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
Isle of Wight NAACP Calls For The Immediate Resignation Of The Town Of Windsor’s Chief of Police
“After watching the press conference held by Windsor’s officials on April 14, 2021, we were appalled by the statements and subsequent actions by town officials as well as the Chief of Police.
Please see the attached letter to local and state officials outlining the Isle of Wight NAACP’s reasons demanding the resignation of Chief Rodney Riddle and Officer Daniel Crocker as well as the community’s first set of requests to the Town of Windsor’s officials.”
-Valerie Butler President of the Isle of Wight Chapter of the NAACP
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE (NAACP)
Valerie Cofer Butler, President Isle of Wight Branch #7079 Rudolph Jefferson, Vice President Lauren Harrison, Secretary Diane Bowser, Treasurer —– Post Office Box 639, Smithfield, VA 23431 757-357-3812
April 16, 2021
The Honorable Mayor Glyn Willis Williams Saunders, Town Manager of Windsor
The Honorable Greg Willis Vice Mayor, Walter Bernacki, J. Randy Carr, George Stubbs, and Jake Red
To the Leadership of the Town of Windsor:
We are writing this letter in light of the recent events that have occurred in the Town of Windsor Virginia. The incident that transpired on December 5, 2020 between Lt. Caron Nazario and Officers Daniel Crocker and Joe Gutierrez; and the timeline of events that followed, have left the citizens of the Town of Windsor, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Nation with more questions than answers. From the onset, Officer Crocker initiated this stop because of tinted windows and the location of the vehicle’s license plate. Upon seeing the flashing lights, Lt. Nazario decreased his speed and slowly pulled over to a well-lit area. Officer Crocker “immediately” escalated this situation by radioing to the dispatcher that this was a “high – risk traffic stop” and that the driver was “eluding police”; only to later admit in a written report that Lt. Nazario was traveling at a low rate of speed. Upon exiting his vehicle, Officer Crocker “continued” his escalation by drawing his gun during a simple traffic stop, yelling conflicting orders at Lt. Nazario and would later search his vehicle without cause. During this traffic stop, Officer Crocker stood by “idly” as the other officer used taunting language towards Lt. Nazario, pepper sprayed him and would later join with the other officer by using unnecessary physical force during the detainment. If this brief summary of facts does not constitute immediate grounds for termination. Then we must ask the Town of Windsor and its officials, what does? Throughout this process Chief Riddle has been complicit in this entire situation. He stated that on December 8, 2020 an internal investigation of this incident began, with it concluding on January 28, 2021. The investigation conceded that the “Windsor Police Department policy was not followed.” and “disciplinary action was taken” but both officers were allowed to remain on their’
jobs. During Chief Riddle’s first public press briefing regarding this incident, on April 14, 2021, Chief Riddle admitted the only reason he terminated Officer Gutierrez was due to the video going viral. This leads our community to wonder if any disciplinary actions were taken against the officers on January 28, 2021, as originally stated by the Chief of Police. Instead of taking full responsibility for the actions of these officers – as a leader should – Chief Riddle chooses to invoke favoritism by letting the community know of his longtime personal ties with Officer Crocker. He further defends his officers by stating they used de-escalation tactics through this stop and that Officers Gutierrez and Crocker “initially reacted relatively well” during the traffic stop. He further offended the African American community by stating that “with some additional training” Officer Crocker “would continue to serve this community well”. After these egregious actions by the police officers, the Chief of Police, feels Lt Caron Nazario does not deserve an apology. And instead seems more focused on protecting the brand of the police department than the concerns of our citizens. This gives many in the community the perception that Chief Riddle can no longer effectively lead, protect and serve the entire community. The Town of Windsor and the Chief of Police have stated that they are “reaching out to community stakeholders to engage in dialogue”. We as the NAACP and other African American community leaders have attempted to reach out to the Town Officials and the Police Department on numerous occasions since the video went viral on April 9, 2021 and we have received no response. As leaders of this town, it is your responsibility to be transparent and accountable to citizens who both agree and disagree with you. Many African Americans and other allies have lost complete confidence in the Town of Windsor and the Police Department due to their handling of this case. For the aforementioned reasons and many others, we are immediately calling for the resignations or terminations of Chief Rodney Riddle and Officer Daniel Crocker.
The nation is watching as this situation unfolds. And in the coming days we will continue to speak with and listen to the citizens of Windsor and the surrounding area. Based on our initial conversations with the citizens of the Town of Windsor. We are requesting the following from the Town of Windsor: 1. The January 2021 Windsor Police Department’s newly implemented department wide training manual 2. A timeline in which you will implement a Citizens Review Board. 3. The hiring of an active duty African American patrol police officer. Let us be abundantly clear, this Chapter of the NAACP will not stand by “idly” as oppression and injustice occur to Army Lt. Caron Nazario and the Citizens of Windsor.
I am yours truly,
Valerie Cofer Butler President, Isle of Wight NAACP Brandon Randleman Advocacy Advisor to the Isle of Wight NAACP
CC: Chief Rodney Riddle, CC: The Honorable Senator L. Louise Lucas, Senate District 18 CC: The Honorable Delegate Emily Brewer, House District 64
Virginia NAACP Launches Campaign to End Qualified Immunity In Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT Da’Quan Love, Executive Director 804-972-3310 press@naacpva.org
Virginia NAACP Launches Campaign to End Qualified Immunity In Virginia
RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia NAACP announced a renewed commitment to finally ending qualified immunity for law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. After investigating multiple officer-involved incidents over the past five months, the Virginia NAACP has had enough and is demanding real change.
“We watched with horror the so-called traffic stop in Windsor,” said Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr., referring to the now widely-circulated video clip of Caron Nazario, a Black Army second lieutenant who was pulled over in Windsor, Virginia. Despite being in uniform, Nazario immediately had guns drawn towards him by two town police officers.
In the clip, Nazario is frightened, stating that he is “honestly afraid to get out.” The officer then responds: “Yeah, you should be.” President Barnette reacted: “The fact that an officer who is supposed to ‘protect and serve’ felt embolden enough to state this is the root of the problem. This isn’t the first officer we have seen without fear of consequences for their actions.”
The issue of improving interactions between Black Virginians and law enforcement has been at the forefront of the Virginia NAACP’s advocacy and policy agenda this year. Just last week, the Virginia NAACP announced a renewed effort to find ways to ensure justice and transparency in officer-involved shootings.
In the wake of this recent incident, the Virginia NAACP hopes Virginia officials will use this as an opportunity to make real change. “While we applaud the immediate reactions of Virginia’s government officials, we believe that now is the time for Governor Ralph Northam to call a special session of the Virginia General Assembly to pass House Bill 2045 sponsored by Delegate Jeff Bourne to finally end qualified immunity,” said Virginia NAACP Executive Director Da’Quan Marcell Love. He went on to say: “The Virginia NAACP strongly believes that the Commonwealth must end qualified immunity NOW. Black Virginians can’t wait until next January.”
Expressing a renewed sense of urgency, the Virginia NAACP has issued a call to its more than 100 local units to begin fundraising immediately to support this advocacy campaign’s lobbying efforts. A campaign website has been launched at https://ENDQIVA.org to accept individual contributions.
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.
