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NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington 2026 State Convention

September 11 @ 8:00 am - September 13 @ 5:00 pm

Archive notice

The 2026 NAACP AOWSAC State Convention took place September 11 to 13, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. This page is kept as a record of the event. Registration and ticket sales are closed. For upcoming events, visit the events calendar.

September 11-13, 2026  |  Portland, Oregon

Rooted in Justice. Rising in Power.

Friday at The REDD · Saturday and Sunday at The Porter Portland · Gala Dinner at Avenue Portland

Advocate. Convene. Lead. The NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State-Area Conference (AOWSAC) is proud to bring the 2026 State Convention to Portland, Oregon under the theme Rooted in Justice. Rising in Power. This premier regional gathering unites delegates, activists, and community leaders from across Alaska, Oregon, and Washington to advance civil rights and social justice in the Pacific Northwest.

Read the full convention agenda and program announcement.


Three Days at a Glance

Friday, September 11 · Welcome Reception

7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at The REDD, 831 SE Salmon St, Portland. Vibe Bingo and music from DJ Chuck D.

Saturday, September 12 · Workshops, Luncheon, and the Gala

Business meeting begins 9:00 AM at The Porter Portland. Breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant, not the meeting room, and food service ends at 9:30 AM, so eat early. Legacy Awards Luncheon 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Workshop track: financial literacy with Che Davis, education advocacy with Roz’lyn Grady Wyche, parliamentary procedure with Conference President Sheley Secrest, environmental justice with Jonathan “JT” Jones Thomas, plus workshops from NAACP Youth and College. Gala Dinner 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Avenue Portland.

Sunday, September 13 · Building Branch Capacity

Business meeting begins 9:00 AM at The Porter Portland, with closing remarks at 12:00 PM. Breakfast is again in the hotel restaurant and food service ends at 9:30 AM. Training sessions: social media advocacy with Akila Griffin, AFR reporting with Dale Andrus, secretary training with Darlene Andrus, leadership development with President Sheley Secrest, plus workshops from NAACP Youth and College.


Convention Venues

The Porter Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton · Saturday and Sunday sessions
1355 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97201
(503) 306-4800 · theporterhotel.com

In the heart of downtown Portland, two blocks from Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Keller Auditorium. The discounted convention room block has closed. Contact the hotel directly for current availability.

The REDD · Friday Welcome Reception
831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
Avenue Portland · Saturday Gala Dinner
631 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Gala Dinner: Voices on the Ave: Catch Me Outside!

Saturday, September 12 · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM · Avenue Portland, 631 NE Grand Ave

Keynote by Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, an award winning strategist with more than twenty years in policy and movement building and a former Senior Advisor to the NAACP President and CEO.

Included with your convention registration. Guests attending the Gala Dinner only can purchase tickets below.

Get Gala Tickets on Eventbrite


President’s Award

Oregon State Representative Travis Nelson, who represents House District 44 in north and northeast Portland, will receive the President’s Award. Representative Nelson is the first Black LGBTQIA+ member of the Oregon Legislature and a registered nurse by training, and has advocated for health care reform, workers and housing since taking office in 2022.

2026 State Convention Preview


Registration Is Closed

The 2026 State Convention has concluded and RSVPs are no longer being accepted. Watch the events calendar for upcoming AOWSAC events.


What to Expect

The 2026 State Convention will bring together the full force of the Pacific Northwest NAACP movement:

  • Strategic Workshops: Deep dives into policy, education, financial literacy, and environmental justice across the PNW.
  • Regional Networking: Connecting branch leaders and delegates across Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.
  • Keynote Assemblies: Inspiring calls to action from national and regional civil rights leaders.
  • Gala Dinner: An evening of celebration, recognition, and community at Avenue Portland.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 NAACP AOWSAC State Convention?

Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2026, under the theme Rooted in Justice. Rising in Power.

Where is the convention being held?

Friday’s Welcome Reception is at The REDD, 831 SE Salmon St. Saturday and Sunday sessions are at The Porter Portland, 1355 SW 2nd Ave. The Saturday Gala Dinner is at Avenue Portland, 631 NE Grand Ave.

Who is the keynote speaker?

Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, delivers the keynote at the Saturday evening Gala Dinner.

Is the Gala Dinner included in registration?

Yes. Convention registration covers the Welcome Reception, the Legacy Awards Luncheon, the Gala Dinner, and swag, so registrants do not need a separate Gala ticket. Guests attending the Gala Dinner only can purchase tickets via Eventbrite using the button above.

Which states are included in this convention?

AOWSAC serves Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. All branch delegates, members, and community supporters from these three states are encouraged to attend.

Where can I find official updates?

All updates, registration links, and the full schedule are posted at naacpaowsac.org.

NAACP - State Area Conference - Alaska Oregon Washington