New post from the NAACP: NAACP President’s Statement on Reckless Killing of Daunte Wright by Austyn Ross

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement in response to the reckless killing of Daunte Wright:

“Daunte Wright was shot and killed yesterday, just north of where George Floyd was suffocated less than a year ago. Both were fathers, both were Black men, both died at the hands of police. Whether it be carelessness and negligence, or a blatant modern-day lynching, the result is the same. Another Black man has died at the hands of police.”

###

About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund, also referred to as the NAACP-LDF, was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post NAACP President’s Statement on Reckless Killing of Daunte Wright appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP Georgia State Conference Sues Georgia Secretary of State and State Election Board to Prevent Enforcement of SB 202 by Marc Banks

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The NAACP Georgia State Conference, alongside the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, the League of Women Voters of Georgia, GALEO Latino Community Development Fund, Common Cause, and the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe, are suing Secretary of State Raffensperger and members of the State Election Board to prevent them from enforcing any provisions of SB 202 – Georgia’s new voting law that is designed to restrict the right of Georgia citizens to vote. The lawsuit states that SB 202 is a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate based on race, and violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution as undue burdens on the right to vote and the right to free speech and freedom of association.

SB 202 restricts voting at every stage. It makes it easier to restrict early voting hours  – even allowing for the elimination of early voting on Sundays – which will prevent voters from being able to get to the polls.  Black voters and other voters of color utilize Sunday early voting hours more often than white voters. It limits where voters can cast their vote in their own counties. And, it also shortens the runoff period. Their efforts to try and restrict voting access, as required by SB 202, constitute intentional discrimination in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

SB 202 makes it harder to vote by absentee ballot by imposing stricter ID requirements, making it harder for voters to receive them and return them, and moving up the deadline to request one which will prevent some who need to vote absentee from being able to do so.

SB 202 includes provisions that target and make early in-person voting, voting by absentee ballot, and using ballot drop boxes more difficult, all of which were used much more extensively by voters of color than voting in-person on election day. Furthermore, SB 202 removes the voting power of the Secretary of State on the State Elections Board, and allows the State Election Board to take over county election boards, which would give the State Elections Board unprecedented authority to target jurisdictions with a large population of Black voters and other voters of color. Even as it will cause longer lines and delays to vote, SB 202 goes so far as criminalizing individuals and charitable organizations who provide food and water to voters when they are waiting in line to vote.

“SB 202 is a blatant attempt by the Georgia legislature and Governor Kemp to suppress the participation of Black voters and other voters of color,” said Janette Louard, Interim General Counsel, NAACP. “The Georgia law is part of a broader attempt to disenfranchise Black voters in states across the country. Voting is a fundamental right and efforts should be made to make it easier and to encourage more people to do their civic duty.  Instead, we are seeing efforts to restrict voting for Black voters and other people of color. We will not let these blatantly discriminatory actions take place. They must be declared unconstitutional.”

###

The post NAACP Georgia State Conference Sues Georgia Secretary of State and State Election Board to Prevent Enforcement of SB 202 appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Civil Rights, Racial Justice Organizations Decry the Racist and Misogynistic Murders of Asian American Women in Atlanta by Marc Banks

The Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative—the foremost diverse coalition of national racial justice and civil rights organizations representing and serving more than 53 million people in the United States— condemn in the strongest terms the heinous murders of eight people, including six Asian American women and one Asian American man on March 16 in Atlanta. This attack against Asian American women is white supremacy and misogyny in action.

Too often, racist policies at home and abroad pigeonhole Asian women, immigrant women, and poor women into unprotected, low-wage jobs — including as massage workers in spas — where they are subject to racist and sexist abuse on a daily basis, whether from their customers, employers or police. Violence against Asian American women— regardless of their country of origin or citizenship status — is not new. Racist narratives have exotified, fetishized and hypersexualized Asian women. As Georgia state Rep. Bee Nguyen said, Asian women constantly experience brutality at the “intersection of gender-based violence, misogyny and xenophobia”.

The core element of discrimination and bias, whether based on race, gender, nationality, or other characteristics, is the dehumanization and “othering” of people. This assumes all individuals within these categories are the same and are all of less value than those making these judgments. Many times, multiple forms of “othering” converge to target the most vulnerable intersections of these identities.  The dehumanization of these women was personified when the killer justified the murders as the result him just having a bad day.

These murders are the most recent large-scale manifestations of centuries of violence against communities of color. These murders represent a flashpoint in the ongoing violence against communities of color fueled by systemic racism; and is the same fuel that fed the past four years of vitriolic rhetoric from America’s most powerful leaders and inaction against white supremacy.  In the face of the disturbing rise in Anti-Asian hate, this Collaborative consistently has stood by the Asian community (in 2017 and as recently as last month). We will continue to stand in solidarity with all those who are impacted by racist violence and attacks.

