ORLANDO – The Florida State Conference NAACP held its recent 82nd Annual Convention at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, FL on September 14 – 16. The well attended convention’s delegates and others present included Florida State President Dr. Adora Obi Nweze and top National Officers, Derrick Johnson, President/CEO, NAACP and Leon Russell, Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors. Orange County Branch President Kran Riley was elected as Florida State Conference 4th Vice President during the biennial election amid the convention proceedings.
The convention sessions covered many timely and important areas and issues including Focus on Education, Civic Engagement, Legislative Affairs and Environmental and Climate Justice. And notably in attendance were several Florida State Senators and House Representatives, County and City organizations officials, community leaders and others, many who also presented on the various informational sessions and civil rights updates. Also featured were the very active FL State NAACP Youth component participation and a vociferous Saturday afternoon Wake Up The Black Vote Rally. Citizen and civic awards were presented and local Branch Executive Board Member Mary Maxwell received a State Volunteer of The Year award during the festive and informative Annual Freedom Gala Banquet closing session on the night of September 16.