My first experience at the NAACP Annual National Convention has been amazing so far! As soon as I received news Detroit was the hosting city for the annual convention, I knew I had to go.
I am enjoying making connections and learning more about important issues. So far, the overall experience has been very enriching and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the convention.
NAACP EXPERIENCE, LONI LOVE, & ANTHONY BURRELL
Opening day of the NAACP Convention, we visited the NAACP Experience — a marketplace featuring a variety of exhibits and vendors. We even got to see Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning actress and comedian Loni Love on opening day.
Ms. Love did a live interview with creative director and choreographer Anthony Burrell. Burrell shared insight into his career as a choreographer for celebrities such as Beyonce and Mariah Carey. He even taught the audience how to do the “Auntie Step.”
I immediately sent my good friend Marquita a short clip of Burrell’s “Auntie Step” because it reminded me so much of her and something we’d do at a party.
SIDE NOTE: A few months ago, Marquita informed me to the younger generation, we are now considered “Aunties.” I try my best to keep up with the trends, but this new trend of being an “Auntie” was new to me. I get it now, though, so don’t laugh at me! Haha! 🙂 This is why when Burrell shared with us the “Auntie Step,” I immediately thought of my friend!
ROY WILKINS LUNCHEON WSG CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST SHAUN KING AS MODERATOR
Day 3 of the NAACP Convention, I attended the Roy Wilkins Luncheon: Democracy in Color at the Detroit Marriott Hotel in Downtown Detroit. I was excited to hear Shaun King lead the discussion because I am a big admirer of his work. Mr. King is a civil rights activist, writer, and founder of The North Star.
King is also known as one of the top influential people on social media. I’ve been following him on his IG and his Twitter for about 2 years now and I’m always learning so much from his discussions.
The Roy Wilkins Luncheon was a special event for college students and young adults. Special guests for the panel included:
Jessica Pierce, Co-founder of Pierce by Pierce Strategies in Los Angeles, CA
Rep. Jewell Jones, House of Representatives 11th District Inkster, MI
Cristina Tzintzun, Executive Director of JOLT in Austin, TX
King moderated the discussion and the panelists discussed important topics such as the importance of being proactive in their community and voting. Later this week, I’ll share a more detailed blog post on the topics of discussion.
MEETING SHAUN KING AND APRIL RYAN
As I was leaving the Roy Wilkins Luncheon, I spotted April Ryan interviewing Shaun King. Ms. Ryan is the American Urban Radio White House Correspondent, CNN Correspondent, and a Political Analyst. She will also serve as moderator for tomorrow’s Presidential Candidate Forum.
During the interview, King discussed how more young people are getting involved with social causes and voting. He also discussed the Eric Garner case and the Justice Department’s decision to not pursue federal civil rights charges against Officer Daniel Pantaleo.
It was an honor to meet April Ryan and Shaun King. It was a brief meet and greet since they both had busy schedules for the day, but it’s definitely a moment I won’t forget!
Tomorrow is the last day of the NAACP Convention and I’m looking forward to attending the Presidential Candidate Forum. More to come so stay tuned!
Have you had a chance to visit the 110th NAACP Annual Convention?
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All photographs are courtesy of Jennifer Hamra for Good Life Detroit.
[…] Pictured from L to R are the late Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, and Malcolm X. Although it’s important to learn about prominent leaders in the Black community (from past to present day), we also have to discover other change-makers and leaders who are making a difference. Madam Vice President Kamala Harris made history when she became the first woman, first Black woman, and first Asian American woman to become vice president of the United States! (Photo by J. Hamra, July 2019 at the NAACP Convention in Detroit.) […]