We advocate for community-based solutions that advance collective safety and ensure that all workers, including Asian women, are treated with dignity and respect without an overreliance on law enforcement response.  We also call on the Biden administration to heed the recommendations from our previous statement, which help us all to better track and address acts of hate violence.

 

As members of the Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative, we stand united against anti-Asian hate in all of its forms. And we believe that the best approach to end anti-Asian hate violence is to lift up and provide adequate resources to community organizations that serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially those for and by AAPI women, and to support multiracial efforts that include Asian American and Pacific Islander leadership indirectly addressing the problems caused by systemic racism and misogyny.

 

# # #

 

The Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative includes the following leading national racial equity anchor organizations (the Anchors): Advancement Project National Office, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Demos, Faith in Action, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Congress of American Indians, National Urban League, Race Forward, and UnidosUS. Supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we work together to promote racial equity, advance racial healing, and ensure that all children, families, and communities have opportunities to reach their full potential.

The post Civil Rights, Racial Justice Organizations Decry the Racist and Misogynistic Murders of Asian American Women in Atlanta appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Eddie Murphy to be Inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame by Marc Banks

Jazmine Sullivan and Maxwell set to perform during the live telecast airing on BET and Simulcast across viacomCBS networks

Presenters announced for the televised and non-televised awards

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA (March 11, 2021) – Today, the NAACP revealed that legendary entertainer, film icon and two-time Image Award recipient Eddie Murphy will be inducted into the acclaimed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during this year’s ceremony. Additionally announced, Image Award Outstanding Female Artist nominee Jazmine Sullivan will perform–along with Grammy Award-winning singer Maxwell, who will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut album Urban Hang Suite–during  the 52nd NAACP Image Awards airing LIVE on BET and simulcast across ViacomCBS Networks including CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV, MTV2, and LOGO on Saturday, March 27th, 2021 at 8/7c.

The Hall of Fame Award, which will be presented by Eddie Murphy’s collaborator and long-time friend Arsenio Hall, is bestowed on an individual who is a pioneer in his or her respective field and whose influence will shape the profession for generations to come. As one of the most commercially successful actors in the history of the motion picture business, Murphy has entertained and kept audiences laughing for over 40 years.

He began his career doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and later joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. At age 21, Murphy starred in the box-office hit 48 Hours, and went on to star in more than 70 films including Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, Harlem Nights, The Nutty Professor, Dr. Dolittle Shrek, Dreamgirls, Dolemite Is My Name, and Coming 2 America–which secured the #1 opening weekend of any streaming movie in the past year. An Academy Award nominee, he has been recognized for his work with two NAACP Image Awards, as well as Golden Globe, Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, and Grammy Awards.

“We are honored to celebrate one of the most influential comedic geniuses in the entertainment industry and an individual who has inspired a generation of Black talent,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “To this day, Eddie Murphy’s work continues to bring joy and laughter to individuals around the world, and he is an amazing example of Black excellence, creativity, and artistry.”

Presenters for the LIVE show include Alicia Keys, Andra Day, Arsenio Hall, Cynthia Erivo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Michelle Obama, Misty Copeland, Regina King, Samuel L. Jackson, the cast of Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Swizz Beatz, and Tracy Morgan.

The non-televised award categories will be announced virtually March 22-26. Presenters include the cast of BET’s Bigger (Tanisha Long, Angell Conwell, Rasheda Crockett, Tristen J. Winger, and Chase Anthony,) CeCe Winans, Damson Idris, Daymond John, Javicia Leslie, JB Smoove, Leslie Jones, Madalen Mills, MAJOR., Marcus Scribner, Method Man, Nicole Beharie, Retta, Reno Wilson, Susan Kelechi Watson, Tamar Braxton and Terrence Terrell.

Earlier this week, nominees for the inaugural Outstanding Social Media Personality award were announced, which included Desi Banks (@iamdesibanks), Karlton Humes (@notKarltonBanks), Kevin Fredricks (@KevOnStage), Tabitha Brown(@iamtabithabrown), and Tiffany Aliche (@thebudgetnista).

The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature, and film and also recognizes individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

For all information and the latest news, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.

 

NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

 

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

 

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

 

About BET:

BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation’s leading

provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

 

The post Eddie Murphy to be Inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, Wisdom Cole, Releases Statement After Meeting with U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona by Marc Banks

Wisdom Cole, Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, released the following statement after meeting with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona:

“Today, we had an introductory meeting with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss the issues plaguing current college students and over 40 million Americans. The need for meaningful action around student loan debt, education equity, campus safety & policing can no longer go unanswered.

