New post from the NAACP: 52nd NAACP Image Awards Nomination Announcement to Take Place February 2nd on Instagram at 10AM PST / 1PM EST by Marc Banks

AWARD-WINNING TALK SHOW “THE REAL” TO ANNOUNCE 15 CATEGORIES ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND

 

WHAT: 

On Tuesday, February 2nd at 10:00 am PT / 1:00pm ET, the nominees for this year’s 52nd NAACP Image Awards will be announced virtually on the NAACP Image Awards’ Instagram. Tony-award winning actress and singer Anika Noni-Rose (Jingle Jangle, Power), actress and singer Chloe Bailey (Grown-ish and Chloe x Halle), actress Erika Alexander (John Lewis: Good Trouble, Living Single), actor, dancer, and choreographer Nicco Annan (P-Valley), and actor and singer TC Carson (Living Single) will be presenting the nominees via Instagram. Tune-in and share the excitement at www.instagram.com/NAACPImageAwards! 

In advance of the virtual event, the NAACP Image Awards-winning and Emmy-nominated talk show “The Real” led by hosts Garcelle Beauvais, Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love and Jeannie Mai will exclusively reveal nominees in 15 categories for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards on Tuesday, February 2nd ahead of the nominations announcement. “The Real” airs in national syndication, including on Fox Television Stations (check local listings).

Recognized as the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show from an African-American perspective, the NAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and 

performances of people of color in the arts and those who promote social justice through their creative work.

The 52nd NAACP Image Awards will air on BET Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 8:00 PM ET. Non-televised award categories will live stream over five nights March 22-26, 2021. The virtual ceremonies will recognize winners in more than 60 non-televised award categories in the fields of television and streaming, music, literature, film, and activism.

Immediately following the announcement, the press release and a full nominations list will be on naacpimageawards.net and the NAACP Image Awards’ social media platforms. Select clips of each participant will be available as well.

The 52nd NAACP Image Awards is sponsored in part by Wells Fargo, FedEx and Alaska Airlines.

 

WHO:

Anika Noni-Rose, Actress and singer, Jingle Jangle, Power

Chloe Bailey, Actress and singer, Grown-ish, Chloe x Halle

Erika Alexander, Actress, John Lewis: Good Trouble, Living Single

Nicco Annan, Actor, dancer, and choreographer, P-Valley

TC Carson, Actor and singer, Living Single

Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP

Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, National Board of Directors, NAACP

Connie Orlando, Executive Vice-President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET

 

WHEN:

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

10:00 am (PT)

 

WHERE:

Instagram Handle: @NAACPImageAwards

Website: www.instagram.com/NAACPImageAwards

Hashtag: #NAACPImageAwards 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT SCHEDULE:

10:00 am – Recording Categories

NICCO ANNAN

• Outstanding Male Artist
• Outstanding Female Artist
• Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
• Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
• Outstanding New Artist
• Outstanding Album

10:15 am – Television + Streaming Categories

ERIKA ALEXANDER & TC CARSON

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Comedy Series

10:30 am – Television + Streaming Categories

ANIKA NONI-ROSE

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Drama Series

10:45 am – Motion Picture Categories

CHLOE BAILEY

• Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in Motion Picture
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in Motion Picture
• Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Motion Picture

Special Category

• Entertainer of the Year

MEDIA RSVP:  

There will be a variety of press opportunities leading up to the show on Saturday, March 27, 2021.  

 

Media interested in interviews and covering the 52nd NAACP Image Awards, please complete the following application: https://forms.gle/WWRz8BWaHsMvnpXU9

 

Please note: the deadline to apply for media opportunities is March 5, 2021 at 12pm PT. 

 

PRESS CONTACTS:   

NAACP

Marc K. Banks

dbanks@naacpnet.org

 

Sunshine Sachs

NAACPImageAwards@SunshineSachs.com 

 

BET

Chloe Duverge

Chloe.Duvere@bet.net

 

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, Releases Statement on The Passing of Cicely Tyson by Marc Banks

 

Photo Courtesy: NAACP

Today, the world lost a legend, an activist, and a groundbreaking actress, Cicely Tyson. She was an idol to so many of us, including myself, and brought our heroes to life on the silver screen. Not only was she awarded with 8 NAACP Image Awards, but she also received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for a lifetime of achievement in 2010. She will remain a beacon and a strong inspiration for generations to come. Rest in Power.

