Before the official opening of the 117th NAACP National Convention, the NAACP will host five days of dynamic pre-convention programming from July 15–19, 2026, bringing together activists, policymakers, legal experts, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, youth advocates, environmental justice champions, entrepreneurs, and community organizers from across the nation. Under the Convention theme, “We, The People,” these pre-convention events will address the most pressing issues facing Black America while equipping attendees with tools for advocacy, leadership, and collective action. For media credentials, contact: Communications@naacpnet.org.
WHAT: 117th NAACP National Convention Pre-Convention Programming
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
WHERE: McCormick Place West, 2317 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Additional activities will take place at:
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
- Marriott Marquis Chicago
- University of Chicago David Rubenstein Forum
See below for details. View the full schedule at naacp.org/convention.
49TH NATIONAL ACT-SO COMPETITION
July 15–19, 2026
Marriott Marquis Chicago & McCormick Place West
Founded in Chicago, the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is the nation’s premier achievement program for African American high school students. Throughout the week, students from across the country will compete in 33 disciplines spanning STEM, business, visual arts, humanities, culinary arts, hospitality, and performing arts. The competition culminates with the 49th National ACT-SO Awards Ceremony on July 19.
THE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE SUMMIT
July 16, 2026
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM CT
University of Chicago David Rubenstein Forum
With opening remarks delivered by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, The People’s Climate Summit brings together environmental justice leaders, legal experts, policymakers, and advocates to discuss disaster resiliency, AI data center infrastructure, energy demands, water resources, air quality, and the disproportionate impact of environmental challenges on Black and frontline communities. Attendees will receive practical tools and strategies to influence environmental decision-making and advance climate justice.
WE THE PEOPLE: A NATION ROOTED IN HEALTH
HEALTH EQUITY SUMMIT
July 17, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:35 PM CT
McCormick Place West
The Health Equity Summit will explore healthcare access, equitable health outcomes, food systems, community wellness, and public health policy. The summit features nationally recognized healthcare leaders, researchers, and advocates discussing solutions to persistent health disparities affecting Black communities. Programming includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions aligned with the NAACP Center for Health Equity’s core priorities.
FAITH AND FREEDOM LUNCHEON
July 17, 2026
12:00 PM CT
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Faith leaders, clergy, community advocates, and public servants will gather for a conversation on the continuing role of faith communities in advancing civil rights, civic engagement, and social justice. Featured guest Jonathan Nelson is scheduled to appear.
PRAISE & WORSHIP SERVICE WITH MEMORIAL
July 19, 2026
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT
McCormick Place West
The NAACP will host a special worship service and memorial observance honoring those lost and celebrating the enduring faith traditions that have sustained the civil rights movement.
Featured guests include Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III and Jekalyn Carr
CHARLES HAMILTON HOUSTON LEGAL ADVOCACY TRAINING INSTITUTE
July 19, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Named for one of the architects of modern civil rights jurisprudence, the Charles Hamilton Houston Legal Advocacy Training Institute convenes attorneys, public officials, legal scholars, and advocates for discussions on voting rights, environmental justice, constitutional protections, accountability, and emerging civil rights challenges. The institute offers critical education and training for those working to defend and advance civil rights nationwide.
Featured participants include:
- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
- Wisconsin Attorney General Nicholas Brown
- Former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx
- Moderator Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel and fmr. U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
INVESTING IN LEGACY: ADVOCACY, OWNERSHIP, AND THE FUTURE OF BLACK COMMUNITIES
July 19, 2026
3:00 PM CT
McCormick Place West
This signature pre-convention conversation brings together leaders from business, sports, entrepreneurship, and venture capital to explore pathways to Black wealth creation, ownership, accountability, and economic empowerment.
Featured participants include:
- Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue
- Kevin Warren, President & CEO, Chicago Bears
- Andre Iguodala, Entrepreneur and Venture Capital Investor
