Membership in the NLC is inclusive of the broadest possible spectrum of local, regional, national, and international organizations; leaders and resource people who agree with the goals and objectives of the summit, practice operational unity, subscribe to the principles of cooperation embodied in the constitutions and by-laws and meet the following criteria:

National Afrikan/Black and Pan-African organizations and leaders with an identifiable constituency.

Afrikan/Black organizations who accept the constitution and by-laws, structure, and all policies of the NLC.

Other membership categories developed and determined by the NLC and ratified according to amendment procedures set forth in the constitution, including associate members and youth.