The NAACP National Convention is an empowering, immersive experience that celebrates the strength and creativity of our community. The event brings together innovators, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and creatives from across the country to connect and inspire change.
I designed the visual interactions and experiential environments throughout the convention — from gallery spaces showcasing contestant work to podcasting areas for live interviews and audience engagement. The experience also featured dynamic photo moments and interactive brand activations, creating spaces that encouraged participation, connection, and celebration.
Greeting attendees at the entrance, the bold eight-foot-tall “CLT” letters served as a vibrant tribute to the host city of Charlotte. Wrapped in colorful, patterned graphics inspired by traditional African textiles, the installation set the tone for the event — a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. This striking visual landmark became a popular photo moment and a welcoming symbol of pride and connection as guests entered the convention space.
The entrance to the ACT-SO Courtyard was designed to evoke the classic architecture and atmosphere of an Ivy League campus. Built from beMatrix frames and SEG fabric panels, the structure featured a clock tower draped in faux ivy and accented with subtle graffiti details — a nod to the energy and individuality of the students whose work filled the space beyond. The ACT-SO logo and mission statement were prominently displayed on dedicated panels, welcoming visitors into an inspiring environment that celebrated creativity, ambition, and achievement.
At the heart of the ACT-SO Courtyard stood the “Tree of Knowledge” — a luminous centerpiece crafted from fabric and light. This sculptural installation symbolized growth, wisdom, and connection, anchoring the space both visually and conceptually. Surrounding the tree, the powerful words KNOWLEDGE, GREATNESS, HERITAGE, and EXCELLENCE framed the experience, reflecting the core values of the ACT-SO program and celebrating the brilliance of the young minds represented throughout the courtyard.
Throughout the event, a series of branded message walls extended the design language established at the entryway. Each wall featured its own focal message — from the empowering “Unified & Unlimited” mantra to the inspiring Prizm Pledge and acknowledgments of the event’s generous sponsors. These structures blended cohesive visual design with purposeful storytelling, offering attendees moments of reflection, gratitude, and unity as they moved through the convention space.
To encourage engagement and shareable moments, a large-scale photo installation featured a 3D hand holding a cell phone in front of a vibrant, event-branded backdrop. Designed to mirror the energy and creativity of the convention, this playful setup invited attendees to step in, pose, and become part of the visual story — transforming the space into a fun, interactive expression of connection and community.
The Podcaster Lounge was designed as a dedicated space for creators to record interviews, host discussions, and connect with their audiences in real time. Unlike the more vibrant areas of the event, this zone embraced a refined monotone palette accented by the event’s signature colors. The minimalist design provided a clean, visually interesting backdrop that elevated both the recording environment and the on-camera experience.
An extension of the podcast and interview area, Protest Headquarters paid tribute to the NAACP’s historic legacy of activism and social justice. The space was visually anchored by the iconic raised fist of protest, surrounded by reproduced vintage NAACP posters that echoed decades of powerful advocacy. Designed as both a functional broadcast space and an homage to the organization’s roots, the environment blended storytelling and purpose — reminding attendees that the conversations happening here were part of a much larger movement.
The final section of Protest Headquarters featured a striking wall treatment that layered history and design. A collage of vintage newspapers created a textured backdrop, symbolizing the ongoing story of progress and activism. Overlaid on top were archival covers of The CRISIS — the NAACP’s historic publication — showcasing generations of Black excellence, leadership, and cultural influence. The result was a powerful visual statement that connected past and present, grounding the space in legacy and purpose.