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, Releases Statement on President Biden’s Executive Actions by Marc Banks

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, Released the Following Statement on President Biden’s Executive Actions:

“The NAACP is very encouraged by the executive actions taken by President Biden today. It is refreshing to finally hear a President acknowledge white supremacy in their inaugural speech, and follow that with concrete actions less than a week later. President Biden’s whole-of-government approach for racial equity, embedded within the Domestic Policy Council lead by Susan Rice, is a very good first step. However, Executive Orders are only as strong as the current President and can be reversed by future administrations. So we must continue to urge Congress to pass laws that ensure racial equity for all people in this country and codify it to prevent future Presidents from reversing these critical measures. We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration as we continue to address the systemic racism that has plagued our communities for centuries.”

 

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO Releases Statement in Support of D.C. Statehood by Marc Banks

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement in support of D.C. Statehood:

“For over two centuries, Washington D.C.’s lack of statehood has been rooted in white supremacy. When Black men gained the right to vote in 1867, Congress replaced the local, elected government with three white men commissioners. Since then, opposition to statehood has been driven by false dog-whistle arguments on the city’s ability to manage its own affairs.”

“Earlier this month, white supremacists holding Confederate flags and wearing Nazi slogans were left to roam free in our nation’s capital without protection for the majority of Washingtonians who are Black and Brown, all because D.C. is not a state.”

“It’s time for Biden administration to work with Congress to prioritize making D.C. a state and end the oppression of Washingtonians of color. We applaud the introduction of a statehood bill in the Senate as a major step in that direction.”

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP to Host Town Hall on Biden Administration’s First 100 Days by Austyn Ross

Our nation is facing an extraordinary crisis in racial justice. Join us for a conversation with leading policymakers to discuss the bold and meaningful action to address systemic inequalities. The town hall will take place Wednesday, January 27 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT.

Callers can participate via interactive toll-free conference call that will stream LIVE on the NAACP’s website naacp.org. To join via phone, dial (866) 757-0756 and to join the conversation on social media by following @NAACP.

Click here to RSVP.

Moderated by correspondent and author, April Ryan, the town hall will include:

• Representative Karen Bass, California’s 37th Congressional District 
• Representative Joyce Beatty, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus
• Secretary Marcia Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
• Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP
• Ambassador Susan Rice, Director, Domestic Policy Advisor 

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Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP Mourns the Passing of Baseball Great Hank Aaron by Austyn Ross

The NAACP mourns the passing of Hank Aaron, Legendary Atlanta Brave and Major League Baseball record holder and a former member of the NAACP Board of Directors. 

“Hank did not only break barriers on the baseball field, but also in the civil rights movement,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. I hope that athletes from all sports will follow in his footsteps to use their platforms for social good and to advance the cause of civil rights.” 

Aaron made his Major League Debut and started his 23-year-career with the then-Milwaukee Braves. His first season saw him finish fourth in the rookie of the year voting. Aaron remains baseball’s runs batted in leader with 2,297 and total base leader with 6,856. It was in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1974 that Aaron, in front of a sellout crowd, hit the 715th home run of his career, breaking the mark of Babe Ruth.

Aaron was more than just a baseball player. He overcame racism in the deep south throughout his career and often received death threats while he was making his historic pursuit of Babe Ruth’s record. All the while, he remained humble and continued to power through every hurdle that was in front of him. 

In 2002, President George W. Bush awarded Aaron the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors. Hank Aaron represented an era in this nation of Black individuals who broke barriers. He was a close member of our family here at NAACP. We know his legacy will continue to inspire many generations to come. 

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About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP Applauds Biden Administration’s Decision to Elevate Racial Justice to Highest Level by Austyn Ross

Washington, DC — Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, issued the following statement on today’s announcement by the incoming Biden/Harris administration on efforts to promote racial justice throughout the government:

“Our nation is facing an extraordinary crisis in racial justice. Coronavirus is harming Black and Brown communities at staggering rates due to longstanding disparities in healthcare and our economy. Police violence against Black people is at an epidemic level. And the Oval Office was just occupied by someone who championed white supremacy and bigotry.

This moment requires bold and meaningful action to end systemic racism. For that reason, we have called upon the Biden administration to create a Cabinet position to focus exclusively on racial justice. We can no longer afford a piecemeal approach or to address these issues solely through civil rights offices. We must identify strategies for coordinating and deploying all levers of the federal government to tackle structural inequality. That includes recognizing that institutional racism was once dictated by federal policy and determining how federal agencies are still reinforcing inequality and impeding progress toward meaningful opportunity for all.

We are elated that the Biden administration has appointed Dr. Susan Rice to lead this august challenge. From her position within the White House, she can formulate and coordinate actions among cabinet members to eliminate systemic racism, root and branch, from within the government and ensure racial justice is at the forefront of every agency’s agenda. Given this momentous task, Dr. Rice will require substantial resources and personnel to help her fulfill this critical role.

Addressing racial justice will be the most vexing challenge facing this new administration. It will require a herculean effort to eliminate the institutional barriers throughout the government that still perpetuate racial inequality. With this announcement today, the Biden/Harris administration is off to a strong start to transforming our nation into a more just, equal society. And it can count on the NAACP’s support every step of the way.”

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About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

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New post from the NAACP: Black America Policy Recommendations for Biden Administration by Interactive Strategies

The strong and early plan and commitment by the Biden administration to elevate racial justice as a top priority has sent a powerful message about its importance and centrality within this administration.

As the nation calls for an end to structural disparities, the federal government has a duty to examine its own house to determine how it still perpetuates and fosters institutional racism.

The NAACP recommends the Biden Administration implement the following policies:

Racial Equity, Opportunity and Transformation

• Create a Cabinet-level position focused on Racial Justice. President Biden should create the position of National Advisor on Racial Justice, Equity and Advancement as an Assistant to the President with an office fully resourced and staffed to accomplish its mission. Read more.

TAKE ACTION 

Economic Empowerment

• Cancel Student Debt. President Biden should direct the Secretary of Education to cancel all student debt.
• Fully Cover Unemployment Insurance Through Federal Funding. President Biden should include funding for the establishment of a Federal Unemployment Insurance System in his first budget proposal.
• Implement a Federal Minimum Wage. President Biden can issue an Executive Order raising the minimum wage for all federal contractors to $15.00/hour, indexed for inflation.
• Implement Universal Paid Sick Leave. President Biden can call on Congress to pass legislation extending the paid sick leave benefits of President Obama’s Executive Order 13706 to all Americans.
• Increase Funding for Minority-Serving CDFIs/MCDFIs. President Biden should request a 40% increase in funding for the CDFI Fund for CDFIs and require 40% of all CDFI Fund awards be designated for minority-serving CDFIs.
• Institute a Direct Minority Business Contracting Requirement for all Federal Agencies. The Biden Administration should institute a direct minority business contracting requirement for all federal agencies of 20%.
• Reverse the Racist Housing Policies of the Last Four Years and Beyond. President Biden should direct the Housing and Urban Development Secretary to create a down payment assistance fund to increase homeownership rates for Black households and reverse the July 23, 2020 rule repealing the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule.
• Support Black Workers and Incentivize Diverse and Inclusive Hiring and Promotion Practices. The Biden administration should establish policies that close the wage gap between Black and white wage earners and give equal attention to addressing the gender pay gap.

Education

• Remove Police From Schools and Restrict the Role of Law Enforcement in Schools. President Biden should call for the reallocation of funding for school resource officers to intervention and restorative supports for children.

Environmental Climate Justice

• Prioritize Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs in the Green Economy. President Biden should expand on the Environmental Justice Interagency Directive (Presidential Executive Order 12898) to ensure that racial justice is defined to include equitable distribution of quality access as we shift away from a fossil fuel economy.
• Moratoria on Energy Shut-Offs Should Not be a Stop Gap Measure. President Biden should direct the Secretary of Energy to impose a moratorium on energy shut-offs.

Health and Wellbeing

• Audit Federal Efforts to Promote Health Equity. President Biden should order a Cabinet-level audit of all federal agencies to strengthen their civil rights and health equity efforts in implementing federal policies and programs.
• Conduct Robust Vaccine Education and Ensure Equitable Vaccine Distribution. President Biden should order the Health and Human Services Secretary to develop and disseminate an education and outreach campaign and a vaccine distribution plan that provides clear, comprehensive, and culturally meaningful information about vaccines and therapeutics prior to their widespread distribution.
• Guarantee Health Care For All. President Biden should call for a guarantee of health care for all in his first Budget proposal.

