RICHMOND – Following Governor Ralph Northam’s restoration of voting rights for more than 69,000 Virginians, Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. said: “While the Virginia NAACP is encouraged that the governor has restored the rights of over 69,000 Virginians, many of whom are Black and Brown, we remain steadfast in our campaign to secure and protect voting rights for all.”

Referencing Senator Mamie Locke’s bill SJ272 which would amend Virginia’s Constitution to include an explicitly-protected right to vote, President Barnette went on to say “Virginia must remove the racist, Jim Crow laws which are at the root of the problem that needs to be addressed.”

Further, President Barnette challenged the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial candidates, saying “Every candidate for Governor of Virginia should publicly state their position on passing Senator Locke’s Constitutional Amendment and voting rights so that Black and Brown voters can make informed decisions this election cycle.”

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 VSCNAACP.org.

Twitter: @NAACPVirginia Facebook: NAACPVirginia Instagram: @NAACP.Virginia

– ### –

Campaign to Get COVID-19 Vaccines Out in Communities of Color

Over 1,200 black and brown people have been vaccinated so far due to this campaign spearheaded by the African American Pastors’ Council.  Thank you for your help.
Let’s keep it going…Join the Community Campaign to Get COVID-19 Vaccines Out in Communities of Color

1.  See the attached flyers and complete an interest form for yourself and/or someone you know, especially an older person or someone who does not have access to a computer.
2. Sign-up to volunteer to make phone calls or work on the day of vaccine events.  Email Seirra Winn: smwinn@sentara.com or call 434-984-6220 and leave a message.

• COVID VACCINE INTEREST FORM

First, Middle, Last Name: ______________________________

Birth Date: ________________________

Address (Not PO Box): __________________________________________

City: _________________ Zip Code: ___________

Gender: ___ Male ___ Female ___ Other: ____________

Race (Check all that apply):

___American Indian/Alaskan Native       ___ Asian         ___ Black or African American

___Hawaiian Native or Other Pacific Islander           ___ White         ___ Other

Are you Hispanic/Latino? ___ Yes       ___ No

Home Phone: __________________    Cell Phone: ___________________

Email address: __________________

What phase are you in?

___ Phase 1A: Frontline Healthcare Workers

___ Phase 1B: Employees of Essential Workers

___ Phase 1B: Individuals Age 65+

___ Phase 1B: Individuals Ages 16-64 with High Risk Medical Conditions

I consent to receive vaccination information or reminders by (Check all that apply):

___ Text Message           ___ Email

Return forms to your church/community organization contact person

Or to:

Sentara Starr Hill Health Center

At the Jefferson School City Center

233 4^th Street NW, Second Floor Room 255A

Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

By email to:  Setour Dillard, RN, Integrated Care Manager, sadillar@sentara.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Virginia NAACP Encouraged By Passage of Expungement Reforms While Disappointed With Remaining Systemic Barriers for Black Virginians

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement following the passage of House Bill 2113 and Senate Bill 1339:

“The Virginia NAACP is encouraged by the passage of expungement reforms passed by the Virginia General Assembly that now head to Governor Ralph Northam’s desk for his signature. 

While we celebrate today’s milestone of progress, the Virginia NAACP remains firm in its position that there should be no additional barriers to obtaining automatic expungement once an individual qualifies: no court fees, no petitions, no attorney fees, no hearings.

Until Virginia removes the systemic barriers that will continue to disproportionately impact Black Virginians following this law’s enactment, the Virginia NAACP will not rest or be silent.”

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 VSCNAACP.org.

– ### –

Former Confederate Capital Poised to Become First Southern State with Voting Rights Act

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s passage of House Bill 1890, the Virginia Voting Rights Act:

“Following decades of regressive voter suppression on the state and national levels, the Virginia NAACP is thrilled that our Commonwealth is just one signature away from enacting a historic Voting Rights Act.

Protections included in this landmark legislation will prevent voter suppression tactics by requiring pre-approval of certain changes to election procedures, protecting voters from threats and intimidation at the polls, and allowing civil action as possible recourse. The Virginia Voting Rights Act is poised to be an impenetrable shield of protection for the voting rights of Black Virginians and Virginians of color when enacted. 

We are unequivocally proud of Delegate Marcia Price and Senator Jennifer McClellan for championing this Virginia NAACP priority legislation, and applaud members of the General Assembly who voted in favor of this comprehensive bill.

The Virginia NAACP looks forward to the Governor’s swift action to sign this bill into law, thereby making Virginia the first state in the South to pass a state-level Voting Rights Act.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director

press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Applauds Virginia General Assembly Declaration of Racism As Public Health Crisis

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s passage of House Joint Resolution 537 to declare Racism as a Public Health Crisis:

“When the Virginia NAACP released our legislative agenda for the General Assembly session, we made the declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis our number one priority this year. We know that Systemic Racism manifests itself as a determinant to public health through persistent Racial Disparities in all areas of our lives.

