NAACP Announces President Trump will not be invited to 116th National Convention.

 NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson announced that for the first time in 116 years, the sitting president of the United States will not be invited to the NAACP National Convention, coming up July 12-16 in Charlotte. He shared the following statement: 

“For 116 years, the NAACP has invited the sitting president of the United States to address the NAACP National Convention — regardless of their political party. There is a rich history of both Republicans and Democrats attending our convention — from Harry Truman to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and beyond. We’re nonpartisan and always welcome those who believe in democracy and the Constitution.

“But right now, it’s clear — Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights. He believes more in the fascist playbook than in the U.S. Constitution. This playbook is radical and un-American. The president has signed unconstitutional executive orders to oppress voters and undo federal civil rights protections; he has illegally turned the military on our communities, and he continually undermines every pillar of our democracy to make himself more powerful and to personally benefit from the U.S. government.

“The NAACP Convention has always been a place where people across the country come together to map out our advocacy and mobilization strategies to advance civil rights and democracy for all. Our annual convention is meant to be a safe space for all people — regardless of political ideology — who believe in multiracial democracy and the ideal of building a more perfect union.

“To that end, the NAACP has made the decision to break with tradition and not invite Donald Trump or J.D. Vance this year. This administration does not respect the Constitution or the rule of law. It would be a waste of our time and energy to give a platform to fascism, which would be unacceptable.”

In the wake of nationwide protests against systemic racism in 2020, many corporations and institutions publicly committed to being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Five years later and some are starting to backtrack without ever meeting promises made. As businesses reverse their commitments, it is time to hold them accountable.

The NAACP issued the Black Consumer Advisory to inform and caution Black consumers about the ongoing and intentional rollback of nationwide diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. We encourage you to spend your money where you’re respected, support Black-owned businesses, and demand businesses prioritize people over profit. Above all, we must continue to advocate for policies that insure people of color, women, veterans, those with a disability, and all protected groups have equal access to opportunities across the country.

The Power of Black Dollars

Many corporations continue to profit from Black dollars while simultaneously undermining commitments of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These rollbacks not only harm Black communities, professionals, and entrepreneurs but also erode the progress made toward creating equitable economic and social systems.

The Cost of Abandoning DEI

Walking away from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs threatens economic opportunities, workplace diversity, and community investments, directly impacting Black communities nationwide by:

• Eliminating roles in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Reducing supplier diversity
• Declining community investments
• Shifting away from equitable hiring practices

These rollbacks reinforce  historical barriers to progress under the guise of protecting “meritocracy,” a concept often used to justify exclusion.

ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE 7057B

1/2/2025

Members;

It is with sincere sorrow that over the holidays we received news of the passing of the

Reverend Dr. Virgil H. Wood.

In the history books of the Albemarle NAACP Chapter, Dr. Wood was very instrumental in the organization of the Albemarle NAACP chapter. The chapter was formed as the result of a traffic death in Albemarle County.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Mrs. Lillian Wood and family.

We will pay respects to Dr. Wood pending more details of his final rites.

Many thanks to Life Member Ruby Stradford Boston for making us aware of the loss of our fallen Foot Soldier!

Janette Boyd Martin, President

Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP

History of Albemarle County Branch OF THE NAACP

In the early 1950’s Lewis Carter, a black World War II veteran was hit and killed by a white man in a speeding car on a small town road in Western Albemarle County. The citizens of Crozet felt that the local courts and law enforcement officials did not treat the matter seriously enough. A group of black people met to take action, including Fields Wood, Marvin Washington, Marion Wood, and Virgil Wood as well as members of several churches in the Yancey Mills, Crozet, and Greenwood communities. They contacted Oliver Hill and Spotswood Robinson of the Richmond law firm, Hill & Robinson. The family of Lewis Carter eventually won a settlement of the case. From this group, the Albemarle County Branch Chapter of the NAACP was formed. A charter was obtained on December 14, 1953, making this branch one of the oldest branches in the state of Virginia.