FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2021

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

Virginia NAACP Affirms the Importance of Teaching African American History and Antiracist Education in Virginia’s Public Schools

RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia State Conference NAACP affirmed its full support for the adoption of Virginia’s African American History and Social Science Curriculum implementing recommendations from Governor Ralph Northam’s Commission on African American History Education in the Commonwealth. 

Virginia NAACP leaders also applauded public school educators who are teaching history in its entirety, including the experiences of Black people in Virginia, and our nation. 

Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr., said: “Virginia students must learn about the complex and often untold history of Black Americans in Virginia, and our nation. The Virginia NAACP expects that all public school districts across the state will follow the History and Social Studies Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework Revision, as approved by the Board of Education.”

Virginia NAACP Education Chair Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown said: “We expect that in complying with the state’s SOL curriculum, that superintendents and school administrators will stand behind and support their teachers who are teaching from this curriculum, about Black experiences, or from an anti-racist framework, and do everything in their power to protect teachers from all forms of harassment, retaliation, or retribution from administrators, peers, parents, school board members, or members of the public.”

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

Virginia NAACP Applauds Efforts to Achieve Universal Broadband by 2024; Reaffirms Repeated Request to Fully-Fund Virginia’s HBCUs

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement following last week’s announcement by Governor Ralph Northam outlining his plan to invest $700 million in American Rescue Plan funding to expedite the deployment of last-mile broadband infrastructure to unserved areas and close the digital divide within the next three years:

“The Virginia NAACP looks forward to universal broadband becoming a reality for the Commonwealth by 2024. 

While we applaud the governor’s announcement, we reaffirm our repeated request of Governor Northam and the legislature to ensure that Virginia responsibly uses funds from the American Rescue Plan to drastically invest in infrastructure, programs, and scholarships at Virginia’s five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The Virginia NAACP and our more than 100 branches, youth councils and college chapters pledge to advocate with unprecedented vigor alongside Virginia’s HBCU leaders to demand that this one-time federal funding is used to make historic, once-in-a-lifetime investments in Virginia’s HBCUs.”

There are five Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia: Virginia Union University (1865), Hampton University (1868), Virginia State University (1882), Virginia University of Lynchburg (1886) and Norfolk State University (1935).

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

July 1, 2021

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

Virginia NAACP Pledges Renewed Fight For SJ272 Following SCOTUS Decision

RICHMOND – Today, Virginia State Conference NAACP leaders issued the following statements following today’s U.S. Supreme Court 6-3 ruling in Brnovich v. Democratic National Convention:

“Today’s court ruling cements the need for Virginia to guarantee the right to vote in our state Constitution. The Virginia NAACP will advocate with renewed vigor for state legislators to pass SJ272, sponsored by Senator Mamie Locke, so that this constitutional amendment is on the ballot for Virginia voters in 2022. ” –Robert N. Barnette, Jr., President

“Working with our more than 100 units and partner organizations, we will allocate every resource available to ensure that Virginia continues to expand and protect access to the ballot.” –Gaylene Kanoyton, Political Action Chair

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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Subject: Governor Northam Announces General Assembly to Convene August 2

Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · June 23, 2021   Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov Governor Northam Announces General Assembly to Convene August 2 ~ Special session to address state budget, including the allocation of federal relief funding ~ RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today issued a proclamation calling the members of the General Assembly into special session on Monday, August 2. A special session is necessary to fill judicial vacancies and allocate more than $4.3 billion in federal relief funding.  “With more Virginians getting vaccinated every day, we are turning the corner and building back stronger,” said Governor Northam. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we have a unique opportunity to fund public schools, support small businesses, achieve universal broadband access, and make generational investments in our shared future. I look forward to working with legislators to get it done.” Earlier this summer, Governor Northam and legislative leaders issued a joint statement outlining their shared priorities for this federal funding:  Public health.  Upgrade long-underfunded state and local public health services, boost affordable housing, and help Virginians with the cost of utilities.  Small businesses. Fully fund the Rebuild Virginia economic recovery program, invest in Virginia Tourism’s work to recruit visitors back to the Commonwealth, and help the Department Housing and Community Development support Virginia’s main streets, small towns, and industrial revitalization.   Workers. Fund the Unemployment Trust Fund to support workers who lose their jobs and avoid increased costs on Virginia businesses, increase support for the Virginia Employment Commission—historically one of the lowest-funded unemployment systems in the country—to continue upgrading its computer systems and hire necessary staff.  Public schools.  Modernize public school buildings across Virginia by rehabilitating and upgrading existing facilities, improving air quality and HVAC systems, and improving safety.  Broadband.  Accelerate a 10-year plan to ensure universal broadband access within the next 18 months. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law in March, directing $350 billion in economic recovery funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. All Republican members of Congress voted against the law, including those representing Virginia. The full text of Governor Northam’s proclamation is available here. Full Release ###

Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia | P.O. Box 1475, Richmond, VA 23218Unsubscribe dlove+news@naacpva.orgConstant Contact Data NoticeSent by press@governor.virginia.gov

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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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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