NAACP to host business conference July 7 through 12

The NAACP will host the 103rd annual National Convention in Houston July 7-12.

The convention was previously held in Houston in 1941, 1991 and 2002. Actors, civil rights leaders, elected officials and faith leaders are scheduled to speak, and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has confirmed his attendance. President Barack Obama has been invited to speak as well.

"We are excited to hold this year's convention in Houston," said NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock in a press release. "In this election year it is especially important for us to come together and discuss the challenges facing communities of color and the nation as a whole. As we tackle important issues like health care, education or civic engagement, we must have hope and remember that we cannot fully recover as a nation unless we lift up every boat. The NAACP will continue to educate, mobilize and agitate to create an informed populace, so that every American feels they have the privilege and the power to go to the ballot box and exercise their right to vote."

The NAACP’s Youth and College Division will be busy at the convention with workshops, luncheons and forums and a Great Debate competition with students from Wiley University and Harvard. The Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics competition is scheduled for July 5-6.

“The NAACP Houston Branch Executive Committee, executive director, our volunteers and the city of Houston are looking forward to hosting our 103rd NAACP National Convention,” said Rev. Reginald Lillie, president of the NAACP Houston Branch, in a press release. “Our expectations and excitement are high as we prepare for our national staff, national board members and many delegates to return to our great city. Each year our convention is historic and this year we will make history in Houston.”