Convention Motivates First-Time Attendee

Overview of the 102nd National Convention

by Cameron Weathers

The 102nd NAACP National Convention this summer was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to connect and meet with many members of the NAACP from all over the nation and learn more about the organization itself. I started by working with the local Memphis Branch NAACP and the Memphis Youth Council where I eventually became extremely involved. It has only been two years since I began working with the NAACP and since my involvement, I have developed a strong ardor and zeal for the objectives promoted by the NAACP and, this year, I decided to attend my first National Convention.

I feel honored and blessed that I was chosen as a voting delegate to attend the 102nd NAACP National Convention. I experienced so much and participated in a plethora of new and exciting activities that have changed my life. I had the privilege to compete in the National ACT-SO Competition after winning First Place locally in Memphis, TN. Through ACT-SO I had the chance to encounter many talented NAACP Youth from across the country and got a chance to experience life and culture from their perspective. I didn’t place in the final competition, but I did get a chance to see a bunch of celebrities! I was also given the opportunity to be a part of a special youth program honoring the 75th anniversary of the NAACP Youth and College Division. Being a part of that program not only opened my eyes to the obstacles that we, as youth, have overcome, but it demonstrated the obstacles that we have before us.

Also, I was privileged to meet and hear many accomplished professionals, famous entertainers, and civil activists speak about different issues and help catalyze our motivation and determination to “Affirm America’s Promise.” One of the most memorable speeches I remember was from the incomparable Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Ms. Roslyn Brock. Her powerful and motivational speech empowered the whole body of the NAACP and did an excellent job at setting the mood for the entire convention. Her inspiring words that “Courage will not skip this generation” still linger in my soul and will motivate myself and other NAACP Members to continue the fight for justice. This plenary session along with the many other sessions, workshops and forums have enlightened my spirit, expanded my knowledge and equipped me with the mental and spiritual readiness to press on and increase my involvement with the NAACP.

Towards the end of Convention Week, I was also honored and blessed to receive one of the Gloster B. Current Youth Leadership Awards at the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Youth Freedom Fund Awards Dinner. Winning that award was so satisfying and uplifting because it not only assured me that my hard work was paying off, but it assured me that my work was in alignment with “the NAACP way.”  I was satisfied in knowing that my leadership and dedication to the NAACP was noteworthy and I am humble for that honor. Not only was I honored to receive the Gloster B. Current Award, I also had the privilege of being a part of the award-winning Memphis NAACP Youth Council which received the title of “Best Youth Council,” given the awards for all six of the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Issue Awards, and honored to have a member to receive the Benjamin L. Hooks Keeper of the Dream Award. Being a part of such a hard-working, dedicated and acknowledged Youth Council is not only encouraging, but an honor.

Overall, my week in the beautiful Los Angeles, California for the 102nd NAACP National Convention was superb. I know that the work does not stop here, nor does the load lighten. I understand the significance of hard work and perseverance as demonstrated by those who have come before me. Therefore, it is my duty to take my experiences and knowledge from the convention and use them to motivate myself, my local NAACP Council and others to continue to strive for equality, justice, opportunity and change. This convention increased my dedication to the NAACP and I give it a 5-star rating!

Cameron Weathers is a graduate of Germantown High School (Memphis, TN). He will attend Morehouse College in the Fall. Follow Cameron on Twitter @iGoCamm or Friend him on Facebook.