Janette McCarthy Wallace, NAACP General Counsel shared the following statement:

“The Court’s refusal to revisit Obergefell respects both constitutional precedent and the lived reality of millions of families. Public officials cannot use personal beliefs to deny other people’s rights, and accountability for such discrimination must stand. Today is a win for freedom, family, and the rule of law.”

This move is the result of a petition brought by former Kentucky court clerk Kim Davis, who sought to undo Obergefell after refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and being held liable in federal court. Lower courts rejected her arguments, and the Supreme Court also declined to take the case.

The NAACP remains steadfast in defending the fundamental freedoms that allow individuals to live and love openly and safely. From communities to the courthouse, the Association will continue to fight efforts that target the LGBTQ+ community. For more information on our efforts to protect diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit our website.

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

WASHINGTON — The NAACP condemns this evening’s Senate vote to end the government shutdown as a profound betrayal of millions of Americans left without affordable healthcare. For more than a month, families endured life without a sustainable income — not as a matter of choice, but as collateral in a political standoff. Yet, instead of restoring stability and dignity to those harmed, this agreement offers little more than a return to uncertainty, frustration, and neglect.

Even more devastating is the refusal to extend affordable healthcare through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the midst of economic paralysis and mounting hardship, our nation’s leaders chose performance over principle. They left millions of Americans exposed — without coverage, without care, and without compassion.

Healthcare is not a privilege. It is a human right. Denying it is an act of cruelty; withholding it is an act of cowardice.

“This deal betrays the American people who will lose their healthcare coverage as a result of weak and ineffective lawmakers,” said Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP. “It is a stark reminder that empty gestures cannot heal a hungry child, cannot cover a medical bill, and cannot revive the dignity stripped from hardworking Americans who were reduced to a lesser state by political theater. The American people made their thoughts clear in Tuesday’s elections, and every lawmaker backing this deal should consider themselves on notice.”

We are left to ask a haunting question: When does the “Great” part of America begin — and for whom?

Until our leaders govern with courage, empathy, and accountability to the people — not to party or power — America will remain a nation that too often turns its back on its most vulnerable.

The NAACP will continue to fight for policies that prioritize people over politics, truth over theatrics, and justice over convenience. Visit naacp.org for more information. 

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Press Statement November 4, 2025

NAACP Celebrates Victories for Democracy Across the Country, Looks to 2026 to Continue the Fight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

November 4, 2025 

Contact: communications@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON — The NAACP celebrates the numerous victories for democracy following the November 4th election. California voters stood up to those who would silence Black voices and undermine our democracy. With the passage of Proposition 50, Californians made it clear: our vote is our voice, and we will not be silenced. Through the historic election of women, Black women, people of color, and champions for the people across the United States, voters demonstrated that they will not allow the administration to erode democracy. 
 

From training and deploying hundreds of poll monitors and recruiting over 1,500 volunteers across California, New Jersey and Virginia, to knocking on thousands of doors and engaging with six million voters, launching a $150,000 ad campaign in support of Prop 50, suing election officials for illegal activities, regranting $350,000 to NAACP units and partners to mobilize Black voters to the polls and in key House districts, investing more than three-quarter million dollars in GOTV, the NAACP fought for democracy this election cycle.  
 

NAACP congratulates California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Prop 50’s passage and our partnership on this historic redistricting effort. We also congratulate Mary Sheffield, the first Black woman mayor-elect of Detroit and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles on her fifth term. In a pivotal victory in Pennsylvania, voters chose to retain their Supreme Court judges, including Christine Donohue. Virginians showed up to protect democracy by choosing a new path in their statewide elections and in the Virginia State House. These victories highlight what is possible when our communities mobilize for representation and results. 
 

“This election represents more than a win for any particular community or state. It’s a signal from voters across the country that they are dissatisfied with this current administration and its policies of cruelty,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Prop 50 proves that when fairness is on the ballot, the people win. Across the nation, Black voters, in particular, Black women, are leading the charge for progress, equity, and justice. Let this serve as a message to lawmakers: our communities are paying attention, we’re organizing, and we’re voting for policies that deliver. 
 

“The results we’re seeing in California, Detroit, Charlotte, Virginia, New Jersey and beyond show what happens when voters choose fairness over fear,” Johnson continued. “The next chapter of this country will be written by those who organize, participate, and believe in a democracy big enough for all of us. And the NAACP will be there every step of the way.” 
 

The NAACP is a nonpartisan organization that supports policies, not politicians. The Association’s work centers on defending democracy, advancing civil rights, and educating voters on the issues that affect their daily lives, from the economy and healthcare to housing, education, and public safety. 
 

“Black voters are not identity voters or single-issue voters,” said Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Chief of Field, Membership Growth & Unit Sustainability. “We’re paying attention, and we’re connecting the dots between affordable housing and healthcare, between jobs and education, between government accountability and our ability to thrive. Every election matters. That’s why we’re going to be laser-focused on 2026, so we can fight for policies that uplift Black Americans and as a result, all Americans.” 
 

The NAACP’s campaign to defend democracy continues beyond this election. The Association is already mobilizing voters through nationwide town halls, issue education, and community organizing ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. 
 

The NAACP is also currently pursuing litigation against the States of Texas and Missouri, and in counties across the country over their unconstitutional gerrymandering, in Virginia for violating students’ right to vote, and against the Trump administration for an executive order that would suppress millions of voters, among other cases. 
 

Voters across the country have made clear they are dissatisfied with the current administration’s policy violence, an economy in decline, mass layoffs, a Republican-controlled Congress that shut down the government and refused to fund affordable healthcare, and a federal agenda of cruelty that takes food from women and children while deploying ICE and the military in American neighborhoods. To learn more about NAACP’s fight for democracy, visit naacp.org/vote.
 

• Cannabis:
• Winsome Earle Sears (R)
  • Likely ban. In 2021 opposed recreational marijuana legalization as “a gateway drug.” Said, “I’m not against medicinal marijuana.”
  Abigail Spanberger (D)
• Legal. Says, “We need a formalized, legal, emerging cannabis market.” Voted to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
• Climate Change
• Winsome Earle Sears (R)
  • Likely no. Has supported offshore oil and gas drilling, and supports an all-the-above energy strategy: “clean coal. Oil… renewables. Nuclear. Natural gas.”
  Abigail Spanberger (D)
• Yes. Says climate change is a “direct threat” to our future. Supported funding local “climate stewardship” and voted for $369 billion in clean energy investments
• Gun Rules
• Winsome Earle Sears (R)
  • Loosen. Said, “Gun control laws infringe on the right to self-defense and deny people a sense of safety. Gun control laws DO NOT deter crime; rather it is gun ownership that deters crime.” Supports a strong Second Amendment.
  Abigail Spanberger (D)
• Winsome Earle Sears (R)
  • No position found.
  Abigail Spanberger (D)
  • Yes. As governor, would sign legislation to raise the VA minimum wage to $15 an hour.
  • Voting Rules
• Winsome Earle Sears (R)
  • Harder. Supports new Virginia voter ID requirements and strict vote-by-mail procedures.
  Abigail Spanberger (D)
  • Easier. Voted for the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. “Supports the General Assembly’s work to add a restoration of voting rights amendment to the Virginia Constitution.”
  • Women’s Rights
• Winsome Earle Sears (R)
  • Ban. Opposes adding reproductive rights to the Virginia constitution. Supports a 15-week ban, after supporting a six-week ban in 2021. Voted against guaranteeing a right to contraception in Virginia law.
  Abigail Spanberger (D)
  • Legal. Supports adding reproductive rights to the Virginia constitution. Supports “the right to choose.” Says, “Congress needs to codify Roe v. Wade as federal law.”
• Tighten. Said, “As a former federal law enforcement officer, I carried a gun…. I support the Second Amendment. I also believe that commonsense gun safety laws are necessary to curb the gun violence epidemic we are facing today.”
• Minimum Wage

This election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans: our vote. The issues that affect our community will make or break how we continue to thrive in this country. Together, let’s amplify the voice of Black America to make sure solutions to our most pressing issues are equitable by voting.

With your help, we can save America’s democracy.

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Take note of these important dates to help make a plan to vote.

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People often don’t vote because they don’t know where candidates stand and are confused about how to find out. Widespread political cynicism, disinformation, and spin don’t help. But nonpartisan candidate guides provide a concise and credible way to compare candidates’ stands and make clear why voting matters.

Use the below voter guide, powered by guides.vote, to help you decide who should represent you in elected offices across Virginia in 2025.

Virginia – let’s get to work.

The Key Issues

See where your potential elected officials stand on the important issues that affect the Black community in Virginia.

