Alexander Coolidge, Bowdeya Tweh, and Mark Curnutte

Cincinnati

Cincinnati could land the NAACP Annual Convention in 2016, drawing thousands of delegates from around the country, millions of dollars and likely presidential candidates.

At a Friday meeting, the organization's convention planning committee made the recommendation to the national board of directors. However, that selection is pending a site visit, which is scheduled early next month.

Cincinnati's selection would not be official or final until the NAACP's oversight committee completes its visit, said Ishton Morton, interim president of the Cincinnati NAACP Branch.

"Nothing's definite," said Julie Calvert, a vice president at the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. "That's the purpose of the site visit on Nov. 5 and 6 and we'll know following that site visit whether we've been selected."

The Queen City was considered among Baltimore, St. Louis and Austin, Texas for the annual event.

"We're thrilled about the news," said Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, of North Avondale, an NAACP member and chair of the local chapter's upcoming 49th annual Freedom Fund dinner Saturday night.

"When we had it hear in 2008 it was a huge success. To get the convention twice in such a short time shows how impressive Cincinnati is."

Earlier this year, published reports said Baltimore landed the convention. However, the national board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People refuted that position.



"We are delighted at the interest expressed by the communities representing these four great American cities," the NAACP said in a July statement. "Each year, we look for venues where our delegates and members can gather together, learn and enjoy a welcoming environment. We are certain our 2016 host city will be no exception."

A NAACP national spokeswoman said Wednesday the 2016 has yet to be decided.

Presidential politics might have swayed the final decision – Cincinnati last hosted the high-profile convention in 2008.

Six years ago, the civil rights organization maximized the event's visibility by holding it in a critical swing state. Local convention officials estimated the 2008 convention pumped $3.2 million into the local economy as more than 4,000 attendees visited Cincinnati, staying in local hotels and eating at local restaurants.

In July, the Urban League held its National Conference at the Duke Energy Center. The national civil rights group was the last of boycotting organizations to bring its convention back to Cincinnati. The Urban League conference filled 6,700 hotel room nights for its 8,700 delegates and contributed $2 million in direct spending.

Mayor John Cranley said he hasn't been informed of the organization's decision but he would welcome visitors to Cincinnati.

"Not only will it showcase Cincinnati on the national stage and be a great thing for local businesses, but it also shows we're a place that values diversity," Cranley said.

The 2014 convention, which happened in July, was held in Las Vegas. Philadelphia will host next year's NAACP convention.