The Annual Convention in New York City kicked off Wednesday by Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN). The four-day convention is bringing together the likes of Vice President Kamala Harris and nearly a dozen Biden Administration officials, with celebrities such as Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, Magic Johnson, and other leaders in entertainment, business, civil rights, education, and more who will be making an appearance. This year’s convention will occur at a pivotal moment both in history and in today’s current affairs. The convention will be hosted a week after the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington.
Panels, plenary addresses, and other events all stem from the need to empower Black Americans during this crucial time. On Friday, Vice President Harris will deliver a keynote address as several cabinet secretaries are set to address the thousands of attendees throughout this year’s convention. Other key figures that will be present include the Mothers of the Movement; news figures Michelle Miller and Lawrence O’Donnell; business titans Robert F. Smith and Earvin “Magic” Johnson; and leaders of the Black Church, including Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Chairman of NAN and the Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC).