2008 NAACP Convention

The AKA's aren't the only historic African-American organization holding a convention this week. The 99th NAACP Convention is being held up I-71 from me in Cincinnati. It started on the 12th and is running until Thursday.

The NAACP will celebrate its centennial on February 12 next year and this convention will kick off a series of events leading up to that date.

The theme for this year's convention is "Power, Justice, Freedom, Vote,” and this year’s annual gathering of more than 8,000 NAACP members, delegates and visitors will be held at the Duke Energy Center. Presumptive Democratic nominee for president Sen. Barack Obama delivered remarks last night, and since it's an election year, the GOP preumptive nominee won't be ignoring or dissing the NAACP by not showing up. Sen. John McCain will also be here in Cincy to speak on Wednesday night.

The National Black Justice Coalition will be on the scene as well for the fourth consecutive year. In addition to having a booth at the convention, America's only nationwide LGBT civil rights organization will have a visible presence at the annual NAACP conference.

-NBJC will host a reception honoring 4 people whose work in civil rights has greatly benefited black LGBT communities. The event is free and open to the public.

-NBJC's CEO, H. Alexander Robinson will address the NAACP Board of Directors and Trustees at their annual Luncheon. The event is closed to the public.

-NBJC will distribute its Black LGBT focused publications at its tradeshow booth during the convention being at the Duke Energy Center. The event is free and open to the public.

-NBJC will co-sponsor the Eyes Open Festival, a Black LGBT Film and Arts event leading up to the convention There is an admission fee.

If you live in the Cincinnati area, you may want to check it out.