114th NAACP National Convention
The City of Boston is proud to host the upcoming 114th National Convention in Boston from July 26, 2023 to August 1, 2023 at the Boston Convention Center.
The NAACP National Convention is an empowering and immersive experience held each year to celebrate our community's collective power. The 114th National Convention will focus on the theme of Thriving Together by inviting change-makers from across the country to celebrate the Black community’s collective power.
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9:00am - 1:00am -
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
Boston, MA -
Contact:NAACP Convention
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Price:Ticket prices vary
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Neighborhood:Citywide
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Event Type:
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Posted:
As part of the NAACP National Convention’s programming, the City is partnering with the NAACP, Governor Healey’s office, AIR Boston, other organizations and local artists to host a series of free, family friendly events and programming open to residents and visitors throughout the week of the convention in the City of Boston throughout the week of the convention between July 26 and July 30, 2023. These events will complement the National Convention and provide opportunities for residents, families and visitors to build community, support local Black-led businesses and engage with the City of Boston.
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9:00am - 1:00am
-
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
Boston, MA -
Contact:NAACP Convention
-
Price:Ticket prices vary
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Neighborhood:Citywide
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Event Type:
-
Posted:
Message from Mayor Wu
“Boston is thrilled to be hosting the 2023 NAACP National Convention led by the nation’s historic 1st chartered branch. As we continue to work towards this historic event, these free, family friendly events and programming are for residents, families and visitors to enjoy throughout the week of the convention. We look forward to seeing residents and visitors gather together and I encourage everyone to engage with these amazing opportunities.”
- Mayor Michelle Wu
Events
Volunteer for the 114th National NAACP Convention
The NAACP is recruiting volunteers for the 114th National NAACP Convention, taking place in Boston July 26 - August 1, 2023. There are a number of volunteer roles, shifts and activities.
Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market
Select Sundays | 12 - 6 p.m.
Celebrating local entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and art, the Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market features 30+ vendors from a rotating collection of over 60 vendors throughout the season. Free and open to the public!
Pre-convention Prayer Service
Thursday, July 20 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Join us at the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church as we pray for the NAACP, our City, and our Commonwealth.
Day of Action and Service
Saturday, July 22 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us as we kick-off our convention volunteerism with a Day of Action & Service in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Hyde Park! Assignments provide upon registration.
Boston While Black Family Reunion
Saturday, July 22 | 12 - 8 p.m.
Boston While Black (BWB) is taking over the Lawn on D for a day-long celebration of Black experiences, community and culture. BWB will feature live music, BWB member exclusives, and innovative showcases of local vendors and artists from the community.
Get Konnected! A Taste of Ethnic Boston 2023
Tuesday, July 25 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy Boston's premier multicultural food festival highlighting local restaurants and chefs in Boston.
Opening Reception
Friday, July 28 | 5 - 9 p.m.
This event hosted by the City of Boston and NAACP National serves as a kickoff event for the NAACP’s 114th National Convention. This event will feature music by DJ Jazzy Jeff and is free and open to the public with registration.
Culture Nights Music Fest: Seaport
Friday, July 28 | 6 - 9 p.m.
This event organized by the Artist Initiative for Revolution (AIR Boston) & City of Boston will feature performances celebrating Boston’s historic legacy and communities by various local artists and creatives. This event will be held at 88 Seaport Blvd.
Delegates Reception
Saturday, July 29 | 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.
This reception at the Westin Boston Seaport District hosted by Mayor Wu will create space for convention delegates and City community members to gather for a night of celebration. This event is free and open to the public with registration.
23rd Annual Gospel Fest
Sunday, July 30 | 5 - 9 p.m.
New England’s largest Gospel music celebration hosted by MAJOR, including performances by Fred Hammond, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and the Mayor’s Gospel Choir. Gospel Fest celebrates Boston’s communities and gospel artists.
Explore The Hub
In addition to the above programming, the NAACP National Convention is encouraging residents and visitors to explore The Hub, the Convention’s premier gathering space featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities. The Hub’s programming will also include a Block Party and Career Summit for visitors. From Friday, July 28 through Sunday July 30 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center – Hall A, The Hub will be free and open to the public at the following times. For more information, please visit naacp.org/TheHub.
- Friday, July 28 (Hub Opening Block Party): 2 - 9 p.m.
- Saturday, July 29 (Career Summit): 11 - 6 p.m.
- Sunday, July 30 (General Programming): 12 - 6 p.m.
A Message from NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson
“Each year, NAACP members, friends, and elected leaders gather at the Convention in a shared space that has proven vital for our collective growth and advocacy,” said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. “This space, intently curated each year by the Association’s local branch, state conference, and national leaders, provides us with the ability to harness the power of Black America. We use this sacred time to inspire each other and align on what we need to do to continue pushing this country forward. Now more than ever, this sacred convening is crucial to our continued fight for the preservation of democracy. We are excited to bring vitality and vibrance to our roots in Boston, home of the Association’s first chartered branch.”
More Information
For more information about this year’s NAACP National Convention, please visit naacp.org/convention.
