The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York State Conference is celebrating 90 years of history and impact while looking toward the future with its upcoming Generations of Justice Gala, an evening honoring the many generations who shaped and contributed to the future of civil rights and equity in New York.
The gala will take place Oct. 9 at Capitale NYC, with the blue carpet beginning at 5 p.m.
For 90 years, the New York State Conference has been an essential part of the NAACP’s efforts to push the fight for freedom and equality forward.
“This period is particularly heavy and we’re inundated every day with a new challenge, a new thing that we have to combat or fight against. Next Friday evening is a time for us to celebrate and to remind ourselves of the great legacy and history that we come from being Black New Yorkers, and to celebrate the individuals, but more importantly, the collective of those who’ve come together, and said, let us fight for justice and equity together,” L. Joy Williams, president of the New York State NAACP Conference, said.
The event will honor pioneers from diverse industries, including fashion designer Brandon Blackwell, healthcare executive Andrew L. Davis, MBA, Tony Award-winning producer Lamar Richardson and labor leader Candis Tall, while also bringing together various leaders, partners and changemakers from across New York.
“I thought it was important to have that representation, and also have a diversity of industries and impact,” Williams said. “It’s going to be amazing to highlight this diversity, not only repeating it back to ourselves, but to the larger New York community, then demonstrate that we are everywhere, and collectively, we help elevate the New York story and the American story by our unique diversity and culture that we bring to the table.”
In addition, the evening will feature inspiring storytelling, tributes to changemakers and rising leaders, live performances and entertainment, as well as a time capsule containing important historical artifacts and items from the past 90 years.
Williams said the time capsule will spotlight the legacy left by Black New Yorkers across the entire state.
“I am looking forward to people rediscovering that Black New Yorkers come from all parts of New York, not just New York City, and highlighting the incredible legacy that we have across the state from Brooklyn to Buffalo and Albany.”
Attendees will also be able to participate in a silent auction and the Generations of Style VIP Lounge Experience, hosted by television personality and businesswoman Bevy Smith.
“The theme is generations of justice, but also accompanying that we have our blue carpet, that’s hosted by Bevy Smith, that [shows] even while we were fighting injustice, even while we were investing in our communities and public education, expanding economic opportunities, we do so with style and to celebrate the incredible style that we bring to our culture, in addition to celebrating the incredible organizers and justice work. I think it’s a testament to who we are,” Williams said.
