The Journey: Juneteenth from Piedmont Virginia Community College to the African American Heritage Center 2002-2021.
The link: https://vimeo.com/555747666 . It can be seen now. It will air on Charlottesville Education Channel 14 (Comcast) starting June 19 at 5:00 p.m. This will continue to air each Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 a.m. Enjoy the Journey. We are a mighty people!
The above information is from Mrs. Maxine Holland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org
Virginia NAACP Recognizes Delegate Hala Ayala’s Nomination to Major Party Ticket
RICHMOND – Robert N. Barnette, Jr, president of the Virginia NAACP, released the following statement on the nomination of Virginia Delegate Hala Ayala as a candidate for lieutenant governor on a major party ticket in Virginia:
“We recognize today’s historic selection of Hala Ayala as the first Afro-Latina nominee for lieutenant governor of Virginia on a major party ticket. The Virginia NAACP does not support a political party. However, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment.
While representation matters, we know that policies are what count. The Virginia NAACP will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and accountability during this election season.”
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP
Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org
Virginia NAACP Demand State Leaders to Make Immediate Changes at VMI
RICHMOND – Today the Virginia NAACP responded to the investigative report released this week regarding the years-long culture of racism and sexism at the Virginia Military Institute VMI.
Virginia NAACP Education Chair Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown said: “This report tells us what Black people and women have known for years: Racism and sexism have been allowed to thrive on the campus of VMI. The absence of policy to protect students and faculty from racism and sexism renders VMI complicit in upholding the racist and sexist culture documented in the investigation.”
Virginia NAACP Political Action Chair Gaylene Kanoyton said: “No publicly-funded institution should be allowed to operate with such blatant disregard for civil and human rights. The Virginia NAACP firmly believes that absent immediate changes, all funding from the Commonwealth to VMI should be revoked.”
Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette said: “The Virginia NAACP demands that state legislators return to Richmond this summer to implement the report’s recommendations and set a swift timetable for implementation.”
Racism and sexism have been allowed to thrive on the campus of VMI in large part due to the lack of accountability required of those who participate in racist and sexist acts. By ignoring, or insufficiently addressing claims of racism and sexism, the institution nurtures a racist and sexist culture making it difficult if not impossible for Blacks and women to thrive because of race and gender. As one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country, the NAACP takes serious issue with this reality and is committed to protecting the civil rights of all. We support further investigation of the alleged racist and sexist climate at VMI.
The disciplinary actions taken against Black cadets follow the national trend of criminalization of Blacks as evidenced by our nation’s criminal justice system. At VMI, Black cadets makeup 41% of dismissed cadets since 2011 but comprise about half that–23% of the student population. Because education has always been a civil rights issue, the Virginia NAACP is committed to closing the opportunity gap exacerbated by the disproportionate, punitive discipline of minority students not only in higher education but also at the K-12 levels.
The investigative findings note that sexual assault is not adequately addressed by VMI. The fear of retaliation or further ostracism is prevalent. The Virginia NAACP believes that students’ claims of sexual assault should be taken seriously and that VMI reconsider the sexual assault training that exists, but considering respondents’ statements–does not appear effective.
The Virginia NAACP demands accountability of any publicly-funded institution that denies people civil and human rights due to race and/or gender. Without appropriate accountability, all equity and anti-discrimination efforts are futile.
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP
Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.
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The Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP will host a 7 pm – presentation on Monday, June 14, 2021 entitled:
“IT FEELS LIKE SOCIETY KEEPS TRYING TO COUNT ME OUT”.
Presenters: Dr. L. Bernard Hairston, Assistant Superintendent for School and Community Empowerment – Albemarle County Public Schools and Ms. Shay Carter – Shifflett, Teacher, Albemarle County Public Schools.
Please take the time to read the March 23, 2021 article by Ms. Carter Shifflett which may be found on the web: teachingwhilewhite.org
The presentation will be open to the public.
WEBINAR PRESENTATION: ‘IT FEELS LIKE SOCIETY KEEPS TRYING TO COUNT ME OUT” –
LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88190010338?
pwd+WDJyT1JaV2ZxMmRFQVE0c24zYjRWZz09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org
Virginia NAACP Recognizes Former Delegate Winsome Sears’ Nomination to Major Party Ticket
RICHMOND – Robert N. Barnette, Jr, president of the Virginia NAACP, released the following statement on the nomination of former Virginia Delegate Winsome Sears as a candidate for lieutenant governor on a major party ticket in Virginia:
“We recognize today’s historic selection of Winsome Sears. The Virginia NAACP does not support a political party. However, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment.
