FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Robert Barnette, President

press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Statement on Governor Youngkin’s Interim DOE Report

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) is outraged at Governor Younkin’s Executive Order One and the subsequent Interim report submitted by Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow.

Superintendent Balow has in effect declared war on teaching accurate American History by erroneously characterizing truth as divisive and outlawing previous efforts to bring about racial equity. Amy Tillerson-Brown, Ph.D., and chair of the Virginia NAACP Education Committee said, “…none of the resources Secretary Balow requested be rescinded or modified are discriminatory in that they do not promote unjust or prejudicial treatment based on race or gender. Instead, these recommendations will work to unravel

the progress our Commonwealth has made towards racial equity in education.”

The Governor cannot perpetuate this false narrative of “divisive concepts.” Virginia students have the right to an education that is accurate and without censorship.

“Virginia has a long torrid history as it pertains to educating Black children. Black slaves in Virginia were prohibited by law and practice from learning to read or write. Even when Virginia established a free public education system, educating Black children were a complete afterthought. “It is apparent that the Governor has no real interest in teaching our shared history. You cannot characterize truth as divisive and be open to teaching history accurately.” said President Robert N. Barnette, Jr.

In August 2021, the Virginia NAACP issued a press release affirming the importance of teaching Black history in public schools. The mission of the NAACP is in “…inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination…” we are obligated to protest this administration’s attempt to falsify American history through omission of critically important facts.

– #### –

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 the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocates 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

P.O. BOX 1522

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.  22902

February 24, 2022

A statement issued by the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP proclaims that The United States Constitution mandates that Virginia’s General Assembly districts contain substantially equal population. This Constitutional provision ensures that each vote is given equal representational weight – one person, one vote.  However, because the 2021 elections were conducted on maps based upon the 2010 census, this is not currently the case. Therefore, the NAACP’s Statement requests that the State Court will uphold these rights by ordering new elections to be held this year under the new General Assembly maps

The Albemarle- Charlottesville NAACP supports the Virginia NAACP’s call on the courts to order elections based on the redistricted maps.

February 9, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director

804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Issues Statement Against Optional Mask Wearing in School Amidst Virginia Senate’s Passage of SB 739

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Virginia NAACP) abhors the passage of Senate Bill 739 (SB 739) with Senator Chap Petersen’s amendment where parents are allowed to opt their child out of wearing a mask in school without an explanation required.

“It is disappointing to the Virginia NAACP that Senator Chap Petersen would put forth such an amendment that will knowingly harm the health and safety of our children, teaching staff, and staff personnel in schools,” said Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. “His sly tactics will now increase the odds that hundreds of thousands of Virginia’s children may spread and contract COVID-19 while in school.”

SB 739 now, more than before, demonstrates a relentless disregard for the well-being of Virginia’s children and makes schools less safe and inaccessible; especially for our children of color who are already detrimentally and disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and behind because of discriminatory barriers in our education systems.

The Virginia NAACP stands by science and the CDC’s guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools, and with that comes the requirement of masks for our children. Requiring masks in schools is a preventative measure and we will continue to support and encourage all children to wear masks at school and on school buses. To be on any other side is an outright failure to protect the health of the most innocent among us, children.

Virginia NAACP urges all NAACP members and allies to take bold action against SB 739 and urges the House of Delegates upon receipt of SB 739 to reject the bill’s blatant failure to protect school children from the deadly COVID-19 virus and therefore, take all necessary steps to protect students, teachers, administrators, and all school staff.

– #### –

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 the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocates 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Robert N. Barnette, President

president@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Announces Black History Month Commemoration

RICHMOND – The Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Virginia NAACP) is pleased to announce its Black History Month Commemoration event schedule.

The first event to kick off the month will be the “Transit Equity Day for Civil Rights and a Healthy Planet,” to be held virtually on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:30 pm.

“In our community, there’s a problem with accessibility and equity to resources needed to live our everyday lives. One space we see this in day-in and day-out is within transit. The annual celebration of Transit Equity Day is where we come together to learn more about the unfair transit practices we encounter and how we can change them! Together, we can make a change. Join the Virginia NAACP for our virtual Transit Equity Day event where you can not only learn about the changes needed, but also, be the change we need,” states Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette.

