NAACP Mobilizes Black America at State Capitols Across the Nation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – Last week, NAACP leaders from across the nation unveiled their legislative agenda, lobbying elected officials to move the needle on issues top of mind for Black America. NAACP state conferences who were participants of the State Legislative Advocacy Week include Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Utah, and Virginia.
Patrice Willoughby, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Impact shared the following statement:
"The NAACP remains resolute in our commitment to policy advocacy in the halls of Congress to our hometowns. As an extremist minority utilizes political theatrics as a distraction, elected officials at the state-level are destroying the bedrock of our Democracy. The NAACP is committed to securing progressive outcomes for Black Americans, and that means coordinating with our community. Conversations like those that happened this week are crucial in advancing our mission. This is what advocacy in action looks like."
Key policy priorities unveiled during the week of advocacy include:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Voting rights
- Criminal justice
- Economic development
- and more
"Grassroots advocacy work is the heart of the Association. We know that real, transformational change happens when we mobilize local advocates and activists. The NAACP is proud to empower our devoted state leaders who propel our work forward," said Phaedra Jackson, NAACP Vice President of Unit Advocacy & Effectiveness. "As we confront injustices at the national level, it is the dedication of our grassroots leaders, who champion our causes in our community, that will guide us. Together, we'll continue to light a path forward where the impact of inclusive policies are felt in the communities we work so tirelessly to serve."
As NAACP continues the fight for social justice, we are actively prioritizing policies and laws enacted at the state level that impact Black communities nationwide. For more information on NAACP State Legislative Advocacy Week, visit our website.
PHOTOS
Photos of the Georgia State Advocacy Day can be found here.
Photos of the Indiana State Advocacy Day event can be found here.
Photos of the Virginia State Advocacy Day event can be found here.
Photos of the Missouri State Advocacy Day event can be found here.
Photos of the Mississippi State Advocacy Day event can be found here.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.