In the wake of nationwide protests against systemic racism in 2020, many corporations and institutions publicly committed to being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Five years later and some are starting to backtrack without ever meeting promises made. As businesses reverse their commitments, it is time to hold them accountable.

The NAACP issued the Black Consumer Advisory to inform and caution Black consumers about the ongoing and intentional rollback of nationwide diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. We encourage you to spend your money where you’re respected, support Black-owned businesses, and demand businesses prioritize people over profit. Above all, we must continue to advocate for policies that insure people of color, women, veterans, those with a disability, and all protected groups have equal access to opportunities across the country.

The Power of Black Dollars

Many corporations continue to profit from Black dollars while simultaneously undermining commitments of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These rollbacks not only harm Black communities, professionals, and entrepreneurs but also erode the progress made toward creating equitable economic and social systems.

The Cost of Abandoning DEI

Walking away from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs threatens economic opportunities, workplace diversity, and community investments, directly impacting Black communities nationwide by:

• Eliminating roles in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Reducing supplier diversity
• Declining community investments
• Shifting away from equitable hiring practices

These rollbacks reinforce  historical barriers to progress under the guise of protecting “meritocracy,” a concept often used to justify exclusion.

ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE 7057B

1/2/2025

Members;

It is with sincere sorrow that over the holidays we received news of the passing of the

Reverend Dr. Virgil H. Wood.

In the history books of the Albemarle NAACP Chapter, Dr. Wood was very instrumental in the organization of the Albemarle NAACP chapter. The chapter was formed as the result of a traffic death in Albemarle County.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Mrs. Lillian Wood and family.

We will pay respects to Dr. Wood pending more details of his final rites.

Many thanks to Life Member Ruby Stradford Boston for making us aware of the loss of our fallen Foot Soldier!

Janette Boyd Martin, President

Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP

History of Albemarle County Branch OF THE NAACP

In the early 1950’s Lewis Carter, a black World War II veteran was hit and killed by a white man in a speeding car on a small town road in Western Albemarle County. The citizens of Crozet felt that the local courts and law enforcement officials did not treat the matter seriously enough. A group of black people met to take action, including Fields Wood, Marvin Washington, Marion Wood, and Virgil Wood as well as members of several churches in the Yancey Mills, Crozet, and Greenwood communities. They contacted Oliver Hill and Spotswood Robinson of the Richmond law firm, Hill & Robinson. The family of Lewis Carter eventually won a settlement of the case. From this group, the Albemarle County Branch Chapter of the NAACP was formed. A charter was obtained on December 14, 1953, making this branch one of the oldest branches in the state of Virginia.