Roland Martin to Headline NAACP Louisiana’s 83rd Annual Convention in Baton Rouge
Roland Martin, one of the nation’s most influential Black journalists, a champion for Black-owned media, and a leading political commentator, will headline the convention as keynote speaker.
BATON ROUGE, La. —The NAACP Louisiana State Conference is set to bring its 83rd annual convention to Baton Rouge Oct. 2–4, marking a pivotal gathering for civil rights advocates, faith leaders, and community organizers. With the theme “Reigniting the Call for Justice,” the event aims to energize grassroots movements at a time when voting rights, health care, and environmental justice remain urgent issues across the state.
Roland Martin, one of the nation’s most influential Black journalists, a champion for Black-owned media, and a leading political commentator, will headline the convention as keynote speaker. He is set to deliver his address, “A New Perspective for the 21st Century,” during the Freedom Fund Banquet on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Martin’s keynote is expected to be both a rallying cry and a challenge, urging Louisianans to raise their voices, protect their communities, and turn their collective power into action at the ballot box.
The three-day conference will tackle some of Louisiana’s most pressing challenges, including Medicaid and Social Security protections, affordable housing, health care access, and criminal justice reform. Environmental justice will also be a focus, with attention on Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” the heavily industrialized corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans where residents have long raised concerns about pollution and public health.
“This convention is about sparking action—not just talking about problems but working on solutions,” said Michael McClanahan, president of the NAACP Louisiana State Conference and member of the national board. “If you think your community isn’t being served, don’t sit on the couch. Get up, show up, and vote. That’s how change happens.”
Organizers said the convention’s central goal is to reignite civic engagement. Voting rights will be at the forefront of discussions, with leaders pressing for higher turnout among Louisiana voters. “The best way to protest is to vote,” McClanahan said. “Once we start voting in numbers, people in power will have no choice but to listen.”
The Baton Rouge convention will be streamed nationwide, amplifying Louisiana’s role in the national civil rights conversation. For the NAACP, the mission is clear: turn passion into participation—and participation into lasting change.