While representation matters, we know that policies are what count. The Virginia NAACP will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and accountability during this election season.”
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP
Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.
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Dr. Williams: https://vimeo.com/540885446
Dr. Bell: https://vimeo.com/541017150
April 26, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org
Virginia NAACP To Meet With Gov. Northam, Sec. Moran, and Col. Settle Today
RICHMOND – The Virginia NAACP announced that it will meet with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran, and Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary Settle this afternoon.
“The Virginia NAACP looks forward to a productive and fruitful conversation about the future of public safety in the Commonwealth,” said Robert N. Barnette, Jr., president of the Virginia NAACP.
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP
Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org
Spotsylvania Branch NAACP Successfully Negotiates Public Release of Police Bodycam Footage In County Sheriff’s Deputy-Involved Shooting
SPOTSYLVANIA, VA – This afternoon the Spotsylvania Branch NAACP announced it had successfully arranged for the public release of the police bodycam footage in the sheriff’s deputy-involved shooting two days ago. Today’s announcement comes after the Spotsylvania Branch NAACP arranged for the victim’s family to view the footage prior to its public release.
“Trust of our local law enforcement relies on transparency and accountability,” said Mozett Petway, president of the Spotsylvania Branch NAACP. “We are grateful for the preexisting relationships with our local law enforcement officials that helped expedite this vital request. The Spotsylvania Branch NAACP will continue working with the family and investigating this incident.”
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2021 Primary Voter Guide
Introduction
The Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP Branch is committed to informing our community about important issues and ensuring that public participation is accessible to all. The following statement of objectives is found on the first page of the NAACP Constitution outlining our principal goals:
In light of those goals, we have prepared this 2021 Primary Voter Guide to inform local voters of the choices available to them in this year’s primary elections, and encourage you to use this information to get informed and get involved.
The 2021 Primary Elections
The Democratic Party will hold a primary election at regular polling locations on June 8 from 6am-7pm to select its candidates for statewide and local offices. Early voting (absentee in-person) begins April 24 and runs through June 5. All voters who intend to vote Democratic in November can participate in the primary. The last day to register to vote in the June 8 primary is May 17.
The Republican Party will select its 2021 candidates by a convention on May 8, with voting by delegates in each Congressional District. The 5th Congressional District will have four voting locations. A full description of the Republican Convention process can be found at https://virginia.gop/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-03-12-2021-Convention-Call.pdf.
For more information, including other voter guides and voter registration information, click here or go to the More Resources section at the end of this 2021 Primary Voter Guide.
Who’s Running
The offices on the 2021 primary ballot in Albemarle County
and Charlottesville are listed below. You can jump to the lists of candidates
by clicking on the appropriate office, or just scroll down.
Charlottesville City Council (Democrats)
Charlottesville
Commonwealth’s Attorney Democrats
Other offices, including State Delegate, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, and other local offices, are not contested in the primary, and will appear on the general election ballot on November 2. Independent candidates will also appear on the November ballot.
Candidates for Governor
Republicans
Peter Doran
Pete Snyder
Candidates for Lieutenant Governor
Democrats
Haya Ayala
Mark Levine
Andria McClellan
Xavier Warren
Withdrawn: Elizabeth Guzman
Candidates for Attorney General
Jack White
Candidates for Charlottesville City Council (for two open seats)
Democrats
Candidates for Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney
Ray Szwabowski
For information about registering to vote or hosting a voter registration drive, contact the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP Voter Registration Coordinator at 434-987-1042, kszakos@gmail.com.
You can access voter registration, find your polling place, apply to vote absentee, or check your registration status at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation or by calling your local registrar.
More information about voting and elections is available from the local voter registration offices: Albemarle County – 434-970-3250; Charlottesville – 434-972-4173, as well as from the State Department of Elections at https://www.elections.virginia.gov.
Charlottesville Tomorrow 2021 Voter Guide
Democratic State Delegate Sally Hudson produced a series of video interviews with several Democratic candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General. They can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2qQ099l6OoSpzQHqADBKQ/videos.
The League of Women Voters of the Charlottesville Area has information about voting
Important Dates
April 25, 2021 First Day to Vote Absentee or Absentee in Person (Early Voting)
Monday, May 17, 2021 Last Day to Register to Vote (5:00 pm in person 11:59 pm on-line)
Friday, May 28, 2021 Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot
Saturday, June 5, 2021 Last Day to Vote early in person
June 8, 2021 Last Day to postmark mail-in ballot
June 8, 2021 Vote in person at regular polling place