FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2026

Four-day gathering will focus on voter engagement, civil rights, leadership and Black excellence ahead of California’s November general election

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference will convene its 39th Annual State Convention on October 22–25, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, bringing together NAACP CA/HI members, youth leaders, elected officials, labor and faith leaders, community advocates and civil rights leaders from across California and Hawaii.

Taking place just ahead of the November general election, this year’s Convention will place a strong emphasis on voter education, civic participation and preparing communities to make their voices heard at the ballot box and beyond. Saturday’s program will include an Election Session: Power Hour, along with discussions addressing health, education, housing, legal redress, economic opportunity and other issues affecting Black communities.

“This Convention comes at a critical moment for our communities,” said Dr. Rick L. Callender, Esq., President of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference. “We are coming together not only to discuss the challenges facing Black Californians and other communities of color, but to prepare our members to educate voters, organize their communities and hold decision-makers accountable. Our work is about ensuring that our voices, our votes and our priorities are heard.”

A major feature of the Convention will be the Political & Labor Luncheon on Saturday, October 24. The State Conference has invited the two gubernatorial candidates advancing to California’s November general election to participate in a moderated on-stage conversation on equal terms. The discussion is scheduled to be moderated by Regina Brown Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, and will focus on voting rights, civil rights, economic opportunity, housing, public safety, education, health equity, environmental justice, labor and the protection of democratic institutions.

As a strictly nonpartisan civil rights organization, the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference does not endorse candidates or political parties. Candidate participation in the Convention is intended to give members and the broader community meaningful access to those seeking public office and an opportunity to hear how they intend to address issues affecting Black communities.

The four-day Convention will begin with an exclusive President’s Dinner aboard the historic Queen Mary and continue with plenary sessions on environmental and climate justice, economic development, health, membership and compliance; Youth & College Division programming; education, housing and legal redress sessions; and other leadership and advocacy programming. Saturday evening will feature the 16th Annual Legacy Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, celebrating Black excellence and leaders whose service has strengthened communities across California and Hawaii.

“Our Convention is where advocacy becomes action,” Callender said. “We want every person who leaves Long Beach to return home ready to organize, engage voters and continue the fight for justice.”

For registration and additional information about the 39th Annual NAACP California Hawaii State Conference Convention, click here.

For schedule updates, click here.

Members of the press interested in attending and covering the NAACP CA/HI State Convention in Long Beach are encouraged to fill out this form.

###

About The  NAACP:

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

39th Annual NAACP California Hawaii State Convention

General Schedule | October 22–25, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Long Beach

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 6:00–6:45 PM  Reception 6:45–7:00 PM  Guests Seated — Queen Mary, Royal Salon 7:00–7:15 PM  Welcome & History by Captain — Queen Mary, Royal Salon 7:15–9:00 PM  President’s Dinner — Queen Mary, Royal Salon

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 8:00–9:30 AM  Business Meeting — Regency A 9:45–10:30 AM  Environmental & Climate Justice Plenary — Regency A 10:45–11:30 AM  Economic Development Plenary — Regency A 11:40 AM–1:10 PM  Women in NAACP (WIN) Luncheon — Beacon Ballroom 1:25–2:15 PM  Membership & Compliance Plenary — Regency A 1:40–5:30 PM  Youth & College Division Plenary — Regency B 7:00–9:30 PM  Youth-Focused Dinner — Beacon Ballroom 10:00 PM–Midnight  Youth Social — Beacon Rotunda

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 7:30–8:45 AM  Veterans Breakfast — Beacon Ballroom 8:45–11:15 AM  Youth & College Division Sessions — Regency B 9:00–10:00 AM  Health Plenary — Regency A 10:15–11:15 AM  Election Session: Power Hour — Regency A 11:20 AM–12:05 PM  Education / ACT-SO Breakouts — Regency D & E 12:15–1:00 PM  Housing / Legal Redress Breakouts — Regency D & E 1:15–3:00 PM  Political & Labor Luncheon — Beacon Ballroom 2:00–4:45 PM  Youth & College Division Forums — Regency B & C 5:45–6:30 PM  Reception — Beacon Rotunda 6:40–9:00 PM  16th Annual Legacy Hall of Fame Awards Dinner — Beacon Ballroom 10:00 PM–Midnight  Youth & College Division Social — Beacon Rotunda

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 8:00–9:15 AM  Prayer & Memorial Breakfast — Beacon Ballroom 9:30 AM–12:00 PM  Closing Meeting & Resolutions — Regency A 9:30 AM–3:00 PM  Youth & College Division Executive Committee — Regency B/C 1:00–3:00 PM  CA/HI NAACP Executive Committee Meeting — Regency D/E/F