NAACP 2026 State Convention: 3 Historic Days in Portland
NAACP - AOWSACThe NAACP 2026 State Convention arrives in Portland, Oregon from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, bringing together delegates, branch leaders, members and community partners from Alaska, Oregon and Washington under the theme “Rooted in Justice. Rising in Power.” Members of the news media are invited to cover the three-day gathering, which will center civil rights advocacy, policy engagement, organizational strategy and community leadership across the Pacific Northwest.
What to Expect at the NAACP 2026 State Convention
Programming opens Friday evening with a Welcome Reception at The REDD, 831 SE Salmon Street, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, featuring Vibe Bingo and DJ Chuck D. Saturday and Sunday shift to The Porter Portland at 1355 SW 2nd Avenue, where each morning begins with a business meeting and catered breakfast from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Saturday’s workshop track covers financial literacy with Che Davis, education advocacy with Roz’lyn Grady Wyche, parliamentary procedure with Conference President Sheley Secrest, and environmental justice with Jonathan “JT” Jones Thomas. The Legacy Awards Luncheon runs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Porter, carrying the convention theme forward as the region honors its own.
Sunday’s sessions turn toward organizational capacity, with training on social media advocacy from Akila Griffin, AFR reporting from Dale Andrus, secretary training from Darlene Andrus, and leadership development from President Secrest. Closing remarks follow at 12:00 PM.
Gala Dinner: “Voices on the Ave: Catch Me Outside!”
Saturday, September 12, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Avenue Portland, 631 NE Grand Avenue. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, serves as keynote speaker. Eaddy is an award-winning strategist and advocate with more than twenty years in policy and movement building, and a former Senior Advisor to the NAACP President and CEO.
Recognizing Leadership Across Alaska, Oregon and Washington
Oregon State Representative Travis Nelson, who represents House District 44 in north and northeast Portland, will receive the President’s Award in recognition of his leadership and service. Nelson, the first Black LGBTQIA+ member of the Oregon Legislature and a registered nurse by training, has advocated for health care reform, workers and housing since taking office in 2022.
The convention arrives at a consequential moment for civil rights and public policy throughout the region. Voting rights, public education, environmental justice and economic opportunity are all under active contest in the three states the Conference serves, and coordination between branches has become a practical necessity rather than an aspiration.
One Region, One Voice: Why the NAACP 2026 State Convention Matters in the Pacific Northwest
Alaska, Oregon and Washington are frequently treated as a single bloc in national conversations, but the civil rights terrain differs meaningfully across each. Alaska branches navigate rural access and Indigenous solidarity questions. Oregon carries the legacy of exclusion laws written into its founding constitution. Washington’s Black population is concentrated in a handful of urban counties facing rapid displacement. The Conference exists to hold those differences together rather than flatten them.
Bringing delegates into one room for three days makes it possible to share what is working locally and build a regional strategy that reflects what branches actually face. The convention’s closing message, “One Region. One Voice. One Movement,” reflects that intent: different branches, one root.
Media representatives seeking interviews, photography or video access, or additional information should coordinate in advance with AOWSAC Press and Publicity at [email protected]. Full convention details, hotel information and RSVP are available on the 2026 State Convention page, and ongoing regional coverage lives in our Race and Justice archive.
Frequently Asked Questions: NAACP 2026 State Convention
1. When and where is the NAACP 2026 State Convention? Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2026. The Friday Welcome Reception is at The REDD, 831 SE Salmon Street, Portland. Saturday and Sunday sessions are at The Porter Portland, 1355 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland.
2. Who is the keynote speaker? Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, delivers the keynote at the Saturday evening Gala Dinner at Avenue Portland.
3. Can members of the media attend? Yes. Press are invited to cover convention proceedings, keynote assemblies and regional civil rights discussions. Coordinate access in advance with Press and Publicity at [email protected].
4. Who from Alaska, Oregon and Washington will be there? Delegates, branch leaders, members, community partners and supporters from across all three states, along with Conference officers and committee chairs leading the workshop sessions.
5. How do I register or RSVP? Registration is $250 per person, and a table sponsorship seating 10 is $2,500. RSVP through the 2026 State Convention page on this site. Gala Dinner tickets are handled separately through Eventbrite, also linked from the convention page.
