November 13, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT

Karen E. Jones, (540) 449-4742 | kjones@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Encourages the Election of an African American Majority Leader in the Senate of Virginia

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Virginia NAACP is encouraged by the impending historical event of having an African American Speaker of the House, Speaker-Designee Don Scott, while simultaneously having an African American majority leader in the Senate. Senator Mamie Locke, who, based on her seniority and her demonstrated leadership in the Senate as the Senate Caucus leader, her appointments as chair of the Rules, Virginia Housing Commission, and Freedom on Information Advisory Council, is the apparent choice for Senate Majority Leader. The path to equity and equality in the Commonwealth has been a steady but oftentimes slow and inconsistent journey.  The attainment of political, economic, social, and educational rights for all people, regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, or gender, has a clearer path when political leadership reflects the entirety of the Commonwealth’s residents. 

Rev. Cozy Bailey, President, stated: “In the post Reconstruction era, Virginia has in the past elected an African American governor and two African American lieutenant governors.  On the eve of this next great historical event, we are given hope for an even greater future.”

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ABOUT THE NAACP Virginia State Conference
Chartered in 1935, the NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth. The NAACP Virginia advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black Virginians. Representing over 100 NAACP adult branches, youth councils, and college chapters, together, we fight to build the social and political power required to abolish racial discrimination in localities throughout Virginia. To learn more about the work of the Virginia NAACP and the issues we advocate for, visit naacpva.org.