National Action Network Convention Brings Leaders and Activists to New York

By: Bill Allen

New York City — The National Action Network convened its 35th annual convention April 8–11 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, bringing together community leaders, activists, elected officials and media figures from across the country.

The annual gathering serves as a forum for education, information-sharing and strategy development aimed at strengthening communities and advancing social justice nationwide.

Founded and led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, the organization hosted a wide-ranging lineup of speakers and panel discussions addressing issues including justice, accountability, economic empowerment and media literacy.

One of the convention’s key panels, focused on justice and healing, was moderated by civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. The discussion highlighted the experiences of families who have lost loved ones to violence, emphasizing the emotional toll and the ongoing fight for accountability.

Speakers referenced the growing number of families advocating for justice, including relatives such as Gwen Carr, Wanda Cooper-Jones and Sybrina Fulton, whose voices have become central in national conversations around racial justice.

Additional panels focused on financial literacy, wealth-building and homeownership, offering attendees guidance on creating personal savings and pathways to purchasing a first or second home.

Media professionals also participated in discussions about the importance of accurate reporting in an era of widespread misinformation, emphasizing the need for reliable sources and responsible storytelling.

Beyond its educational programming, the convention provided opportunities for networking and community building. The Women’s Empowerment Luncheon brought together leaders from business, faith and public service, offering messages centered on leadership, resilience and the role of Black women in shaping culture and public discourse.

The convention also highlighted the next generation of activists, including young leaders who are emerging as influential voices in their own right. While some come from families with long histories of activism, speakers emphasized that each individual must define their own path and commitment to advocacy.

As the National Action Network marks 35 years, the convention continues to reflect its core mission: advancing justice, promoting economic empowerment and fostering education, while reminding attendees of the resilience that has carried communities through past challenges toward a more hopeful future.