NAACP State Convention speaks to members of the local chapter during a recent meeting
72nd conference is expected to be biggest yet
By Tevin Stinson, The Chronicle
Winston-Salem has been chosen to host the 72nd North Carolina State NAACP Convention Oct. 8-10. NAACP members from across the state will descend upon the city.
The three-day convention will feature a number of seminars, learning sessions and guest speakers.
During the final day of the convention N.C. NAACP President Rev. Dr. William J. Barber will deliver his State of the State address, expressing his thoughts on the progress of the state branch, and his plan for the future.
Daphne Holmes-Johnson, N.C. NAACP executive board member and state convention chair, said that in years past the State of the State address has been filled with national and local media coverage.
“The State of the State is always one of the most crowded events,” said Holmes-Johnson. “I am expecting a lot more national media coverage during this years convention.”
“It has been a big year for the state branch. Dr. Barber has been appearing on a number of national media networks over the past few months. We are expecting that to lead to more coverage during the convention.”
2015 has been a busy one for the state branch. On July 11, a federal court case filled by the state branch began and lasted three weeks in Winston-Salem. A judge now will determine whether recent changes in the state’s election laws discriminate against black voters.
To educate the public on the court case (N.C. NAACP vs. McCrory), the state branch sponsored a number of information sessions, and rallies were held across the state.
“We want our annual convention to reflect all the work we have been doing as a state branch,” said Holmes-Johnson. “We want this year’s festival to be the biggest and best yet.”
The annual convention will begin with a Religious Emphasis Day Luncheon at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive.
Other events during the convention include a political action luncheon, delegates’ reception and awards banquet. The N.C. NAACP Youth & College Division will also sponsor a number of events during the convention, including a youth night and dance.
Legislative meetings will also be held during the convention, where budget reports and elections for officers will take place. Only chosen delegates from each branch can attend these events.
The locations for a number of events are still being decided.
Winston-Salem Branch President Isaac Howard said during a recent meeting that he is happy that the convention will be held in Winston-Salem this year and said he is going to need the help of the entire community.
“We are currently looking for volunteers,” said Howard. “We have to make sure our city is well represented when the convention arrives.”
For more information on the 72nd Annual North Carolina State NAACP Convention, visit www.naacpnc.org. To volunteer for the convention, contact president Isaac Howard at 336-287-4861.
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