FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2026
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON – The NAACP mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a transformative leader whose life’s work is deeply woven into the history, mission, and enduring impact of our Association and the nation.

A lifelong soldier for justice, Rev. Jackson emerged from the very soil that nurtured the NAACP for over a century. As a young organizer in the 1960s, he labored alongside NAACP leaders, spoke at several national conventions, marched with our members, and helped expand the national movement for racial equality into a broad, people-powered coalition demanding systemic change.

NAACP Chairman of the Board, Leon W. Russell, NAACP Vice Chair of the Board, Karen Boykin Towns, and NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following joint statement:

“Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a civil rights icon — he was family to the NAACP. His work advanced Black America at every turn. He challenged this nation to live up to its highest ideals, and he reminded our movement that hope is both a strategy and a responsibility. His historic run for president inspired millions and brought race to the forefront of American politics. 

“We honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed: protecting the right to vote, expanding economic opportunity, and fighting for the freedom and dignity of Black people everywhere.”

Throughout the arc of his ministry and activism, Rev. Jackson remained an unwavering ally and partner to the NAACP. In 1988, NAACP awarded Rev. Jackson the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards in recognition of his distinguished public service. And, in 1989, Rev. Jackson received the NAACP Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement. 

Rev. Jackson’s leadership in advancing voting rights, economic justice, and educational opportunity strengthened the very pillars of our community. Whether challenging racially discriminatory policies, uplifting marginalized voices, or building multiracial movements through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he forged a path forward to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure full political, educational, social, and economic equality for all.

Rev. Jackson’s passing marks the loss of a towering moral voice, but the movement he helped build will carry his light forward. His legacy calls each of us to stay committed, stay organized, and remain faithful to the pursuit of justice.

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Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.—Booker T. Washington

ON FEBRUARY 16, 2026 FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE

LORENZO DICKERSON

Lorenzo Dickerson is an Albemarle County, Virginia native whose family has lived there for generations. He descends from ancestors at Castle Hill, Birdwood, Pen Park, The University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.  

He is a 2-time Emmy-Award winning documentary filmmaker who focuses his storytelling on African American history and culture in Virginia.  He states, “I’ve lost both my parents, and all of my grandparents.”  Each time I share and connect with the folks in my films and their stories, some portion of that work helps reconnect me with the people I’ve lost.”  “Sharing our history and experience is a powerful tool for connecting generations of people across both time and space.” 

His films have played in numerous film festivals, are used as a teaching tool in K-12 and university classrooms across the country, and are broadcast nationally on PBS.  He was recently recognized as one of the Daily Progress’ 2026 Distinguished Dozen inductees.  Lorenzo also works as the Digital & Oral Historian with the Getting Word African American History Department at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. There, he focuses his research on making connections across descendant lines and between Monticello and the local descendant community, while also using mixed media to share important stories for the community and Monticello visitors to learn from. 

Lorenzo’s latest film “Cash Crop” is now streaming on PBS, and new documentary films are currently in production.  He currently serves on the board of directors at the Paramount Theater, Preservation Piedmont, the historic St. John Rosenwald School, and VPM’s Community Advisory Board. For more info, visit Lorenzo’s production company at: http://www.maupintown.com

 “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” —John Lewis

ON FEBRUARY 16, 2026, FROM OUR COMMUNITY WE RECOGNIZE

KELSEY CHAVERS

Kelsey Chavers is a native of Albemarle County, Va. She is a 2020 graduate of The University of Mary Washington. In 2022 she received a master’s degree in organizational leadership from George Washington University. A former NAACP scholarship recipient, Kelsey chartered the University of Mary Washington NAACP college chapter in 2019. She was awarded the On Your Way Award by the NAACP Youth and College Division in 2019. Kelsey continues to serve as a young leader and volunteer in her community. She is currently employed as a GIS Analyst.

Kelsey is also assisting in the reactivation process of our local NAACP Youth Chapter.

 Kelsey’s life motto is: Learn from the past, live in the present, and

for the future.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” —Nelson Mandela

ON FEBRUARY 14, 2026 WE RECOGNIZE:

REVEREND ALVIN EDWARDS

Dr. Alvin Edwards is a native of Joliet Il and has been the pastor of Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church for 44 years.

His accolades include

• Chair of the Charlottesville School Board
• Mayor of the City of Charlottesville
• General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention
• Board member and Advisor to Boy Scouts of America
• President of African American Pastoral Council
• President of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective. 