• Cannabis
• Climate Change
• Gun Rules
• Minimum Wage
• Voting Rules
• Women’s Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2025

Contact: communications@naacpnet.org 

RICHMOND, Va. — The NAACP is the nation’s largest, most influential nonpartisan social justice organization. Any claim that the Association or the NAACP Virginia State Conference has endorsed a candidate for Governor is categorically false. The NAACP supports policies, not politicians. We do not endorse candidates, and we will never allow misinformation to undermine our commitment to protecting Black voters and our democracy.

“The NAACP Virginia State Conference has not endorsed any candidate for Governor. Period,” said Rev. Cozy Bailey, Virginia State Conference President. “We remain focused on the issues that matter most to our community: protecting voting rights, expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving economic opportunity, and ensuring that every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot freely and fairly.”

As Virginians prepare for Tuesday’s election, NAACP units across the Commonwealth are mobilizing voters through door-to-door canvassing, SMS and phone banking, volunteer engagement, community voter education events, and a robust GOTV effort designed to empower Black voters to participate in every election.

“People want to turn this into a political game, but for our communities, the stakes are life and death,” said Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Chief of Field, Membership Growth & Unit Sustainability. “We don’t endorse candidates. We fight for civil rights, and we’re laser-focused on getting our people to the polls to defend democracy and to vote for leaders who stand for policies that benefit Black Americans.”

The NAACP encourages all eligible Virginians to vote on November 4th and to remind friends, family, and neighbors that elections have consequences. To learn more about NAACP’s work to defend democracy, visit: naacp.org/vote.

WASHINGTON  – The NAACP strongly condemns the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Interim Final Rule on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs, which strips away race- and gender-based presumptions of disadvantage, effectively dismantling decades of progress toward economic justice and equity in federal contracting. 

The rule, issued on September 30, 2025, removes critical protections for minority- and women-owned businesses by requiring all applicants to individually prove “social and economic disadvantage,” regardless of centuries of well-documented systemic barriers to capital, contracts, and opportunity. 

“This rule is nothing more than an attempt to erase the reality of racism in contracting,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “The Department of Transportation has turned its back on history and on the very purpose of the DBE program. The economic exclusion of Black Americans and women isn’t theoretical. It’s measurable and ongoing. This change signals that the federal government would rather pretend inequality doesn’t exist than address it. It’s unfortunate but not unexpected.” 

The DBE program was originally designed to drive economic equity for small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses — many owned by Black Americans, other people of color, and women — competing for federally funded contracts. These programs were grounded in more than eight decades of federal recognition that racism and discrimination continue to distort access to opportunity, beginning with President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration and continuing through President Kennedy’s 1961 Executive Order on Affirmative Action. 

By eliminating race- and gender-based presumptions and forcing all firms to individually prove discrimination, the DOT has shifted the burden of proof from the government — which has long acknowledged systemic inequities — to the very entrepreneurs harmed by them. 

The NAACP advises that Black, brown and women-owned businesses continue to document discrimination and to hold this government accountable.  

The Association calls on the Department of Transportation to rescind the rule and restore federal commitments to equity in contracting. The NAACP will continue to monitor this policy, work with congressional partners, and, if necessary, explore all legal avenues to protect the rights and opportunities of disadvantaged businesses across the nation.

Press Statement October 10, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 10th, 2025 

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org  

WASHINGTON – Following the indictment on New York Attorney General Letitia James, NAACP, Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO released the statement below: 

“From Lisa Cook of the Federal Reserve, to Gwynne Wilcox of the National Labor Relations Board, Carla Hayden from the Library of Congress, and now Tish James, Trump has repeatedly targeted Black women in positions of power. But let’s be clear — the facts and the law are on Tish James’ side. So rather than lamenting, we must organize. We know Donald Trump wants us to be afraid, but we cannot be. We know he wants to concentrate power, but we cannot allow him to. Democracy is not a spectator sport; we all have a role to play.  
 

“Trump is coming for his political opponents, and none of us should be surprised. He made it clear during his campaign that revenge and retribution would be cornerstones of his second term. It’s obvious, however, that his weaponization of the Department of Justice is nothing more than insecurity and weakness masquerading as strength.

“Organize your communities. Peacefully demonstrate. Stay informed. And most importantly, vote. We have an election in less than 24 days and the midterms in 388. Make every day count. Everyone has a part to play in stopping Donald Trump’s authoritarian power grab.” 

