More Than a Convention: Inside the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago

BY: Rylee McClain

For five days, McCormick Place became more than a convention center, it became a gathering place for Black excellence, culture, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.

Held July 18–22, 2026, under the theme "We, The People," the 117th NAACP National Convention brought together thousands of attendees from across the country, representing every generation, profession, and walk of life. Whether they were first-time attendees or longtime members, many described the experience the same way: it felt as if they had stepped into a world created by and for Black people.

Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown receives the NAACP's highest honor, the 111th Spingarn Medal, recognizing more than six decades of unwavering leadership in the fight for civil rights and social justice.

Photo Credit: NAACP

Throughout the week, convention attendees filled rooms for panels featuring accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, journalists, attorneys, activists, and creatives who openly shared the lessons, challenges, and victories that shaped their careers. The conversations extended far beyond networking, they became opportunities to pass knowledge to the next generation and invest in the future of the Black community.

Photo Credit: NAACP

Outside the panel conversations, the convention floor showcased Black entrepreneurship in full force. Vendors from around the world offered everything from clothing and jewelry to skincare, cosmetics, books, artwork, and wellness products. Every purchase represented more than a sale, it was an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses and circulate the precious Black dollar within the community.

Attorney Ben Crump, alongside Nolan Wells' family and NAACP leaders, announces the preliminary findings of the family's independent autopsy during a press conference at the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago.

One of the convention's most anticipated moments came on its final day, July 22, when nationally recognized civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the findings of the independent autopsy commissioned by the family of Nolan Wells. The announcement drew extensive media attention, with news organizations from across the country covering the press conference. The room was filled with community members, advocates, journalists, and supporters united by a common desire for truth, transparency, and answers surrounding the case.

The convention also highlighted the power of storytelling through film. In collaboration with Creative Cypher and XL Fest 2026, the NAACP hosted its annual Cinematic Shorts Competition, which provides emerging filmmakers with a national platform to showcase stories that reflect the richness and complexity of minority experiences. Beyond recognizing artistic achievement, the competition encourages filmmakers to use their craft to spark conversation and inspire change.

Winning filmmakers Clive Anthony Thompson and Allison Oddman celebrate their first-place finish in the 2026 NAACP Cinematic Shorts Competition

This year's top honor went to filmmakers Clive Anthony Thompson and Allison Oddman, whose short film Hide and Seek earned first place, with each filmmaker receiving a $10,000 prize. The film raises awareness about the devastating impact immigration enforcement can have on families. What begins as an innocent game of hide-and-seek quickly transforms into an emotional story as a child realizes his parents may have disappeared due to ICE enforcement, highlighting the fear and uncertainty many immigrant families face.

For a deeper look at the Cinematic Shorts Competition, including the featured filmmakers and Creative Cypher's partnership with the NAACP, be sure to read our full coverage and reception recap.

The 117th NAACP National Convention served as a reminder that progress is built through community. Whether attendees came to learn, advocate, create, network, or simply be surrounded by people who looked like them, the convention created a space where Black excellence was not the exception, it was the expectation. As thousands return home inspired, the conversations and connections formed in Chicago will continue shaping communities long after the convention doors have closed.