This crisis is an economic issue that crosses all generations and communities. We recognize that this is not just a student issue; it plagues families, children, and communities looking to improve upon their plight. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the inequities of the U.S. education system, perpetuating the lack of resources and access for Black students across the country. During our meeting, we made it abundantly clear that addressing the needs of our nation’s most promising demographic must be a priority to ensure our society’s viability and sustained growth.

We had a full and frank dialogue, but words are no substitute for impact and action. The NAACP looks forward to continuing its efforts to ensure the Biden-Harris administration’s promise of Building Back Better includes addressing the inequities of this nation and standing with those that seek to create a society that provides access to education.”

The post Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, Wisdom Cole, Releases Statement After Meeting with U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Urban Land Institute Washington and NAACP Announce Inaugural ACT-SO Sustainable Building Intensive Featuring UrbanPlan by Shunkecia Lewis

For more information, contact Margit Nahra at 240-605-8735 or Margit.Nahra@uli.org. 

WASHINGTON (March 4, 2021) – The Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Washington, D.C. District Council and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have announced the inaugural UrbanPlan workshop for high school students participating in the NAACP’s Afro-Academic Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Sustainable Building Intensive. The workshop will introduce students from across the country to the forces that shape urban development as well as career opportunities in real estate.  

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. The NAACP has more than 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2 million activists. The NAACP’s mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.  

The NAACP’s ACT-SO program is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. ACT-SO includes 29 competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual and culinary arts. Almost 300,000 young people have participated in the program since its inception.  Starting in 2020, the NAACP’s Centering Equity in the Sustainable Building Sector Initiative and ACT-SO program began hosting a national competition about Sustainable Building, and this year’s inaugural Intensive will help prepare students to compete in 2021.  

The ACT-SO Sustainable Building Intensive is an invitation for 24 ACT-SO students (grades 11 and 12) to participate in a virtual UrbanPlan competition spanning two days from March 13-14. Guided by industry professionals, the students will form teams to create a development plan for a fictional disinvested neighborhood. Each team will present their design proposal to a “city council” comprised of other industry professionals and the winning team will get a prize at the end of the competition.  

ULI is a global, member-driven organization comprising more than 45,000 real estate and urban development professionals dedicated to advancing the mission of shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. ULI Washington represents more than 2,300 members in the DC metro area. UrbanPlan harnesses the power of experiential learning to demystify land-use dynamics and the complexities of real estate development. Generously supported by member gifts to the ULI Foundation and offered through district councils and national councils, UrbanPlan has reached nearly 60,000 students and public officials globally. 

“Our aim as the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization is to be a beacon of inspiration and transformation in centering equity in the sustainable building sector. In doing so, we can catalyze the building of a bigger, broader tent for the sustainable building movement, towards the betterment of the building users, the communities, the economy, and the planet.” 

Jacqui Patterson, Senior Director for Environmental and Climate Justice  

The post Urban Land Institute Washington and NAACP Announce Inaugural ACT-SO Sustainable Building Intensive Featuring UrbanPlan appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO Releases Statement on Indefinite Banning of President Trump’s Facebook and Instagram Account by Marc Banks

President Trump’s social media accounts are a petri dish of disinformation, designed to divide and fuel violence at all costs.

For the safety of the American people and the security of our democracy, Facebook is doing the right thing to indefinitely ban President Trump from their platforms. We are urging Twitter to do the same immediately.

###

The post NAACP President and CEO Releases Statement on Indefinite Banning of President Trump’s Facebook and Instagram Account appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: President and CEO of the NAACP Releases Statement on Disruption of Peaceful Transition of Power and Calls for Impeachment of President Trump by Marc Banks

This afternoon, the NAACP released the following statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the disruption of peaceful transition of power and calls for the impeachment of President Trump:

“What we are witnessing at this moment is the manifestation and culmination of reckless leadership, a pervasive misuse of power, and anarchy. This is not protesting or activism; this is an insurrection, an assault on our democracy, and a coup incited by President Trump.

For the past four years, we’ve seen him chip away at the civility, integrity, and dignity of our nation. The pattern of President Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again that it is a grave threat and harm to the fragile fabric of our country. In the latest show of failed leadership, we witnessed the Capitol under siege by bad actors who had no other objective than to disrupt the constitutional proceedings of a fair and rightful transition of power. At this moment, President Trump is silent and continues to perpetuate lies and disinformation for his selfish amusement and personal gain.

We must not allow President Trump to continue to place our nation in peril. The NAACP calls for President Trump’s impeachment so that he will never again be able to harm our beloved country, and more importantly, its people.”