The second event: “The Urgency of Now Rally” will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11 am. This in-person event will take place at the Bell Tower on the Capitol Square to commemorate Black History. Special guests will include leaders from the Virginia NAACP, National NAACP, and other civil rights organizations.

For more information and to register for these events, please visit naacpva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Opposed to Confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources

RICHMOND – Today the Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) outlined its grave concerns with the appointment of Mr. Andrew Wheeler to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and vowed its adamant opposition to his confirmation by the Virginia General Assembly. 

Virginia NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Chairman Karen Campblin said:

“During Mr. Wheeler’s career, serving as a lobbyist in the fossil fuel/coal industry and most recently the US EPA Administrator, he led many efforts to weaken environmental protections, lower emission standards, and allow pollutants to contaminate resources unchecked and unmitigated. It is imperative that the next Secretary has a strong commitment to prioritize the health and wellness of all Virginians, particularly our vulnerable populations.”

Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. said:

“We demand Governor Youngkin immediately rescind the nomination of Mr. Andrew Wheeler and urge all legislators to block Mr. Wheeler’s confirmation.”

The Virginia NAACP urges Governor Youngkin to re-evaluate Mr. Wheeler’s qualifications as well as, other appointments to make sure the potential candidate will carry out the duties of the position fairly, equitably, and without political agenda or reprisal. Governor Youngkin’s administration must set a high standard and demand nothing less than putting all peoples of the Commonwealth first. 

The role of the Secretary is to advance Virginia’s environmental and conservation policies, protect, and restore our natural and historic resources, and oversee all-natural and historic state agencies.

The NAACP in collaboration with the Clean Air Task Force, published Fumes Across the Fenceline, a seminal report which analyzed the health impacts on Black communities located adjacent to fossil fuel facilities.

The report stated Blacks are exposed to 38% more polluted air than their white counterparts and are 75% more likely to live in a Fenceline community. Fenceline communities are typically Black, communities of color, and low wealth communities located adjacent to hazardous facilities and are directly affected by the facility’s operations (i.e. noise, fumes, emissions, odor, traffic, etc.). These communities are overburdened by the effects of pollution and experience higher rates of asthma, cancers, upper respiratory illnesses, and other diseases.

While this is not the only cabinet head nomination of concern the Virginia NAACP, Mr. Wheeler’s nomination resulted in an unprecedented, unanimous vote of no confidence by the Virginia NAACP Executive Committee comprised of NAACP leaders across the Commonwealth.

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.

– ### –

—

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Releases Its 2022 Legislative Agenda
NAACP prioritizes the passage of a constitutional amendment
guaranteeing the right to vote in the 2022 General Assembly.

RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia State Conference NAACP released its 2022 Legislative Agenda for the Virginia General Assembly 2022 regular session. In a virtual press conference, Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette joined Virginia NAACP Political Action Chair Gaylene Kanoyton and other NAACP leaders to discuss legislation the NAACP would support and oppose in the state legislature.

The Virginia NAACP declared its number-one legislative priority to be the passage of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to vote, referencing the organization’s ongoing efforts to champion voter rights. 

President Robert Barnette said “Last year, thanks to NAACP advocacy, we passed the constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to vote for all Virginia citizens. We look forward to working with legislators to pass this legislation again so it can go before Virginia voters.”

The Virginia NAACP legislative priorities can be found online at: https://naacpva.org/2022-legislative-priorities/. Press can download a copy of the press conference here.

2022 Legislative Priorities

Education

Advocate for legislation that ensures that every Black student and every student of color is able to pursue a free, high quality, equitably funded, public pre-K and K-12 education followed by diverse opportunities for accessible, affordable vocational or university education. 

Healthcare

Advocate for legislation that will result in the elimination of the racial and ethnic inequities that exist within our healthcare system that undermine communities of color, their life opportunities, and their ability to contribute fully to the common good.

Housing

Advocate for legislation that allows for all Virginians to have access to affordable housing, protections from evictions, relevant and timely information on tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities and to be free of discriminatory practices. Housing is a basic human right.

Environmental and Climate Justice

Advocate for intentional legislation and policies that upholds that all individuals have the right to: a clean environment free from polluting facilities, safe, affordable renewable clean energy production; resilient and updated energy infrastructure; sustainable and healthy communities; affordable and just utility protections against overcharges (including repayment of previous overcharge rate structures), expanded rural broadband and uninterrupted energy service.  

