NAACP Statement on ICE’s Egregious Attack in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3rd, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — The NAACP unequivocally condemns the recent egregious attack carried out by ICE in Chicago, where Black and Brown community members were violently detained in the middle of the night without cause. Let us be clear: this was never about immigration — this was about intimidation.

The actions taken are yet another attempt by this administration to numb our nation into accepting the inhumane treatment of Black and Brown people. These calculated displays of force are meant to instill fear, silence communities, and strip away the dignity of our people. But let us be absolutely clear — we are not deterred, we are not backing down, and we are not scared in the least.

“As a father, I cannot help but think about what it means for a child to be torn from their bed in the middle of the night, detained for no reason other than a show of force. The trauma inflicted on these young people and their families is unconscionable,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO. “We are angry, but we are not deterred. We will not let this nation grow numb to such cruelty, and we will stand with our community.”

For over a century, the NAACP has rallied in defense of our communities. We have stood together against systemic oppression, brutality, and intimidation — and we will continue to do so. We will rally, we will resist, and we will support those impacted by this most recent attack, as we always have.

To those who believe in civility, human rights, and human decency: now is the time to stand with us. Do not allow our nation to be desensitized to injustice. Stand with the families harmed in Chicago. Stand with every Black and Brown person who has been targeted simply for existing. Stand with the NAACP as we continue the fight for dignity, equality, and justice for all.

We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. And we will never stop fighting for our community.

Press StatementNAACP Urges Senators To Vote “No” On Funding Bill If Americans’ Healthcare Is Not Protected

The NAACP has issued the following statement advocating for affordable healthcare to be protected in the Continuing Resolution (CR) government funding package:

“America is only as healthy as its people,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO“Nearly 24 million people rely on individual insurance purchased with the help of the Affordable Care Act’s Tax Credit, but Senators are now considering an extreme bill that would not renew funding for those tax credits — resulting in nearly 4 million people losing their healthcare coverage. And it would cause over 20 million people to see their premiums increase by an average of 75-100%. Trump’s threat to affordable health coverage is immediate and severe. If healthcare coverage is not protected, the Senate must vote NO on Trump’s funding bill.”

By not extending the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Tax Credits in the CR, the costs for people who purchase their health insurance through the ACA marketplace would skyrocket. When millions of Americans can’t afford health insurance, they’ll have less support when sick, hurting us all. 

The Affordable Care Act’s Tax Credits are, in part, paid for by tax dollars from the American people. This is public funding and should go towards benefiting the public. This isn’t a Black issue or a white issue. This is an American issue, and real American lives are at stake.

The NAACP is urging Americans nationwide to contact their Senators and urge them to protect healthcare coverage. For more information on NAACP’s ‘No Healthcare, No Vote’ campaign, visit naacp.org.

NAACP Honors Vice President Kamala Harris with Spingarn Medal

The NAACP awarded history-making leader and steadfast champion for democracy, Vice President Kamala D. Harris, the 2025 Spingarn medal – the Association’s highest honor. The Spingarn Award dinner took place in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, September 30. The Medal was presented to Vice President Harris by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leon W. Russell during the dinner.

“It is a true privilege to recognize Vice President Kamala Harris as this year’s Spingarn Medal recipient,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Her trailblazing leadership and unwavering commitment to justice embody the very essence of this honor. As the first woman and the first Black American to serve as Vice President, her legacy of breaking barriers and championing equity will inspire generations to come.”

The NAACP Spingarn Medal honors the highest achievement by a living African American in any honorable field. Kamala D. Harris, who served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before being elected District Attorney of San Francisco and later Attorney General of California. Throughout her trailblazing career, she has defended the Affordable Care Act, championed marriage equality, advanced civil, immigrant, and voting rights, and strengthened global alliances — among a multitude of defining achievements. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the Spingarn Medal — an award whose legacy reflects the brilliance, sacrifice, and determination of generations who paved the way for progress,” said Kamala D. Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States. “To be counted among its recipients is profoundly inspiring. That it comes from the NAACP, one of our nation’s oldest and greatest champions of freedom and equality, makes this honor all the more meaningful.”