His life motto is:

If I Can Help Somebody, Then My Living Will Not Be in Vain

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela

ON FEBRUARY 13, 2026, WE RECOGNIZE:

PEARL RIDLEY EARLY

Pearl Ridley Early is a longtime community activist who has been addressing the injustices faced by Black children and Black professionals in Albemarle County Public Schools since 1993. She has been a strong advocate against discrimination, fighting for equal educational opportunities for Black students and equitable hiring practices for Black professionals. To further this mission, she founded the African American Parents Alliance to raise awareness within the broader community and to continue the ongoing work of advocacy, accountability, and empowerment that remains vital today. She is a champion of activism for equity and civil rights.

Pearl is the Founder and Advisor of the Junior chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers in partnership with Albemarle County Public Schools. Her leadership has established a significant partnership with UVA Engineering Department with a focus on community engagement and research collaboration. She has facilitated annual summer academies for high school students to strengthen their awareness, skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. Her scholars have successfully presented projects, which ranged from microscopes to model cars. A primary focus has been on high quality engagement with Black students to establish and pursue education goals. So many of her scholars have and are considering opportunities in the STEM fields and strengthen their beliefs to open new and wider doors. Pearl is a trailblazer.

“I want their school board to pay more attention to Black students in STEM,” “I want them to realize that they have a place. And they should be at the table.”

Today, Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared the following statement in response to Donald Trump has posting a video on social media depicting former President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, as apes:

“Donald Trump’s racist video is blatantly racist, disgusting and utterly despicable.

Trump is obviously desperate to distract us from the Epstein Files and his rapidly failing economy. You know who isn’t in the Epstein files? Barack Obama. You know who actually improved the economy as president? Barack Obama.

Donald Trump must be investigated for his potential involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. And he must answer for why he has made the economy so devastating for everyone while enriching himself with more than $1.4 billion since taking office. Voters are watching and will remember this at the ballot box.”

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 “Won’t it be wonderful when Black History and Native American History and Jewish History and all of U.S. History is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.” —Maya Angelou

BLACK HISTORY

ON FEBRUARY 9, 2026 FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:

DEBORAH ROGERS

Deborah Rogers grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she was shaped by her family, her church home, Zion Union Baptist Church, and her neighborhood of Lincoln Heights, now known as Rose Hill Drive. These early influences instilled in her a lifelong commitment to service, resilience, and staying connected to the community that raised her.

She is a graduate of Shaw University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.  With more than 25 years of experience in the education field, she has dedicated her career to advocating for children and families, with a particular focus on equity, access, and early childhood education.

Deborah’s 9 years directing summer camp at Tonsler Park with Charlottesville Parks and Recreation were formative in her professional journey. During this time, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the most vulnerable children, particularly children of color. These experiences strengthened her resolve to ensure that all children receive the educational support, care, and opportunities they deserve.  Her career includes extensive service with Charlottesville City Schools and Albemarle County Schools where she managed program operations, supported inclusive learning environments, and provided classroom instruction across grades K–6. Her work consistently emphasized academic enrichment, social-emotional development, and strong partnerships with families and educators.

Deborah also served as an Early Education Specialist with United Way of Greater Charlottesville, where she managed and expanded key initiatives supporting at-risk children and families. Her work included oversight of the Early Learners Scholarship, Mixed Delivery Infant programs, and School Readiness Evaluation efforts in both public and private settings. As the Executive Director of Barrett Early Learning Center. She is deeply honored to lead an institution that holds a special place in her heart and in the heart of her community. Established in 1935, the center has been a cornerstone of support, education, and empowerment for generations of families, As a leader, advocate, and community servant, Deborah remains deeply committed to educational equity and to ensuring that every child has access to a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment—one that prepares children for success in school and beyond.

• “Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you’re wasting your life. —Jackie Robinson, first African American to play in Major League Baseball

FEBRUARY 8, 2026 – FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:

ENID KRIEGER

We celebrate the legacy work of Enid Krieger for her gifts of love, passion, creativity, knowledge and leadership ability which she has freely shared with the Charlottesville community since moving here in 1999.   It would be challenging to list all the organizations, committees and initiatives that Enid has led and/or supported with her expertise.  Often working alongside her friend and collaborator, Dr. Marie Baker, they have partnered on numerous projects aimed at motivating others to strive for improvement and excellence.  This was demonstrated during their tenure as founding members of the board of directors of the African American Teaching Fellows.    

