Boston is expected to see an estimated $12.5 million economic boost thanks to the NAACP National Convention happening this weekend in the Seaport.
Those estimates, according to the city’s nonprofit visitor’s bureau, Meet Boston, are based off current registration numbers. Around 7,000 attendees are expected to meet over four days of panels, discussions and receptions centered at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The $12.5 million projection includes spending on lodging, food and beverage, business services and transportation. Those involved in planning the conference say a significant amount of that economic activity will directly benefit minority-owned businesses and vendors.
Hilina Ajakaiye, executive vice president of Meet Boston, said partnerships with minority-owned food vendors were a major focus in planning the conference, and something she wants to see standardized.
“This should not be a one time thing … these contracts should be going to Black and Brown businesses, LGBTQ+ business, veteran-owned businesses,” she said.
Tanisha Sullivan, president of the NAACP Boston Branch, told GBH News' Boston Public Radio on Friday that the event is also an opportunity to reintroduce Boston and its business community as diverse and inclusive.
“I’m confident that we’re not gonna miss this moment," Sullivan said. "I’m confident that our elected officials, business community, academia, our advocates on the ground will take this experience and run with it, and Bostonians and the commonwealth will be better for it.”
Boston last hosted the convention in 1982, only a few years removed from the racial and civil unrest surrounding court-ordered desegregation of the city's public schools. That memory is not lost on organizers. Ajakaiye stressed this is a chance for the city to reflect a new image.
“When they came here in 1982, it was not a good experience. Boston did not show its best version of what diversity, equity, allyship looks like …” she continued, “I think they’ll see a lot of amazing momentum forward around diversity ... around the fact that there’s definitely joy and resilience and excellence that is in the city of Boston.”
The convention runs through Aug. 1. Featured speakers include Vice President Kamala Harris, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
Disclaimer: GBH is an official media partner for the convention.