Vice President Kamala Harris now joins the distinguished list of previous Spingarn medal recipients, including remarkable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The NAACP honors her steadfast and unwavering dedication to the progress of Black America. In the proud tradition of the Spingarn Medal, we recognize her extraordinary contributions to justice, equity, and public service. 

CANDIDATES FORUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/03/2025

NAACP Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch

Secretary: Pamela Jackson

naacp1947@gmail.com 

Albemarle County School Board Candidate Forum

Open To the Public

The NAACP Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch is hosting a candidate forum for the open seat on the Albemarle County School Board for the Rio District.

The forum is scheduled for Monday, October 13, from 7:15 pm until 8:00 pm and will be held in Parish Hall on the lower level of Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 1118 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903.  Parking is located in the rear of the building.  Attendees may also park in the Washington Park parking lot located to the east of the church.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, city school board candidates will not be able to participate in this forum.  However, there is a Charlottesville City School Board Candidate forum on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6:00 pm – 8:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club located at 1000 B Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903, behind Charlottesville Middle School (formerly Buford Middle School). 

NAACP, Coalition of Civic & Policy Orgs Condemn Trump’s Attempt to Dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Dr. Lisa D. Cook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 27, 2025 
Contact: communications@naacpnet.org 
 

WASHINGTON – The NAACP, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and a coalition of civic and policy organizations released a joint letter condemning President Trump’s attempt to dismiss and demean Federal Reserve Board Governor Dr. Lisa D. Cook. 

The groups call on policymakers, civic leaders, and the public to reject this dangerous attempt to threaten the independence of the Federal Reserve and to stand against blatant discriminatory and unwarranted attacks on Black people who are in positions of leadership.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement: 

“Trump is obsessed with using race to conceal his failures. First, he questioned Barack Obama’s citizenship. Next, he demeaned public officials like Rep. Maxine Waters, Vice President Kamala Harris, and AG Letitia James, who governed effectively and exposed his corruption. 

“Now, he wants to fire Dr. Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve simply because she is a brilliant Black woman shaping economic policy at the highest level and revealing the faults in his failed economic strategy. Let’s be real: this is not about qualifications. Dr. Cook’s credentials outshine Trump’s entire cabinet. 

“This president simply cannot stomach Black excellence when it reveals his failures, particularly those in positions of power. In reality, this is about bending the Federal Reserve to Trump’s will, and he’s using racism as a tool to do it.”

Civic and policy organizations that have signed on to the letter also include:

  • Institute for Women’s Policy Research
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
  • Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
  • National Action Network
  • National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable
  • National Council of Negro Women
  • National Fair Housing Alliance
  • National Urban League

For more information on how the NAACP is fighting to advance Black America, visit naacp.org

VA STATE CONFERENCE NAACP

September 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Democracy Summit

IBEW Local 666 1400 East Nine Mile Road, Highland Springs, Virginia

2025 is a critical election year! The Governor, Lt. Governor and the Attorney General are on the ballot. All 100 House of Delegates seats are on the ballot. Town Councils, Mayoral, Board of Supervisors, and School Boards are on the ballot. The result of this election will shape the future of the Commonwealth. Educating voters

NAACP Applauds Texas Lawmakers for Protecting Voters and Defending Democracy. Calls on Lawmakers Across the Country to Follow Suit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON —  The NAACP proudly supports the courageous Texas legislators who, during the first special session, took the extraordinary step of leaving the state to deny a quorum, thereby preventing a legislature that was determined to advance a racially gerrymandered and intentionally discriminatory Congressional map for the state.

“These lawmakers have drawn a bright line in defense of democracy by refusing to legitimize an unjust process,” said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. “They have compelled the nation to confront the perilous lengths to which some will go in order to stifle the voices of Black, Brown, and other marginalized voters, and they have motivated others throughout the country to take a stand.”