###

About NAACP 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post President and CEO of the NAACP Releases Statement on Disruption of Peaceful Transition of Power and Calls for Impeachment of President Trump appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on Georgia Runoff Election by Marc Banks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2021

 

Baltimore, MD –  This evening, the NAACP released the following statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff election:

“The stakes have never been higher as Black voters turned out again in Georgia to make their voices heard in record numbers and helped to decide the balance of power in the United States Senate. With more than 3 million residents voting early in the Senate runoff, the message is clear: we are not tired, and our voices will be heard.

“The next Senate will be closely divided and will determine how we move forward on critical issues like healthcare, housing, education, and long overdue institutional reforms. That is why we need leaders who will continue to champion our causes and empower our fight for justice. We deserve representation, but more importantly, we deserve representatives who will advance equity and erase inequality.

“In one of the most consequential elections of our time, Black lives have literally been on the ballot. That is why the NAACP committed to engaging, educating, and re-energizing the Black community to vote – again. The need to ensure that Georgians’ voices are heard is imperative, and our democracy depends on the full enfranchisement of voters.

###

About NAACP 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post Statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on Georgia Runoff Election appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: President and CEO of the NAACP Issues Statement Condemning Decision in the Shooting of Jacob Blake by Austyn Ross

Washington, D.C. — The NAACP released the following statement regarding Kenosha county official’s decision not to charge Rusten Sheskey with the shooting of Jacob Blake:

“Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley’s failure to bring substantial charges against the officer who shot Jacob Blake causes pain for far too many Americans still reeling from a pandemic and the countless black deaths due to police brutality.

The district attorney’s decision is foul and shameful. It is yet another stark reminder of the free-willing atrocities committed against Black people at the hands of those entrusted to maintain public safety. Atrocities committed against the people of this country by the authorities cannot and should not go unanswered. The justice system failed Jacob Blake and, as such, failed us.

At this moment, the work of the American people is clear: we must continue to fight, organize, and mobilize against police brutality. Far too many Black lives have been damaged or lost due to the egregious malpractice of police officers, elected officials, and the justice system as a whole. While the visions of Jacob Blake, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others play over and over in our minds, we must not grow weary until we’ve achieved police liability and substantive change is realized. If there was ever a time for us to unite against a common threat to the existence of Black people, it is now. Our fight for justice remains unyielding. 

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jacob Blake, his family and friends.”

###

About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post President and CEO of the NAACP Issues Statement Condemning Decision in the Shooting of Jacob Blake appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Watch: NAACP calls for Trump investigation in targeting of Black Georgia voters by Shunkecia Lewis

Source: theGrio and April Ryan

Early voting continues in the state of Georgia for two U.S. Senate races as a cloud hangs over the state’s election process there. On Saturday, President Donald Trump allegedly committed voter and election crimes with an unprecedented and illegal request for Georgia election officials to change the state’s certified vote count.

This matter has drawn the attention of many, including organizations like the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights group, which is now calling for an investigation.

“There is an overall picture that has developed. Obviously, [President Trump] has targeted Black electorates. Places that are majority Black populations,” NAACP Board Chairman Leon Russell exclusively tells theGrio.

The post Watch: NAACP calls for Trump investigation in targeting of Black Georgia voters appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, releases statement after President Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State to Recalculate Votes in His Favor by Marc Banks

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement after President Trump pressured Georgia secretary of state to recalculate votes in his favor:

“This is a racist attack on Black voters. President Trump’s desperate and futile attempts to invalidate and falsify votes cast by Georgia voters add to a growing list of criminal acts that must be addressed. His blatant disregard of the election’s accurate results is harmful to the American people and democracy itself. 

The NAACP calls for the Fulton County District Attorney’s decision to investigate the state law violations committed by President Trump after he pressured Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, to overturn Georgia’s election results. 

We’ve repeatedly seen attempts to delegitimize democracy by trying to disenfranchise voters, specifically Black voters. In December, we witnessed the Trump campaign and a Trump elector file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Fulton County, challenging the state’s presidential election results and asking for a new presidential election or for the court to prohibit the appointment of the slate of presidential electors. On December 10, 2020, the NAACP-Georgia State Conference filed a motion to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit because of their interests in ensuring their members’ votes are counted. 

Once again, if the NAACP must intervene to protect our community, we will do so swiftly and assuredly.”

The post NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, releases statement after President Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State to Recalculate Votes in His Favor appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP Sues President Trump for Systematically trying to disenfranchise Black Voters by Marc Banks

December 21, 2020 – The NAACP sued President Trump, his presidential campaign, and the Republican National Committee (RNC) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for systematically trying to disenfranchise Black voters in states across the country.

