CHICAGO — Only a day before the Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago, the NAACP has announced this it will also hold a convention in the city in 2026.
“We are so excited to be with you all in celebration of NAACP’s 117th national convention coming to Chicago in 2026,” NAACP Press Secretary Alicia Mercedes said.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago MAyor Brandon Johnson joined leaders from the NAACP on Sunday as they announced the plans for the convention in July of 2026.
“It is no accident that we’re having this press conference today as the Democratic Convention convenes this week. Let’s be clear, we are nonpartisan, but we are political,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson said.
It has been 30 years since the civil rights organization’s last major gathering in Chicago.
“As we convened in 1994 under the theme of accepting the torch. No one could’ve predicted what was to come. While Chicago had already elected its first African American mayor, who knew it would become the home of our first ever Black president, Obama.” NAACP member Michael Turner said.
Sunday’s announcement comes as the city is poised to become the center of political attention, with Vice President Kamal Harris set to accept her party’s presidential nomination later this week.
“Once again the city of Chicago will be at the forefront as we launch this world into a new historic future with electing Vice President Harris and a former social studies teacher Governor Walz,” Mayor Johnson said.
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Whether it’s for the DNC or the NAACP’s convention in a few years, the mayor and the city’s tourism department are confident visitors will have a rewarding time in the Windy City.
“I want them to experience and see the soul of Chicago. We’re one of the most diverse places in America. But I also want them to be able to recognize that this is the best place to do business,” Johnson said.
The convention is set to take place from July 18 through July 22, 2026.