In 1993 and 1994 Dr. Chavis served as the Executive Director and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and remains an active supporter of the NAACP. In 1995, Dr. Chavis was the National Director and organizer of the Million Man March. From 1995 to 1997 Chavis was the Executive Director and CEO of the National African American Leadership Summit (NAALS). The 2010 theatrical release of the full length movie “Blood Done Sign My Name” distributed by Paladin, directed by Jeb Stuart, starring Ricky Schroder, Nate Parker, and Lela Rochon depicts a true story from Dr. Chavis’ early days in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960’s and 1970’s in his hometown of Oxford, NC.
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR.
National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO
Welcome to the Virtual NNPA 2020 Annual Convention
On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), I am indeed very pleased to extend a heartfelt welcome to all who have joined to tune-in to our first virtual national convention.
The Black Press of America appreciates your support in these trying times. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on African Americans and other people of color throughout the United States. Yet, coupled with that viral pandemic is the continuing epidemic of racism in America that is unabated with the fatal realities of racially motivated police killings of African Americans.
The theme of our convention this year is appropriately worded: “The Black Press – The Vital Voice of Black America: TRUST, HOPE & RESILIENCE ….. Overcoming COVID-19.” Our long struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment continues. Each generation has to rise to the occasion with ever increasing determination to keep pressing forward even in the face of formidable challenges.
We are thrilled with the line-up of the presentations and awardees at our national convention this year. July 8-9, 2020 will be another historic step forward for the Black Press.
As we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and the 193rd anniversary of the Black Press, we know that the Black Press is needed today more than ever before.
Yes, Black Lives Matter! Yes, Black Press Matters! As hundreds of thousands of people are continuing to march in the streets of America to demand justice, fairness, and equality, our newspapers and media companies will remain on the frontlines of the freedom movement.
In particular we welcome virtually and in particular via social media millennials from every section of the nation. We are proud of those young articulate and strong voices who are not complacent with the status-quo.
Activism and striving for excellence in all fields of endeavor are so important as we in the Black Press not only will continue to document and report the news, but also we will continue to be an active advocate for the emergence of the next generation of freedom-fighters who represent the best of Black America.
We especially recognized and thank all of our annual corporate partners and our convention sponsors for their support of the NNPA that listed in our convention program book. The logos of our partners and sponsors will also be prominently displayed throughout the multimedia broadcast of our virtual convention.
Enjoy, engage and be empowered. God bless the Black Press of America.
Sincerely,
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Our Event Sponsors