We recognize that these attacks are not limited to Texas. These attacks are part of a broader, coordinated effort to deprive Black and Brown communities of their political voice and representation. In states such as California, proactive protections have already been implemented to guarantee fair representation and protect voting rights. Before these attacks can establish themselves within their own borders, states all throughout the nation must implement comparable measures, including the reinforcement of legal safeguards, the expansion of voter access, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

The NAACP will not remain silent as our communities are deprived of their legal representation. 

“We will engage in battles in the courts, legislatures, and streets if necessary, as an attack on the voters of one state is an attack on us all,” continued Johnson. 

We encourage all Americans who value equal representation to join in this fight. Democracy will not be selective; it must apply to all and work for all. 

# # #

Albemarle County and Charlottesville City School Board Candidate Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  08/26/2025

NAACP Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch

Secretary:  Pamela Jackson

naacp1947@gmail.com 

NAACP Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch
Secretary: Pamela Jackson
naacp1947@gmail.com
Albemarle County and Charlottesville City School Board Candidate Forum

Open To the Public

The NAACP Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch is hosting a candidate forum for
the one open seat on the Albemarle County School Board for the Rio District and
three open seats on the Charlottesville City School Board. The forum will be
divided into two (2) segments. The first segment for Charlottesville City and the
second segment for Albemarle County.
The forum is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, from 7:00 pm until 8:00
pm; and will be held at the Community Health & Outreach Room of the Sentara
Urgent Care Building located at 920 E. High Street, Suite 103 (opposite of the old
Martha Jefferson Hospital). Parking is located in the rear of the building.

The public may attend via Zoom – MEETING ID 876 5650 8622

PASSCODE 681416

NAACP VIRGINIA STATE CONFERENCE

90th Annual Convention

Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future

The NAACP Virginia State Conference will convene for its 90th Annual State Convention at the Marriott Downtown in Richmond, Virginia, from Friday, October 24, 2025 to Sunday, October 26, 2025. The NAACP Virginia State Conference is the Commonwealth’s largest civil rights advocacy organization. We comprise 100 branches, youth councils, and college chapters, with a membership of over 12,000.

In our 90 years, we have been instrumental in eliminating segregation in public schools, fighting against racial practices in our justice system, and ending wrongful denials in voter registration. Today, the NAACP Virginia State Conference protects historical integrity and justice in education through legislative advocacy and litigation, preserving diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, fighting for Voting Rights and expanded access, and the automatic restoration of voting rights.

90th Anniversary Commemorative Box

The NAACP Virginia State Conference is pleased to announce the 90th Annual Convention Commemorative Box! This box features unique items specially curated for our members. Each box will include a unisex t-shirt, an umbrella, a pin, a baseball cap, and a padfolio for $125.  Box orders can be placed based on T-shirt size (S – XXXL).

Pre-Orders will end on August 8th. Payments for pre-orders must be received by 5 pm August 15th by credit card, debit card, or check. If sending a check, please make your check payable to the Virginia State Conference and mailed to the following:
NAACP Virginia State Conference
PO Box 27212
Richmond, Virginia 23261

All boxes will be available to be picked up during the Annual Convention October 24 – 26 2026.

The 90th Annual Convention Commemorative Box is a fundraiser for the NAACP Virginia State Conference. All proceeds will directly support local and state advocacy. There will be no refunds.

This year, we have crafted convention partnership packages and are introducing exclusive sponsor packages for our Freedom Fund Gala: A Black Tie Affair. We have included a detailed partnership package outlining the different levels and corresponding benefits. We are delighted at the possibility of collaborating on a sponsorship with your corporation arrangement tailored to meet your business objectives.

If you are interested in Partnership Opportunities, download the Partnership Invitation or contact Karen E. Jones, Director of Administration, at kjones@naacpva.org or (804) 269-4335.

Democracy & Voting

NAACP, with the help of volunteers and partners, works to make sure Black voters are engaged and encouraged to vote in every election.

PROTECTING OUR VOTING RIGHTS

@DerrickNAACP:

“There is no way a single senate vote marks the end of the fight for the right to vote. We will continue to meet with senators, we will continue to mobilize, we will continue to apply pressure where necessary. Until democracy is secured for all Americans, the fight will continue.”