Currently, as chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at The Center at Belvedere, Enid bridges gaps between individuals by fostering engagement and providing education about various races and cultures. Each initiative is thoughtfully developed to encourage open dialogue, challenge stereotypes and biases and unite participants.  She believes that presenting all of the challenging and positive aspects of our local history affirms our shared humanity. These beliefs also inform her role as Content Editor for Beloved Community CVille’s newsletter, a role she took on in September 2025.   In that capacity she shares information about local Black historic sites, illuminates Black-owned businesses, and brings to light the achievements and contributions of the Black community in Charlottesville.

 “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members…a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.”

Coretta Scott King

ON FEBRUARY 6, 2026 FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:

                                     BERNADETTE WHITSETT-HAMMOND

A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, a retired school psychologist.  She has previously worked for the Providence, Rhode Island Public Schools, the Richmond City Public Schools, and most recently for the Charlottesville City Public Schools System. She is active in both church and community organizations, having long-viewed public service as one of life’s priorities.  Through her membership in the Charlottesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she has been active in voter registration efforts, assisted with the collection of personal supplies for local women, and mentored first-generation college-bound high school students as they navigated the college admissions process to name a few of her involvements.  

Over the years, Ms. Whitsett-Hammond has developed a particular interest in the history of the Charlottesville community.  As a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, she is chair of the Legacy Committee which is responsible for the church’s archives.  In 2016, she co-founded the Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery, a non-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the City of Charlottesville’s only African American burial ground.  She serves on the Board of Preservation Piedmont and is also featured on the Beloved Community Charlottesville video tour speaking on both the history of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Daughters of Zion Cemetery.

In November 2019, Ms. Whitsett-Hammond was selected as “Citizen of the Year” by the Xi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.  In January, she received the Alicia B. Lugo Award at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event sponsored by Mr. Alex-Zan.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

ON FEBRUARY 5, 2026, FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:

MAXINE HOLLAND

Born in the unincorporated community of Cobham in northeastern Albemarle
County, Ms. Holland came of age during the era of segregation. She attended
the three-room Keswick Elementary School and later Rose Hill Elementary
School. In 1967, she graduated from Jackson P. Burley High School as part of the
last class of graduates before Albemarle County integrated schools. Through her
many roles, she engaged community members of all ages and contributed to a
diverse and vibrant African American community. Ms. Holland launched
numerous community initiatives in Cobham and nearby neighborhoods.
Among them were: tutoring, teaching dance and rhythmic activities to
preschoolers, conducting exercise classes for adults, organizing programs to
raise awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia, and celebrating Pan-African Day.

Her experiences in both segregated and integrated communities underscored
the crucial importance of linking teachers, parents, and community into a
triangle of advocacy to successfully educate a child. She honors Black teachers
and their educational strategies that developed generations of successful Black

men and women, despite segregation. She integrated Black history into all
subjects. She was more concerned with preparing students to function beyond
the classroom with a sense of character and self-sufficiency than training them
to get jobs and become consumers. Prior to leaving public education, she
founded and directed Men on A Mission, a club designed to help raise the level
of consciousness among young African American males. She later founded and
directed The Shule (shoe-lay) Society, a rite of passage for young Black women
intended to help them navigate the challenges of life while maintaining peace
and harmony in their lives. Around the same time, she organized and served as
Facilitator of the Family Council at The Cedars Nursing Home, which was a
support group for nursing home residents and their families. More recently, she
helped to organize the Veterans Committee of Central Virginia and serves as
Director. Their mission is to more fully contextualize and honor through
education and telling the untold true stories of the African American
participation in the United States Military- past and present.
In 2001, she helped Mrs. Tamyra Turner plan and organize Juneteenth
celebrations. Over the years, Ms. Maxine Holland has been adamant about
maintaining the historical significance and integrity of Juneteenth. Furthermore,
she believes that many of the problems that plague the Black community can be
countered by educators and leaders who have a clear sense of history, culture,
identity, group unity, and self-determination. She consistently encourages Black
people to study their history. Ms. Holland agrees with Carter G. Woodson’s,
Father of Black History, statement- “If a people had no recorded history, its
achievements would be forgotten or ignored and eventually claimed by others.”
Therefore, it is essential that you know your history and not allow it to be
destroyed. She continues, “If you destroy the history, you destroy the evidence.

Do not let that happen.”

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

ON FEBRUARY 6, 2026

“We have been too quiet for too long. There comes a time when you have to say something. You have to make a little noise. You have to move your feet. This is the time.”

— John Lewis

“We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

— Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Black Power simply means: Look at me, I’m here. I have dignity. I have pride. I have roots. I insist, I demand that I participate in those decisions that affect my life and the lives of my children. It means that I am somebody.”