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The National Action Network’s 35th Annual Convention, held April 8–11, 2026 at the New York Sheraton Hotel, marked a milestone gathering under the theme “Power in Action: 35 Years of Justice, Impact & Purpose.” The convention opened with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony that set the tone for four days of reflection, strategy, and mobilization. Elected officials, community leaders, and advocates delivered remarks that underscored NAN’s long-standing role in advancing civil rights and confronting systemic inequities.
Key sessions highlighted the voices of victims and families affected by violence, offering space for healing and accountability. Discussions on the criminal justice system examined ongoing challenges and reform efforts, while panels on homeownership and wealth-building addressed economic empowerment as a cornerstone of justice. A fireside chat with Rev. Al Sharpton provided historical perspective and a forward-looking vision for NAN’s continued work.
Throughout the convention, diverse panel discussions explored policy, activism, and community solutions. On the evening of April 8, the “Keepers of the Dream” Gala honored individuals whose work embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebrating leadership rooted in service and justice.
(photos by Seitu Oronde)
National Action
Network’s “Keepers of
the Dream” Gala
By Audrey J. Bernard,
Society Editor
On Thursday evening, April 8, 2026, National Action Network’s Keepers of the Dream Award Gala was held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel in Midtown Manhattan and brought together hundreds of supporters, NAN delegates from 140 chapters, national leaders and VIPs to celebrate NAN’s 35th anniversary.
Over 600 impressively dressed guests attended the gala in the Metropolitan Room and were welcomed to break bread together at NAN’s signature event at the yearly convention, Keepers of the Dream Awards Gala, by NAN’s President & Founder, Reverend Al Sharpton and to celebrate the 2026 Keepers of the Dream Awards recipients. “This gathering is more a celebration. It is a reaffirmation of or covenant with the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a declaration that the work of justice, equity, and human dignity is never finished.” NAN’s board member Camille Joseph-Goldman introduced the evenings pristine program followed by an awesome informative video about the beloved civil rights organization. Governor Kathy Hochul presented Rev. Sharpton with a special award and congratulated him and NAN for the epic work they do for the underserved and overlooked.
“This year’s honorees represent the very best of what it means to keep that dream alive come from different walks of life, but they are united by a singular commitment to excellence in service of something larger than themselves,” said Sharpton. “Each of our honorees has used their platform, their influence, and their voice to open doors, challenge systems, and lift others as they climb. They remind us that keeping the dream is not a passive act, it is a daily discipline.”
The 2026 Keeper of the Awards recipients are: Chairman’s Award: Lawrence O’Donnell, Host, “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNOW; President’s Award: Billy Porter, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award –winning Actor & Singer; Bayard Rustin Labor Award: Lee Saunders, President, AFSCME; Community Impact & Sports Innovation Award: Alex Lasry, CEO, FIFI World Cup 2026, NYNJ Host Committee; Michael A. Hardy Service Award: Jamie Bland, Founder, Jumpstart Productions, President, Paterson New Jersey Chapter, NAN; NAN Cultural Award: Louis Carr, President, BET; and NAN Business Leadership Award: Marc Holliday, Chairman & CEO, SL Green Realty Corp. A special recognition was presented to Tony award-winning Director & Choreographer, George Faison, Co-Founder, The Faison Firehouse, New York.
“To our honorees we see you, we salute you, and we are grateful,” said Rev. Sharpton. “They show us what is possible when talent is matched with purpose and ambition in accountability,” added Rev. Sharpton. “Tonight, we celebrate these remarkable honorees, leading the way in their respective fields, and we gather in community and love,” stated NAN’s Chairman of the Board, Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson.
Assisting Rev. Sharpton in handing out the awards were: Rev. Richardson, Martin Luther King III, Chairman, The Drum Major Institute, Jennifer Jones-Austin, and Dr. Robin Brown Hardy. Other participants in the elite program included Reverend Dr. David Jefferson, Sr. who delivered the invocation. Music was provided by the NAN Change Choir under the direction of Pastor Vincent Bohanan.