The lawsuit alleges that President Trump, the Trump campaign, and the RNC have engaged in a coordinated conspiracy to disenfranchise Black voters by disrupting vote-counting efforts, lodging groundless challenges during recounts, and attempting to block certification of election results through intimidation and coercion of election officials and volunteers.   These steps to delegitimize our democracy were targeted in cities across the country with high numbers of Black voters.  These actions are a clear violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Ku Klux Klan Act.

Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP said, “President Trump and his allies have repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and undermine confidence in our democracy.  Across the country – from Detroit to Milwaukee, and Atlanta to Philadelphia – they have targeted areas with large numbers of Black voters and made baseless, racist claims to attempt to not count their votes. While all of the allegations have repeatedly gotten thrown out of court and no judge has found any evidence of election fraud, we cannot sit back and let these actions go unaccounted for.  In order to protect the constitutional rights of millions of Black Americans, and ensure that our democracy is not delegitimized, we are bringing this lawsuit to protect the integrity of Black voters and the democratic process in which they participated and made their voices heard in record numbers.”

The NAACP joined a lawsuit that was filed on November 20^th by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), on behalf of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and three Detroit residents.

 

###

About NAACP 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post NAACP Sues President Trump for Systematically trying to disenfranchise Black Voters appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: The 52nd NAACP Image Awards to Air on BET Saturday, February 20th at 8 PM ET by Marc Banks

Nominees to be announced January 22, 2021

LOS ANGELES (December 16, 2020) – Today the NAACP announced that the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards will broadcast live on BET Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 8:00 PM ET.

Additionally, the NAACP Image Awards Dinner, which traditionally takes place the night before the telecast, will live stream over six nights February 15-19, 2021. The virtual ceremonies will recognize winners in more than 60 non-televised award categories in the fields of television and streaming, music, literature, film, and activism.

Recognized as the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show from an African-American perspective, the NAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts and those who promote social justice through their creative work.

“In this season of reflection and reckoning, the 52nd NAACP Image Awards will continue a tradition of uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.  We are excited to continue our broadcast partnership with BET and look forward to celebrating Black excellence in a safe and meaningful way,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice-Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors and Chairman of the Image Award Committee.

“This has been an unprecedented year and we are all in need of the inspiration, empowerment, and awareness the NAACP Image Awards brings year-after-year.    BET is thrilled to continue our partnership with the NAACP to broadcast the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that will celebrate and honor the creatives, musicians, storytellers, and trailblazers who have uplifted and guided our culture during this time,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET.

The 51st NAACP Image Awards telecast, drew 1.8 million total viewers P2+ (Simulcast)—a +448% increase versus the previous year. Filled with non-stop exhilarating moments, the special secured the #1 Most Social TV Program on Saturday, February 22, 2020.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws a crowd of the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees include Rihanna, Lizzo, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl Underwood, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

Nominations for the 52^nd NAACP Image Award will be announced on January 22, 2021. Due to an overwhelming number of entries, nominees in the eight literary categories will be announced on February 3, 2021.  Additional key dates include:

Friday, December 18 – Online submissions close

Monday, December 28 – Nominating committee voting begins

Friday, January 15 – Nominating committee voting closes

Friday, January 22 – Public online voting opens

Friday, February 5 – Public online voting closes

As previously announced, the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards will include 21 new submission categories:

 

• Television + Streaming: Outstanding Animated Series; Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television); Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama; Outstanding Performance in a Short-Form Series; Outstanding Short-Form Series – Variety; Outstanding Short-Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction; and Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

 

• Recording: Outstanding International Song; Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental Outstanding Jazz Album–Vocal; Outstanding Soul/R&B Song; Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song; Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional); Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary); and Outstanding Producer of the Year

 

• Motion Picture: Outstanding International Motion Picture; Outstanding Animated Motion Picture; Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture); Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action); Outstanding Short-Form (Animated); and Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

 

For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net.

Instagram:  @naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook:  /naacpimageaward

###

NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

 

 About BET Networks:

BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

 

 NAACP Image Awards Media Contacts:

Sunshine Sachs | NAACPImageAwards@sunshinesachs.com

Marc Banks | dbanks@naacpnet.org

Chloe Duverge | chloe.duverge@bet.net

 

The post The 52nd NAACP Image Awards to Air on BET Saturday, February 20th at 8 PM ET appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP praises release of Myon Burrell, commends Minneapolis NAACP for pushing for his freedom by Marc Banks

The NAACP released the following statement on the release of Myon Burrell, a Black man imprisoned for life as a teenager in the slaying of an 11-year-old girl hit by a stray bullet almost two decades ago.

“We applaud the tireless efforts of former President of the Minneapolis NAACP Leslie Redmond for raising national awareness of the case and support for its reopening. Since the AP raised several flaws with the case earlier this year, the NAACP Minneapolis branch has sought recourse for Myon Burell. We are also thankful to Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar who called to reopen the case, which had special resonance since she first prosecuted the case.

