This summer, sorority and fraternity in-person national convention events return, along with civil rights and health care groups. African Americans are returning by the thousands to their national meetings this month. Put on hold and held as virtual or hybrid events since March 2020, many historic black groups are welcoming their members back to traditional gatherings at hotels this summer, and Vice President Kamala Harris is a hugely popular speaker.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho welcome Boules this summer. The Zetas are meeting in Philadelphia July 18-24 on the theme, “Honoring Our Founders, Continuing Their Legacy.” The dream continues! And the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho celebrated 100 years since their founding on the Butler University campus with a special centennial celebration in Indianapolis July 12-17.

At the 70th Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ball in Orlando July 9-15, the theme was “The Magic of Excellence.” Vice President Harris made remarks at the Orange County Convention Center, particularly noting her International Basileus, Dr. Glenda Glover, president of Tennessee State University. The text of his remarks is on the whitehouse.gov website.

Omega Psi Phi is hosting a Grand Conklave in Charlotte July 22-26. George Clinton was inducted into the fraternity, and he pays it back. “When I created Atomic Dog in 1982, I had no idea how it would connect to @officialoppf,” Clinton posted on her Instagram. “Now that I’m a part of this iconic fraternity, it’s only fair to celebrate the only funkin way I know. @cblaquegod and I created the new Que Dog edition to celebrate Atomic Dog’s 40th anniversary! So for my 81st anniversary, come to the 83rd Grand Conclave in Charlotte, NC – July 24 as we board the mothership to shoot the official video Dogs of the world, unite!

Iota Phi Theta is hosting its Iota Leadership Conference at Crowne Plaza Crystal City-Washington, DC August 4-6, 2022 in Arlington, VA. In July 2023, the other Divine Nine will meet as follows: Alphas (Dallas), Deltas (Indianapolis), Kappas (Tampa) and Sigmas (Houston).

The NAACP’s 113th National Convention was held in Atlantic City July 14-20, convened to advance policies that impact Black America. Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Convention Monday, July 18 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. The official text of his remarks is also on the whitehouse.gov website.

The National Urban League Conference will be held July 20-23, 2022 in Washington, D.C., as leaders from business, government and social advocacy explore issues and initiatives that deeply affect communities served by the network of the Urban League of 90 nationally affiliated.

The National Dental Association held its 109th annual convention in Phoenix July 14-17, themed “The Cascading Intent of Ancestors: Creating the Doorway for the Next Generation.”

The 2022 National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly is taking place live in Atlanta, Georgia, July 30-August 3 at the Georgia World Congress Center and the host Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel. Recognized as the nation’s premier forum for African American medical science and health, through 26 scientific specialty sections, the Convention attracts the broadest spectrum of African American physicians, academics, and scientists in the nation.