Blog: Legacy, Leadership, and the Road Ahead

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, we came together in Los Angeles for an evening that will echo in our hearts for years to come—the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference Legacy Hall of Fame Gala. And let me be clear: it wasn’t just a gala. It was a celebration of purpose, people, and power.

We honored two extraordinary trailblazers who’ve paved the way for generations: California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber and former California State Senator Steven Bradford. These aren’t just names in the history books—these are living legends. Their work, their passion, and their persistence have changed lives. They’ve stood on the front lines for justice, equity, and civil rights—fighting for our people when it wasn’t easy, and leading with courage when the stakes were high.

Dr. Weber and Senator Bradford represent the kind of leadership our communities need and deserve. Their legacies are proof of what’s possible when we stand firm in our values and never compromise on justice.

As I looked around that room—filled with our members, our allies, and public servants who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us—I felt something powerful: momentum. Yes, we’ve come a long way—but the fight continues. Nights like this are fuel. They remind us who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’re fighting for.

But we’re not stopping here. We’re just getting started.

So I’m inviting you to join us this fall—October 24–27, 2025—for the 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. It’s time to strategize, organize, and energize. We need your voice, your ideas, and your passion at the table. Because when we come together—we win.

Let’s stay active. Let’s stay focused.
Let’s stay all in—for the fierce urgency of now!