Spokane NAACP President Lisa Gardner Highlights Empowering Start to National Convention
Spokane NAACP President Lisa Gardner. (Photo: Omari Salisbury)
Charlotte, North Carolina - On Sunday, July 13th, the 116th NAACP National Convention began in Charlotte, known as the Queen City, with a day filled with inspiring and empowering events. Lisa Gardner, President of the Spokane NAACP, offered her perspective on the day, highlighting the strong sense of community and shared purpose among the attendees who gathered as the "family of NAACP."
Lisa’s day kicked off with the Women in NAACP (WIN) luncheon, a ticketed event that featured influential figures like New York State Attorney General Letitia James and former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. A key message resonating from the luncheon was the critical importance of hearing, listening to, and believing in Black women. For Gardner, representing Spokane, Washington, where Black people comprise a mere 2% of the population, this message held particular significance, encouraging them to "stand tall" and not diminish themselves in the face of adversity. This sentiment is especially pertinent given the widespread "pushback on DEI, push back on birthright citizenship, and push back on all of the things that constitute us being a free nation". Gardner emphasized, "It's time for us to stand and deliver..
Following the luncheon, the opening plenary session served as a grand welcome for all delegates from across the nation. This session included the presentation of Medgar Evers awards to deserving NAACP employees from the national office. The session also featured remarks from Leon Russell, the NAACP board chairman, who delivered a comprehensive historical account of not only the NAACP but also the enduring struggle of Black people in America. Russell emphasized the continuous fight for their rightful place in the country, a battle that predates 1776. This historical context underscored the convention's powerful theme: "The fierce urgency of now," a resolute call to action to continue standing firm against any attempts to "erase us". As Gardner recounted, this theme has been prevalent "throughout NAACP this morning, this afternoon, and I'm predicting for the rest of the convention".
In addition to the main plenary sessions and luncheons, the convention provided a variety of activities. The "Hub," a free and public space within the Charlotte Convention Center, served as a dynamic center for innovation, celebrating Black excellence, and building connections. It featured Black-owned vendors, displays of NAACP ACTSO artist pieces, music, DJ sets, and appearances by celebrities like MC Lyte and the cast of Netflix’s “Forever.” Each year, the youth elevate the energy and atmosphere of the Hub.
For the youth in attendance, including those from the Spokane Youth Council, Sunday was a significant day. The 48th NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Awards took place, celebrating the achievements of high school students who have honed their skills in various fields, from visual arts to culinary arts. While the ACT-SO National Competition itself spanned from July 9th to July 13th, Sunday marked the culmination with the awards ceremony. Youth and college attendees also have access to specific events throughout the convention, including youth advocacy forums and panel sessions. The convention's commitment to empowering the next generation of civil rights leaders is evident through these dedicated youth programs.
Gardner expressed her keen anticipation for the rest of the 116th National Convention. The initial day, with its "invigorating" and "empowering", set a promising tone for the remainder of the gathering. Gardner remarked, "Tonight was fire. It was really good. I always loved the opening session because it brings all of us from across the nation who do the work of the NAACP together. We talk about our issues, we talk about our celebrations, and we have a good time" She added, "Like I always say, it's not just that we're members, but we're all family of NAACP, and we've been doing the work for 116 years when our founders answered the call and Charlotte has been a warm welcome to all of us".
On the agenda for today for Lisa:
Crisis Point: Defending Democracy and Civil Rights in a Volatile Political Climate
This session addresses the critical moment facing the United States, where democratic foundations and civil rights are under siege due to threats like attacks on voting rights, rollbacks of civil liberties, disinformation, and extremist ideologies. It brings together congressional leaders and change agents, described as "Guardians of Democracy," who are actively confronting these challenges. These speakers are presented as truth-tellers, defenders of justice, and frontline warriors against oppression. The session emphasizes the urgent need to protect democracy and advance civil rights, highlighting the threats to vulnerable communities and the collective power required to preserve fundamental freedoms in this volatile political climate.
Featured Speakers:
Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles - Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina
Angela Rye - Principal and CEO, IMPACT Strategies
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood - Representative, Illinois’ 14th Congressional District
Rep. Yvette D. Clarke - Representative, Ninth Congressional District of New York
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson - Representative, 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi
Charles V. Taylor Jr - Executive Director of the MS State Conference NAACP
Lisa will also be attending the Labor Town Hall and the President's Reception, rounding out a full day of activities here in Charlotte.