The injustice inflicted upon Myon Burrell is a reflection of how much work needs to be done to repair our criminal justice system. Our efforts were successful in this case due to the voices of many. We will continue to hold the justice system accountable for its transgressions in criminalizing Black youth and rushing to put them behind bars for a long time.”

###

 

About NAACP Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

 

 

The post NAACP praises release of Myon Burrell, commends Minneapolis NAACP for pushing for his freedom appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, Releases Statement on Georgia Senate Debate by Marc Banks

“Tonight, we saw Rev. Raphael Warnock and Senator Kelly Loeffler make their case to the voters of Georgia on how they will address the myriad issues facing our country and why they should represent Georgians in the U.S. Senate. The topics from tonight’s debate including health care, wages, police reform and COVID-19 relief, laid bare why it is imperative to elect leaders capable of taking substantive action to address the issues of importance to the Black community. In a state where nearly 32 percent of its residents are Black, their priorities must be top of mind for whoever will represent Georgians in Washington, DC.

“The balance of the power in the U.S. Senate will be decided by the people of Georgia. Despite the unprecedented, unethical, and unfounded attacks on the election results in Georgia last month, we know that there are forces that are actively trying to depress voter turnout and disenfranchise Black voters. We cannot allow those forces to win. Everything we are fighting for, from criminal justice reform and health care to COVID-19 economic relief, is on the ballot this January. That is why we are urging Black Georgians to come back out in record numbers in this runoff election and vote because not only do their voices matter, but they have the power to move America in the right direction.

“Make no mistake; whoever controls the Senate will help determine the direction of our country. We need to safeguard our civil rights, and the judges that are confirmed by the U.S. Senate will play an integral role in determining the makeup of the federal judiciary. As the economic condition worsens and millions face food and housing insecurity, we need senators who will pass legislation to help our community and not hurt it. Between now and election day, the NAACP is continuing its efforts to educate, engage, and mobilize Black voters in Georgia. There is too much at stake in this election, and we must make our voices heard.

# # #

About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, Releases Statement on Georgia Senate Debate appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: NAACP and Experian Launch Home Preservation Grant to Support African American Homeowners at Risk of Losing Their Homes by Austyn Ross

 

COSTA MESA, CA –(BUSINESS WIRE)–The NAACP Empowerment Programs and Experian today announced the launch of a pilot program to assist African American homeowners at risk of losing their homes. The Home Preservation Grant will provide mortgage relief for grant recipients suffering from COVID-19 related hardship.

The partnership with the NAACP is part of Experian’s United for Financial Health initiative, which aims to empower and protect vulnerable consumers to improve their financial health through education and action. Through this pilot program, Experian will provide financial support up to $10,000 per selected recipients. The application process starts today through December 8.

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that African Americans have access to wealth building opportunities and financial security. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the NAACP has launched multiple programs to ease the financial burdens families have experienced. We are pleased to be working with Experian on this pilot program to alleviate the hardships experienced by homeowners,” said Dawn Chase, NAACP director of Equity and Inclusion.

“Experian has been committed to providing tools and initiatives to support consumers as they manage personal finances through the pandemic,” said Craig Boundy, Chief Executive Officer of Experian North America. “Promoting financial inclusion is a fundamental part of our mission, and we are honored to work with the NAACP to help homeowners manage through this crisis.”

The launch of the Home Preservation Grant will first target homeowners in the Metro Atlanta, Ga. area. Grant recipients will be announced December 14.

“We know homeownership is a way not only to build generational wealth, but also build the generational vibrancy of communities. Black Americans have historically faced barriers to achieving this American dream, and COVID-19 has brought on additional challenges. Especially during the holiday season, we hope the Home Preservation Grant helps communities not only survive, but thrive,” said Experian North America Chief Diversity, inclusion and Belonging Officer, Wil Lewis.

Investing in communities is a key pillar of Experian North America’s Corporate Responsibility program. Initiatives like United for Financial Health are one example of how the company is committed to investing time, resources and partnerships to create a better tomorrow by helping millions gain access to essential everyday services, facilitating inclusion and diversity, and managing Experian North America’s environmental footprint responsibly.

Contact:

Victoria Lim, Experian North America, Victoria.Lim@experian.com 
Marc Banks, NAACP, dbanks@naacpnet.org

###

About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

The NAACP is a c4 organization (contributions are not tax-deductible), our partner c3 organization is known as NAACP Empowerment Programs (contributions are fully tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS).

