The premier chapter of the NAACP at Southern University hosted the 83rd Annual NAACP Louisiana State Convention & Leadership Conference under the theme Mobilize the Movement.
On Friday, October 3, college chapters from across the state came together for the second annual Revolutionary Book Reads and Book Drive. Collectively, students from Southern University, Grambling State University, McNeese State University, LSU, and the Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. donated more than 5,000 books. The collaboration also included presenting a bookshelf to Rose Hill Church, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Free haircuts were also provided to community members as part of the day’s outreach.
Saturday’s portion of the conference continued with engaging icebreakers, panel discussions on protesting and policy, and hands-on leadership workshops focused on advocacy and community empowerment.
When asked what Mobilize the Movement means, Mister NAACP at Southern University, Tykarrius Norman, shared, “Bringing the movement to the community.”
The keynote speaker, Deanna Jenaye, a senior mass communication major at Southern University, inspired attendees with the message, “Today we are at a crossroads where our voices are more powerful.”
The conference concluded with the Freedom Fund Gala, themed Reigniting the Call for Justice: Stand. Speak. Act. The keynote address was delivered by acclaimed journalist Roland Martin.
A powerful and transformative weekend, the youth and college leaders left energized and ready to return to their campuses and communities with renewed purpose and commitment.
