The NLC is based on the concept of operational unity, recognizing that there are a wide range of organizations within the national Afrikan/Black community with diverse ideologies and methods of approach.

The essential principle of operational unity is “unity without uniformity”. In functional terms, operational unity allows organizations to retain their autonomy and independence while working collaboratively and collectively in the best interest of the national Afrikan/Black community on issues, programs, projects, and initiatives on which there is mutual agreement.