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 17,800 people operating across 45 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

The post NAACP and Experian Launch Home Preservation Grant to Support African American Homeowners at Risk of Losing Their Homes appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: Coalition of Civil Rights Leaders Demand all Ballots be Counted by Marc Banks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2020

Contact:

Marc Banks, NAACP, dbanks@naacpnet.org

Lon Walls, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, lwalls@wallscomm.com

Phoebe Plagens, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, media@naacpldf.org

Rachel Noerdlinger, National Action Network (NAN) rnoerdlinger@mercuryllc.com

Teresa Candori, National Urban League, tcandori@nul.org

Don Owens, Lawyers Committee, dowens@lawyerscommittee.org

 

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy in this country. It is through casting a ballot that Americans determine our future, protect our rights, seek equal treatment in economic and social life – and hold our leaders accountable to their constituents.

We stand firm in our demand that every vote is counted, including absentee and mail-in votes. Voters who were compelled to cast provisional ballots must also be permitted, as authorized under state law, to “cure” their ballots by presenting information to local boards of elections that confirms their voter status. These are routine actions that take place in the days following every election, every year. President Trump’s wish to end ballot counting must not be permitted to interfere with these processes, and we condemn all misleading statements suggesting that these processes are illegal or fraudulent.

Every ballot must be counted. The American people have expressed their will through the power of their vote, and their voice must be respected. For democracy to work for all of us, each and every voter must be heard. This is not about party, candidates, or agendas, but rather about the promise of our democracy that ensures no voters are silenced. Despite a global pandemic and extraordinary voter suppression throughout the election season, voters participated in this election in historic numbers in the 2020 election. Across the country, citizens braved long lines to vote early, and mailed in or dropped off ballots in record numbers. Voters exercised their right to participate in the face of risks to personal health and safety.

We must allow election officials to do their job, count every ballot cast and afford them the time necessary to do so accurately and completely. Election officials are hard at work counting ballots now, and every hour that goes by is adding to the tally and emphasizing the voters’ decisive choice. This is our vibrant democracy at work. We must allow the democratic process to run its full course to ensure that the voice of every citizen is heard. We cannot stop our democracy from reflecting the will of its people.

###

The post Coalition of Civil Rights Leaders Demand all Ballots be Counted appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: African American Research Collaborative, NAACP, and Vera Institute of Justice to Host Media Call to Discuss Vote Choice and Motivations of Black Americans Based on Data from the 2020 American Election Eve Poll by Marc Banks

Media Contacts: Elaina Jackson, Fahrenheit Creative Group, LLC, elaina@fcgworks.com

Marc Banks, NAACP, dbanks@naccpnet.org

Jazmyn Strode, Vera Institute of Justice, jstrode@vera.org

 

Washington, DC—On Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 AM Eastern, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Vera Institute of Justice (Vera), and African American Research Collaborative (AARC) will host a media webinar to discuss the vote choices and motivations of Black Americans based on their findings in the 2020 American Election Eve Poll. Given the battleground states in play, maybe no group was more important than Black voters in 2020. During the call, AARC pollsters and NAACP and Vera leadership will share in-depth analysis on these and other questions:

• How did Black Lives Matter protests drive African American voters?
• What do Black voters think about defunding the police?
• Are Black men supporting Trump?
• Was this election really about COVID-19?

The poll of more than 15,000 people who voted includes 4,100 African American respondents from key battleground states, including Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, as well as a national sample. During the webinar, pollsters from AARC will join leaders from the NAACP and Vera to present the key findings from the poll and discuss what those results mean in the context of 2020 election results and for the African American community for the next four years.

 

WHO: Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP

Nick Turner, President and Director, Vera Institute of Justice

Henry Fernandez, Principal, African American Research Collaborative

Ray Block, PhD, Senior Research Analyst, African American Research Collaborative

WHAT: Webinar to release and discuss key findings about African American vote choices and motivations based on the 2020 American Election Eve Poll

WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 11:00 AM Eastern

HOW TO JOIN: RSVP to aeep@fcgworks.com for information on how to join

 

Pollsters and Sponsors

 The lead pollsters for the 2020 American Election Eve Poll include the African American Research Collaborative, Latino Decisions, and Asian American Decisions.

Sponsoring organizations include:  AAPI Civic Engagement Fund, NAACP, UnidosUS, America’s Voice, Advancement Project, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Community Change, Demos, Faith In Action, Florida Alliance, Indivisible, League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Momento Latino, National Congress of American Indians, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Urban League, Race Forward, RuralOrganizing.org, SEIU, Vera Institute of Justice, Voter Participation Center.