We commend Delegate Lashrecse Aird for championing this NAACP priority legislation, and applaud members of the General Assembly who voted in favor of this important resolution. When signed into law, Virginia will become the first state in the south to declare Racism as a Public Health Crisis.

The Virginia NAACP expects nothing less than Governor Ralph Northam’s approval of this resolution. Virginians of color, especially Black Virginians, deserve no further delay of the Commonwealth’s public recognition of this centuries-old Crisis.”

PRESS NOTE

It is the position of the Virginia NAACP that Racism is a Public Health Crisis that should not be minimized in any way. We choose to capitalize the words “Racism” and “Public Health Crisis” in an effort to emphasize the importance of this issue, and encourage the press and general public to do the same.

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

Virginia NAACP Applauds Certification of Judge Pamela O’Berry By Senate Judiciary Committee

RICHMOND – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement following the certification of Judge Pamela O’Berry by the Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee:

“Because of the undeterred advocacy efforts of the Virginia NAACP, today the Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee did the right thing in certifying Judge Pamela O’Berry for the Chesterfield County General District Court.

Representation matters, and we are grateful that the sole Black judge in the Chesterfield General District Court was finally certified. The Virginia NAACP applauds members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who supported Judge O’Berry’s certification today and will continue to advocate for additional Black judges to be certified for Virginia’s courts.”

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 VSCNAACP.org.

– ### –

February 20, 2021

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

Virginia NAACP Strongly Condemns Racist Dog Whistle Remarks of Senators Peterson and Saslaw And Demands An Apology to Virginia’s Black Students

RICHMOND – The Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) strongly condemns the racist dog-whistle remarks made by Senators Chap Petersen and Dick Saslaw during last Thursday’s Senate Education Committee meeting. 

HB2305, patroned by Del. Roslyn Tyler, would have required the Virginia Board of Education to issue guidance on the governance of academic year Governor’s Schools, including communication and outreach practices, admissions policies, and guidelines on diversity, equity, and inclusion training. The bill was defeated due to the votes of the following Senators: Cosgrove, Dunnavant, Edwards, Lewis, Newman, Peake, Petersen, Saslaw, and Suetterlein.

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

“During a heated debate on House Bill 2305, Senators Petersen and Saslaw made disparaging remarks aligned with racist stereotypes of racial inferiority of Virginia’s Black students.

Rather than supporting this important bill to add much-needed diversity in Virginia’s Governor’s School program, Senator Petersen insinuated that there aren’t more Black students in Virginia’s Governor’s School program because Black students don’t focus on their academics. 

Sadly, Senator Dick Saslaw’s comments were no better. In addition to lumping together Latinos and Black students, he insinuated that Black and Latino students hadn’t done everything they could to improve their situations.

While some may interpret these senators’ remarks as simply standing up for one group of students, we don’t buy it. The Virginia Senate is no place for peddling racist dog whistles; all Virginia students deserve better than that.

The Virginia NAACP demands an immediate, public apology by Senators Peterson and Saslaw. Their undoubtedly insensitive remarks is one of the primary reasons that HB2305 is needed in the first place.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FROM VSC PRESIDENT BARNETTE, JR.

RICHMOND (February 17, 2021) – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s passage of Senate Bill 1369 in the House Committee on General Laws Subcommittee on Open Government/Procurement:

“The Virginia NAACP is outraged that the House Committee on General Laws Subcommittee on Open Government/Procurement moved forward SB1369 yesterday. This legislation dilutes the legal definitions of SWaM (Small, Women, and Minority-owned businesses), leading to “cooperative associations” to circumvent the SWaM certification process.  

SB1369 directly contradicts the goals of increasing women and minority owned businesses in the procurement process. Virginia’s already-dismal record of government contracts with SWaM businesses will be falsely inflated and mom and pop businesses will have to compete with big businesses for local procurement contracts.

We demand that the House General Laws Committee vote NO on this legislation. Virginians need real reform to support SWaM businesses.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Virginia NAACP Disturbed by Senators Saslaw, Peterson and Surrovell who stand in the Way of Critical Housing Protections for Virginia Families

RICHMOND (February 15, 2021) – Virginia State Conference NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to Virginia Senators Saslaw, Peterson and Surrovell’s NO vote on HB2014 earlier this afternoon:

“The Virginia NAACP is extremely disturbed by Senators Saslaw, Peterson and Surrovell, who each voted NO to HB2014 earlier this afternoon. This critical housing legislation will protect Virginia renters who have experienced hardship.  This legislation both makes sure that hardworking Virginia families can remain in their homes and that the landlord is made completely whole.  

We see absolutely no reason for this legislation to not be passed and urge the Virginia Senate to pass this bill without further delay.”

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 VSCNAACP.org.

– ### –