FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2026
Signature Gala to Take Place During the NAACP California Hawaii 39th Annual State Convention in Long Beach
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference will honor nationally recognized civil rights attorney John L. Burris at its 16th Annual Legacy Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, held during the organization’s 39th Annual State Convention, October 22–25, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.
For the first time, the State Conference is bringing its Legacy Hall of Fame recognition directly into the State Convention, making the celebration a signature part of one of the organization’s most important annual gatherings.
The Legacy Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, courage, service, and commitment to civil rights have helped challenge injustice, open doors of opportunity, and advance the fight for equality.
This year’s honorees include John L. Burris, whose more than four decades of legal advocacy have made him a prominent voice in the fight for civil rights, police accountability, and justice. Over the course of his career, Burris has represented more than 1,000 individuals and has played a significant role in high-profile civil rights litigation.
“John Burris represents what it means to use your profession, your voice, and your power in the service of justice,” said Dr. Rick L. Callender, Esq., President of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference. “For more than four decades, he has stood with people whose rights were violated, challenged systems that needed to be challenged, and demanded accountability when others were unwilling to do so. His work embodies the courage and commitment that the NAACP Legacy Hall of Fame was created to recognize.”
Callender said bringing the Legacy Hall of Fame Awards Dinner to the State Convention also provides an opportunity to connect the accomplishments of civil rights leaders with the work that remains ahead.
“Legacy is not simply about looking back—it is about recognizing those who helped move us forward and using their example to inspire the next generation to carry the movement even further,” Callender said. “At a time when fundamental civil rights and democratic protections continue to be challenged, we must honor those who have fought for justice while preparing ourselves for the battles still ahead.”
The 16th Annual Legacy Hall of Fame Awards Dinner will bring together NAACP members and leaders, civil rights advocates, elected officials, community leaders, and partners from across California Hawaii and beyond to recognize this year’s honorees and celebrate their contributions to the movement for justice.
The dinner will be held as part of the 39th Annual NAACP California Hawaii State Conference Convention, where members and leaders will convene in Long Beach to organize, strategize, develop leadership, and strengthen the collective fight for civil rights and racial justice.
Tickets, convention registration, and additional information are available at:
https://bit.ly/4gpmFTT
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.
