M. Rick Turner
President’s End of Year Report – 2015
NAACP Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch (#7057)
M. Rick Turner
The callous and apparently racially motivated violation of black lives –particularly those of black men– sparked new energy in the planning of our monthly meetings. During the year we focused much of our attention on this critical issue as well as on community/police relations, affordable housing, and on educational and health disparities in the African-American community. Guest speakers were invited to address these topics at our branch meetings and our membership was encouraged to participate in community forums and programs on related issues. As the premier civil rights organization in our community, we continue to take our responsibility seriously. The community counts on us to remain consistently vigilant, to speak up on issues of injustice and discrimination, and to challenge and defend those who, for whatever reason, cannot defend themselves.
Throughout the year, I have fulfilled the duties of president of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch NAACP to the best of my ability. The following are some of the activities I have undertaken on behalf of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch of the NAACP:
• Met with or called citizens who contacted us for questions, advice and legal redress
• Served on the University of Virginia Slavery Commission
• Attended the NAACP's 106th National Convention in Philadelphia
• Assisted in planning our annual Founders' Day Commemoration
• Assisted in planning our annual Freedom Fund Banquet
• Participated in planning our monthly agenda for branch meetings
• Attended City Council meetings and spoke on behalf of the branch
• Attended the Virginia State Conference in Richmond, VA
• Met with Delegate David Toscano regarding DNA Bill and issues of concern to the NAACP
• Spoke on local radio station (WINA) regarding issues of concern to the NAACP
• Attended the celebration honoring community activists and lifetime NAACP members, Eugene & Jane Foster
• Attended the Miller Center Presentations on Diversity, School Expulsion and other civil rights topics
• Met with Brad Sheffield, Albemarle County Supervisor, regarding issues of concern to the NAACP
• Collaborated with Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHAR) and Civil Rights Attorney, Jeff Fogel to file a lawsuit against the City Police Department for withholding data requested on racial profiling
• Participated in Commemorating the African American Military Experience.
• Represented the NAACP at the Chamber of Commerce Dinner
• Met with UVA College Chapter NAACP Members
• Participated in the March For Justice in South Boston, VA, organized by local NAACP branch
• Served on Committee to honor Gregory Swanson (first black student who attended UVA)
• Spoke to 5th grade class at Walker Middle School on school integration and Massive Resistance in Charlottesville
• Met with Albemarle County Police Chief Sellers regarding issues of concern to the NAACP
• Met with Charlottesville City Manager Maurice Jones regarding issues of concern tothe NAACP
• Attended Human Relations Commission meetings
• Spoke at Albemarle County Police forum on community relations
• Met with Friendship Court (public housing development) planning committee
• Met with City and County Commonwealth Attorneys regarding issues of concern to the NAACP
• Wrote and delivered tribute to Julian Bond. "There will never be another Julian Bond. People of that status in the civil rights movement have made untold contributions, sacrifice and invested in us. Now, it is up to us, It is our turn to step up to the plate."
• Attended the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March- “Justice or Else” in Washington D.C.
• Attended Martese's Johnson rally and his court appearance
M. Rick Turner
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