Press Statement October 8, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8,2025

Leon W. Russell, Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors, has announced that the NAACP is now soliciting nominations for the 111th SPINGARN MEDAL AWARD. All nominations for the 111th Spingarn Medal Award must be submitted, in writing, on or before December 31, 2025. To be accepted, the postmark date on the envelope must be no later than December 31, 2025. The email must be received by December 31, 2025. 

The Medal, which was instituted in 1914 by the late J. E. Spingarn, then NAACP Chairman, is awarded for “the highest or noblest achievement by a living American Negro during the preceding years.” 

The purpose of the Medal is twofold – first, to call attention of the American people to the existence of distinguished merit and achievement among Americans of African descent; and secondly – to serve as a reward for such achievement and as a stimulus to the ambition of youth of African descent. To date, 110 Spingarn Medals have been awarded to living Americans of African descent for the highest achievement during the preceding year or years, in any honorable field of endeavor. 

Medalists include: Vice President Kamala Harris; John Lewis; Myrlie Evers-Williams; Maya Angelou; Harry Belafonte; Julian Bond; The Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr.; The Honorable Robert L. Carter; The Honorable James E. Clyburn; The Honorable John Conyers; Misty Copeland; Ruby Dee; Hazel N. Dukes; John Hope Franklin; Frankie Muse Freeman; Earl G. Graves, Sr.; Patrick Gaspard; Dorothy I. Height; The Honorable A. Leon Higginbotham; The Honorable Oliver W. Hill, Sr.; Lena Horne; Rev. Jesse Jackson; Dr. Cato Laurencin; The Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones; Quincy Jones; Vernon Jordan; The Honorable Constance Baker Motley; Jessye Norman; Gordon Parks; Sidney Poitier; The Honorable Colin Powell; Percy E. Sutton; Cicely Tyson; Carl Rowan; The Honorable L. Douglas Wilder; Hazel N. Dukes; Henry Louis Gates and Oprah Winfrey. 

Nominations must include a detailed, current biographical profile of the nominee, highlighting relevant activities and achievements. Supporting and verifying documents such as news clippings, honors received, etc., should also be attached. This information should be clearly typewritten or printed, as it must be reproduced. 

The final selection of the Medalist is made by a Committee of Award, which is selected by the Association’s Board of Directors. The Committee’s decision is final in all matters affecting the Award. 

Nominations should be addressed to: The Spingarn Medal Award Committee, Attention: Mrs. Mildred B. Roxborough, NAACP, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, and India Artis, iartis@naacpnet.org and must be postmarked OR emailed by December 31, 2025. 

THE SPINGARN MEDAL

Awarded annually for the highest achievement of an American of African descent.

THE SPINGARN MEDAL was instituted in 1914 by the late J. E. Spingarn (then Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), who gave annually until his death in 1939, a gold medal to be awarded for the highest or noblest achievement by a living man or woman American Negro during the preceding year or years. A fund sufficient to continue the award was set up by his will “to perpetuate the lifelong interest of my brother, Arthur B. Spingarn, of my wife, Amy E. Spingarn, and of myself in the achievement of the American Negro.” 

PURPOSE

The purpose of the medal is twofold – first to call the attention of the American people to the existence of distinguished merit and achievement among Americans of African descent, and secondly, to serve as a reward for such achievement, and as a stimulus to the ambition of colored youth. 

CONDITIONS

The medal is presented annually to the man or woman of African descent and American citizenship, who shall have made the highest achievement during the preceding year or years in any honorable field of human endeavor. The Committee of Award is bound by no burdensome restrictions but may decide for itself each year what particular act or achievement deserves the highest acclaim; the choice is not limited to any one field, whether of intellectual, spiritual, physical, scientific, artistic, commercial, educational or other endeavor. It is intended primarily that the medal shall be for the highest achievement in the preceding year, but if no achievement in any one year seems to merit it, the Committee may award it for work achieved in preceding years or may withhold it. The medal is usually presented to the winner at the Annual Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the presentation speech is delivered by a distinguished citizen. 

A nine-person Committee of Award is selected by the NAACP Board of Directors. The Committee’s decision is final in all matters affecting the award. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AWARD

Recommendations should be submitted, in writing, to the Secretary of the Committee of Award, at the National Office, by December 31st of each year. Such communications should state in detail the achievements of the person recommended. Nominations should be addressed to: The Spingarn Medal Award Committee, Attention: Mrs. Mildred B. Roxborough, NAACP, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, and India Artis, iartis@naacpnet.org and must be postmarked/emailed by December 31, 2025.

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.