Criminal and Juvenile Justice

Advocate for smarter, results-based criminal justice policies to keep our communities safe, including treatment for addiction and mental health problems, judicial discretion in sentencing, and an end to racial disparities at all levels of the system. Furthermore, we support sensible gun laws. Advocate for legislation that eliminates racially disparate treatment of Black youth and other over-represented youth which have lasting and negative consequences and contributes to an intergenerational cycle for individuals and problematic outcomes in the community.   

Workforce, Labor and Economic Empowerment

Advocate for policies and legislation which enhances the capacity of Black Virginians and other underserved groups through financial economic education; individual and community asset building initiatives; providing safe and affordable housing, diversity and inclusion in business hiring, fair hiring, and protection practices, and inclusive procurement; and monitoring financial banking practices.

Voting Rights and Political Representation

Advocate for legislation that ensures free, open, equal, and protected access to the vote and fair representation at all levels of the political process. Advocate for legislation that expands voting access including Saturday and Sunday voting, no-excuse absentee voting, and vote by mail.A

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 30, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Valerie Cofer Butler – iownaacp7079@gmail.com

Brandon Randleman – brandleman13@gmail.com
Da’Quan Love – press@naacpva.org

Isle of Wight County NAACP Branch Statement on Discrimination Lawsuit filed against Town of Windsor

Isle of Wight Branch #7079 Valerie Cofer Butler, President

The Isle of Wight County NAACP is thankful for Attorney General Mark Herring and the Office of Civil Rights in their legal pursuit for a more fair and equal justice system.

The town’s knee-jerk response to the lawsuit is a reflection of the practice and culture of the town of Windsor and its police department. Since the horrendous video of Lt. Nazario surfaced,  the Town of Windsor has spent more time trying to salvage its image and reputation, instead of protecting the civil and constitutional rights of African Americans in the Windsor community.

In June the Department Of Justice Office of Community Relation Services stepped in to serve as mediators between the Town of Windsor, their police department, The NAACP, and the African American community to tackle the very issues that have been raised in Attorney General  Mark Herring’s lawsuit. For months we have tried to sit down at the table to negotiate in good faith and at every opportunity, The Town of Windsor has denied us that right.  We hope with this lawsuit the Town of Windsor will take this matter seriously and they will have no other choice but to sit down and have a results-driven conversation with the African American community.

Unlike the Town of Windsor, it is our hope that Attorney General – Elect Jason Miyares will focus on protecting the civil rights of African Americans and fully pursue this lawsuit once his office takes over in January.

The NAACP will continue to communicate to the public our next steps regarding this matter in the coming days.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 30, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Commends Attorney General’s Pattern of Practice Lawsuit Against Town of Windsor Following NAACP-Requested Investigation

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement following today’s lawsuit filed by the Attorney General alleging that the Town of Windsor Police Department operated in a discriminatory and illegal manner:

“Earlier this year, the Virginia NAACP and our Isle of Wight Branch requested that Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring open a pattern of practice investigation into the Windsor Police Department.

The Virginia NAACP commends Attorney General Mark Herring for completing a thorough investigation at our request and filing a pattern of practice lawsuit of the Town of Windsor Police Department earlier today.

We are both disturbed and outraged by the findings of the Attorney General’s investigation, particularly that “the Department searched more vehicles driven by Black drivers than White drivers, even though Black residents do not constitute the majority of the population of the Town or Commonwealth.”

The Virginia NAACP and our Isle of Wight Branch will continue to ensure justice and demand accountability.”

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.

– ### –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Releases Statement on Guilty Verdicts for Killers of Ahmaud Arbery

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement after the guilty verdicts of Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael, and William Bryan in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery.

“The three white men who killed Ahmaud Arbery were held accountable today. 

While the Black community has rarely seen white aggressors held accountable for killing Black people, today’s verdict should remind us all that Black lives matter and must be protected.

The Virginia NAACP will not rest and will continue its efforts to ensure that judicial accountability becomes the norm rather than an exception.”

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Releases Statement on Not Guilty Verdict in Kyle Rittenhouse Case

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement following the not guilty verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse Case:

“Like so many Americans, I am disappointed in the failure of the court to deliver justice in this precedent-setting trial. Today’s verdict proves once again that white supremacy remains alive and well, and the Virginia NAACP will continue its valiant efforts to continuously improve our justice system.”

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.