The NAACP has made headlines this week with a landmark decision that will shape its 2025 national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the first time in its 116-year history, the NAACP has announced it will not invite the sitting President of the United States to attend its national convention. This unprecedented move specifically excludes President Donald Trump, marking a significant departure from the organization’s tradition of inviting presidents from both major political parties, even those with whom it has had profound disagreements.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson explained the decision during a press conference on Monday. He emphasized that the convention remains open to everyone and all political parties, but made it clear that President Trump’s presence would not align with the group’s mission or the urgent theme of this year’s event, “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” Johnson stated, “Our job is to make democracy work and to fight and protect democracy, and there is a conflict in the things he has done, he is doing, and things that are being planned with our job.” The NAACP’s leadership believes Trump’s actions and policies are at odds with the organization’s longstanding commitment to civil rights and equal opportunity.
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The Significance of the NAACP’s Decision
The NAACP’s choice to exclude President Trump is not a simple act of political partisanship. The organization has a long history of engaging with leaders across the political spectrum, including inviting Republican President George W. Bush to speak at its national convention in 2006, despite criticism of his administration’s response to Hurricane Katrina. That decision demonstrated the NAACP’s willingness to foster dialogue even with leaders who held opposing views.
This year’s decision, however, reflects a deeper concern. The NAACP has initiated several legal actions against the Trump administration, most notably a lawsuit filed in April to prevent the Department of Education from withholding federal funds from schools that maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The organization argues that these policies are essential to ensuring equal opportunities for Black students. NAACP leaders have stressed that their mission is to promote civil rights, and they view Trump’s agenda as actively undermining those efforts.
The convention itself, scheduled for July 12–16, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center, is expected to draw thousands of attendees. The event will feature plenary sessions, advocacy forums, and networking opportunities for thought leaders, activists, and community members. The NAACP’s national convention is a powerful gathering that celebrates the collective power of the Black community and highlights achievements in business, law, education, and more.
What the NAACP’s Move Means for Civil Rights
The decision to exclude President Trump from the NAACP national convention is a clear statement about the organization’s priorities and its view of the current political landscape. By refusing to invite the sitting president, the NAACP is signaling that it will not tolerate policies or leaders who threaten the progress made on civil rights and social justice.
This move is particularly notable because the NAACP has traditionally sought to engage with those in power, even when in disagreement. The organization’s willingness to host President Bush in 2006, despite widespread criticism, illustrated its belief in the importance of dialogue. The fact that it has chosen a different path with President Trump underscores the perceived severity of the threat to civil rights under his administration.
The theme of this year’s convention, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” highlights the immediate need for action in the fight for rights and justice. NAACP leaders have made it clear that they view the current moment as critical, and that the organization’s mission must be vigorously defended. The convention will serve as a platform for discussing strategies to protect voting rights, promote educational equity, and address systemic racism.
Looking Ahead: The NAACP’s Role in 2025 and Beyond
The NAACP’s decision not to invite President Trump to its national convention is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a call to action for its members and supporters. The organization is positioning itself at the forefront of the battle for civil rights, using its platform to challenge policies that threaten equality and justice.
As the convention approaches, the NAACP will continue to highlight the achievements of individuals and branches that are making a difference in their communities. The event will also recognize the 2024 Spingarn Medal recipient, historian and literary scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., celebrating his contributions to African American culture and scholarship.
The NAACP’s national convention is a powerful reminder of the organization’s enduring legacy and its commitment to progress. By taking a stand against policies that undermine civil rights, the NAACP is sending a message that it will not back down in the face of adversity. The convention will be a rallying point for activists, leaders, and community members who are dedicated to building a more just and equitable society.
To stay informed and get involved with the NAACP’s mission, register for the 2025 national convention and join thousands of change-makers in Charlotte this July.