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.

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.”

Contact: Chyna Fields, chynamfields@gmail.com

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction to block the U.S. Department of Education’s abrupt and unlawful termination of the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc.’s Equity Assistance Center grant. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) on behalf of the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. (MAEC) and the NAACP, which rely on this funding for critical resources and programming.  

Since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Congress has funded the federal Equity Assistance Center program to provide essential support to state education agencies, school districts, and students in preventing and remedying discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, and religion. By arbitrarily and abruptly terminating these grants, the Department deprived grantees, students, and educators of vital resources, jeopardizing grantees’ ability to safeguard equal educational opportunity across the United States and depriving students of critical resources that protect their access to an equal education.

“This injunction is a crucial victory for educational equity across the country,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “The EAC program plays a fundamental role in ensuring that Black students can access programs and support that dismantle systemic discrimination and promote inclusive learning environments. The fight is not over — and we will continue to stand on behalf of Black students to ensure that they receive the education they deserve.” 

“We are grateful for the Court’s recognition of the harm caused by the Department’s actions and for the opportunity to continue our critical work,” said Dr. Karmen Rouland, President of MAEC. “MAEC remains steadfast in our commitment to empowering educators and communities with the tools they need to build welcoming, affirming educational environments for every student.” 

“This ruling is not just a legal victory — it is a reaffirmation of the importance of an education free from discrimination,” said Susan Shaffer, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We remain deeply committed to working with educators, families, and communities for the benefit of all students.” 

“The ruling affirms that the Department of Education cannot disregard its legal obligations to protect students’ civil rights and may not arbitrarily terminate decades-long federal programs upon which students and educators rely,” said Katrina Feldkamp, Assistant Counsel at LDF. The abrupt termination of the EAC program was not only unlawful, but also deeply harmful to the schools and communities that rely on these services to eradicate discrimination and create supportive environments for all students. The court’s decision sends a clear message that equity in education is not optional — it is a legal and moral imperative. We will continue fighting to ensure these critical resources are restored and protected.” 

NAACP STATEMENT ON TRUMP THREATENING TO TAKE OVER D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — Today, President Trump announced that he would deploy the National Guard to take federal control of the Washington, D.C. police department as an unfounded effort against crime in the nation’s capital. 

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement: 

“The brave men and women who make up the National Guard are our country’s defense against domestic emergencies and natural disasters, not weapons against American citizens. Deploying the National Guard in this way is not only disgraceful to our troops, but it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars and is built on a lie. 

“Trump says rising violence in the capital endangers the public, but the Department of Justice reported that violent crime is down 35%, a 30-year low. 

“There’s no emergency in D.C., so why would he deploy the National Guard? To distract us from his alleged inclusion in the Epstein files? To rid the city of unhoused people? D.C. has the right to govern itself. It doesn’t need this federal coup. 

“This president campaigned on ‘law and order,’ but he is the president of chaos and corruption.”

Carmel Henry, J.D., President of the NAACP Washington D.C. Branch, added:

“Donald Trump is not concerned about the needs of District residents. Trump’s actions are rooted in racism, establishing an authoritarian regime, and White Nationalism.  Over the last year, crime rates have significantly declined in the District, and the National Guard is not warranted. These actions are self-serving and seek to distract residents from important constitutional and budgetary issues.”

# # #

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.