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.
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.
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 ###
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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:
To
ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all
citizens
To
achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens
of the United States
To
remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes
To
seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing
civil rights
To
inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to
seek its elimination
To
educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful
action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action
in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’s Articles
of Incorporation and this Constitution.
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.
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.
Jennifer Carroll Foy https://jennifercarrollfoy.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 2nd District 2017-2020 Occupation: Attorney, Public DefenderLee Carter http://carterforvirginia.com Offices Held – State Delegate Virginia, 50th 2018-Present Occupation: IT SpecialistJustin Fairfax https://justinfairfax.com Offices Held – Lieutenant Governor, 2018-Present Occupation: Attorney
Jennifer McClellan https://jennifermcclellan.com Offices Held – State Senator, VA. 9th , 2018-Present State Delegate, VA. 71st 2006-2017 Occupation: AttorneyTerry McAuliffe https://terrymcauliffe.com Offices Held – Virginia Governor 2014-2018 Occupation: Entrepreneur
Republicans
Amanda Chase https://chaseforva.com Offices Held – State Senator, VA.11th – 2016 – Present Occupation: Financial PlannerKirk Cox – https://kirkcox.com Offices Held – State Delegate , VA. 66th 1990 – Present Occupation: Former High School TeacherSergio de la Pena – https://www.sergiodelapena.com Occupation: U.S. Army Colonel, ret., former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Peter Doran
Peter Doran https:// www.peterdoran.com Occupation: Political AnalystOctavia Johnson https://octaviajohnson.com Offices Held – Roanoke Sheriff – 2006-2013 Occupation: Law Enforcement, retired
Pete Snyder
Pete Snyder https://petesnyder.com Occupation: Tech Entrepreneur, FOX Commentator Glenn Youngkin https://www.youngkinforgovernor.com Occupation: CEO, The Carlyle Group investment company
Candidates for Lieutenant
Governor
Democrats
Haya Ayala
Haya Ayala https://www.hayaforvirginia.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 51st 2018-Present Occupation: Cybersecurity Specialist
Mark Levine
Mark Levine https://www.levineforvirginia.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 45th, 2016-Present Occupation: Attorney, Television Commentator
Andria McClellan
Andria McClellan https://andriaforvirginia.com/meet-andria/ Offices Held – Norfolk City Council Member, 2017-Present Occupation: EntrepreneurSean Perryman https://perrymanforvirginia.com Offices Held – President, Fairfax Co. NAACP Occupation: Attorney, Director of Social Impact, Internet Association
Sam Rasoul http://sam4va.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 11th, 2014-Present Occupation: Health Care Advocate
Xavier Warren
Xavier Warren http://xavierforvirginia.com Occupation: Small Business Owner
Puneet Ahluwalia https://wwwpuneetforlg.com Occupation: Business Consultant Lance Allen https://lanceforva.com Occupation: Security Company ExecutiveGlenn Davis https://www.davisforlg.com Offices Held – Virginia Beach City Council Member, 2009-2013 State Delegate, VA. 84th, 2014-Present Occupation: Telecommunications Company ExecutiveTim Hugo https://timhugo.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 40th, 2003-2020 Occupation: Tax Preparation Association Executive Director
Maeve T. Rigler https://www.maeveforvirginia.com Occupation: President and CEO, Securus Capital
Winsome Sears https://winsomesears.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 90th, 2002-2004 Occupation: Electrician, Homeless Shelter Director
Mark Herring https://herringforag.com Offices Held – Member, Loudon County Board of Supervisors, 2000-2003 State Senator, VA. 33rd, 2006-20014 Virginia Attorney General – 2014-Present Occupation: Attorney
Jay Jones http://www.jayjones.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 89th, 2018-Present Occupation: Attorney
Leslie Haley https: haleyforag.com Offices Held – Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, 2016-Present Occupation: AttorneyJason Miyares https://www.jasonmiyares.com Offices Held – State Delegate, VA. 82nd, 2016-Present Occupation: Real Estate Broker, Former Prosecutor
Chuck Smith https:chucksmithforag.com Occupation: Attorney
Jack White
Jack White https://votejackwhite.com Occupation: Attorney
Candidates for Charlottesville City
Council (for two open seats)
Democrats
Carl E. Brown https://www.facebook.com/carl.e.brown.14 Occupation: Non-profit Program ManagerBrian Pinkston www.pinkstonforcouncil.org Occupation: Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager
Juandiego Wade juandiegowade.com Offices Held – Charlottesville School Board, 2006-Present Occupation: Career Coordinator, Transportation Planner
Candidates for
Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney
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