 

###

About the African American Research Collaborative

The African American Research Collaborative (AARC) provides high-quality research and analysis on the political interests, motivations and goals of African Americans. Our expert team of pollsters, researchers, and analysts has vast experience in polling, African American political behavior, and issues that affect us all: the economy, education, housing, civil rights, policing, jobs, grassroots organizing and social justice

About the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

About Vera Institute

The Vera Institute of Justice is a justice reform change agent. Vera produces ideas, analysis, and research that inspire change in the systems people rely upon for safety and justice. Vera collaborates with the communities most impacted by these systems and works in close partnership with government and civic leaders to implement change. Across projects, Vera is committed to explicitly and effectively reducing the burdens of the justice system on people of color and frames all work with an understanding of our country’s history of racial oppression. Vera is currently pursuing core priorities of ending the misuse of jails, transforming conditions of confinement, providing legal services for immigrants, and ensuring that justice systems more effectively serve America’s increasingly diverse communities. Vera has offices in Brooklyn, NY; Washington, DC; New Orleans, and Los Angeles.

The post African American Research Collaborative, NAACP, and Vera Institute of Justice to Host Media Call to Discuss Vote Choice and Motivations of Black Americans Based on Data from the 2020 American Election Eve Poll appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.

New post from the NAACP: What Happens When We Mobilize by Marc Banks

We are only a few hours away from the most consequential election in our country’s history – particularly for Black Americans. The challenges confronting the Black community are well documented: police killings, an inadequate response to COVID-19, mass unemployment, systemic racism and voter suppression.

Early data shows Black people are turning out in record numbers because of what’s at stake this election cycle. The current Administration has failed to address the pandemic or any of the other issues impacting their loved ones in any meaningful way. Black voters are looking to leaders in Washington to prioritize immediate and long term economic relief, access to quality and affordable health care, and an end to systemic racism and inequality. Over the next day, we will see what happens when millions of Black people of all ages and backgrounds come together to vote for leaders who prioritize our community and issues.

 

NAACP’s Turnout Efforts To-Date: 

As the nation’s largest and most highly recognized civil rights organization, the NAACP has been organizing, educating and mobilizing the Black community since its founding. With so much at stake for the Black community in this election, we doubled our efforts on this critical work. Earlier this year we launched the “Black Voices Change Lives” (BVCL) campaign, an unprecedented effort to mobilize and turn out Black voters in key states and increase Black voter turnout by at least five percent compared to the 2016 election. Our original tagline, “Vote! Our lives depend on it!” captured the imperative of voting and served as a clarion call to our community.

According to the Pew Research Center, Black voter turnout declined for the first time in 20 years, falling to 59.6 percent in 2016,  after reaching a historic high of 66.6 percent in the 2012 elections. To reverse this trend, the NAACP has spent more than $15 million to deploy a blend of traditional and innovative turnout tactics in the following 10 battleground states: Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Alabama. The NAACP turnout strategy is anchored in an innovation pioneered by the data science firm GSSA, called indirect relational voter turnout (IRVT), where high-propensity Black voters are recruited as volunteers to encourage low-propensity Black voters to vote.

The BVCL campaign was split into two phases. Phase 1, which ran from August through September, focused on recruiting high-propensity Black voters to volunteer.  By the end of September, the NAACP had recruited nearly 200,000 volunteers, an extraordinary achievement in such a short period of time.

Phase 2, which began in late September, focused on using the enlisted volunteers to mobilize infrequent voters in the aforementioned battleground states, where the data tells us the Black vote is the determining factor in the outcome of the election no matter who is running for office. Our volunteers have made 675,000 calls, sent 16.5 million text messages, safely distributed over 400,000 pieces of voter education literature, sent 4.5 million pieces of social pressure GOTV mail, and sent 400,000 direct voter contact emails to encourage Black voters in their community to vote.

To complement our volunteers’ work, the NAACP launched a robust, seven-figure radio and digital advertising blitz targeting Black voters in 29 markets across the 10 states. The ad buy includes a significant investment in 17 Black-owned radio stations in these markets. These ads were aired during the premiere of ABC’s “Black-ish” in six markets, as well as on BET during their two-hour HBCU virtual homecoming event.  The ads have generated over 18 million impressions across digital platforms. 

Our traditional allies, including the faith community, Divine Nine, Black Social Organizations and more, partnered with us to motivate their members and others to vote. We would also like to extend a special note of thanks to leaders and celebrities, including Danny Glover, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey and many others who joined us in this critical venture.

 

Election Protection: 

As November 3rd is only a few hours away, we are working tirelessly to ensure that voters are able to safely exercise their rights to vote at their polling location.  We have over 2,000 lawyers, law students and paralegals staffing our election protection hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Black People’s Power in This Election

The NAACP  has spent the past 100 years mobilizing Black people across the country to educate them on the issues and get out to vote. But this movement started long before: throughout the history of the United States, Black people have always led the charge to make this country live up to its ideals of fairness and equality. And, they will continue to do so in this election and beyond.

###

The post What Happens When We Mobilize appeared first on NAACP.

Read more here.