The New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP held its 2016 convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Oct. 13-16 in Cherry Hill, N.J.
This year’s theme for the four-day convention was “Strengthening the Bond/The Power of Unity” and featured workshops, a job fair and a gospel concert.
The convention opened with a job fair at the Crowne Plaza last Thursday. Several companies were offering jobs, including Uber, CVS, Wells Fargo, TD Bank and Cooper University Hospital.
The “Gospel Extravaganza” took place Friday featuring singer Hezekiah Walker. The event also honored Bishop David Evans of Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, N.J.
Workshops for this year’s conference covered topics such as veteran affairs, environmental justice, education, health, voting rights, criminal justice and public safety.
NAACP New York State Conference President Hazel Dukes gave the keynote address at the Kick Off Breakfast Saturday. There was also a forum on Black Lives Matter and a membership luncheon featuring a speech by radio legend and civil rights activist Joe Madison.
Later in the evening, the convention held its Gala Awards Banquet with a tribute to unions. Author and professor Marc Lamont Hill was the keynote speaker.