Reconstructing Criminal Justice

• Accelerate Compassionate Release in Federal Prisons. President Biden should accelerate compassionate release consideration of all federal prisoners over the age of 60 and order the immediate release of as many people as possible.
• Address Racial Violence by Police and Impose National Accountability Standards. President Biden should call on the Attorney General to prohibit federal grants to police agencies without the policies, training, and databases in place.
• Boldly and Urgently Transform the Federal Judiciary. President Biden must develop and execute a vision and strategy for securing strong, diverse representation on the courts for decades to come that includes civil rights lawyers.
• Fully Resource Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs. President Biden must call on Congress to fund local communities to respond to resident’s mental health and substance abuse needs.
• Reform Federal Prosecutorial Standards to Eliminate Racial Disparities. President Biden must direct the Attorney General to instruct federal prosecutors to refrain from engaging in practices that lead to higher sentences, such as seeking sentencing enhancements or life without the possibility of parole for young people.

Voting Rights and Election Reform

• Enhance the VRA. President Biden should encourage Congress to restore Section 4(b) preclearance provisions.

 

 

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP Announces New Air Date for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards by Marc Banks

52ND NAACP Image Awards Has Been Rescheduled to Air LIVE on BET Saturday, March 27^th at 8pm ET

The following is a joint statement from Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice-Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors and Chairman of the NAACP Image Awards Committee; Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET; Executive Producers Reggie Hudlin and Phil Gurin; Co-Executive Producer Byron Phillips; and Producer Robin Reinhardt. 

“After careful consideration and guidance from health experts and state and local government, we have decided to reschedule the 52nd NAACP Image Awards to March 27, 2021.  As COVID-19 continues to ravage our country, particularly the African-American community, it is our utmost priority to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our staff, production teams, nominees, and all talent involved in this year’s awards ceremony.  We look forward to uplifting and celebrating our rich culture and the outstanding achievements of our nominees when it is safe to do so and we appreciate everyone’s understanding during these unprecedented times.” 

Recognized as the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show from an African-American perspective, the NAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts and those who promote social justice through their creative work.

Nominees in the categories of television and streaming, music, literature, film, and activism, will be announced on Wednesday, February 3^rd. Nominating committee voting will now close on Wednesday, January 20^th.

The 52^nd NAACP Image Awards is produced by Hudlin Entertainment and The Gurin Company.  Executive Producers Reggie Hudlin and Phil Gurin, Co-Executive Producer Byron Phillips, and Producer Robin Reinhardt.

For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net.

Instagram:  @naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook:  /naacpimageaward

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NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

 

About BET Networks:

BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

 

NAACP Image Awards Media Contacts:

Sunshine Sachs | NAACPImageAwards@sunshinesachs.com 

Marc Banks | dbanks@naacpnet.org

Chloe Duverge | chloe.duverge@bet.net

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, Issues Statement on Second Impeachment of President Trump by Marc Banks

Washington, D.C. — The President and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, issued the following statement today regarding the second Impeachment of President Trump:

“As white supremacists attacked our democracy last Wednesday, the NAACP called for the immediate Impeachment of the president. After his endless and desperate attempts to overturn the certified votes of the American people, the president incited a deadly insurrection at the Capitol, threatening the lives of our lawmakers. Let me be clear: Donald Trump attempted a coup on the United States of America.

Today, following a historic vote in the House, President Trump became the only US president to ever be impeached twice. And while the NAACP is nonpartisan, we are not blind. He is a dangerous president, and the history books will reflect that. Now, the Senate must convict him swiftly.

“In just one week the nation will inaugurate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next President and Vice President of the United States. The NAACP looks forward to working with the new administration to address the issues facing our people and democracy. We have a lot of work to do.”

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New post from the NAACP: What Brands Can Do for MLK Day and Black History Month by Interactive Strategies

 

This MLK Day, skip the quote graphic, do this instead. 

Nearly six months ago in the wake of the unconscionable murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, millions took to the streets to say “enough is enough.” Prompted by the undeniable urgency of the moment, foundations, corporations, and brands —  large and small — took a stand. They not only declared that Black lives matter, but acknowledged that racism exists. They went beyond mere declaration and took action to boldly confront injustices.

The support of these new partners, along with our fellow activists, helped the NAACP continue the work we do day-in and day-out in communities across the country. We have assisted Black businesses damaged during the protests, uplifted Black entrepreneurs looking to grow or scale, provided housing grants to families at risk of foreclosure during the coronavirus pandemic, and challenged racist policies and practices through the courts. 

Organizations such as Nasdaq are putting in place measures to ensure board diversity for companies listed on the stock exchange. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie (Bezos) Scott have contributed millions to support the critically important role of HBCUs, and foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have invested in new approaches to advancing health equity.

History, however, has taught us that the road to justice is long and arduous. It is impossible to undo 400 years of systematic racism in mere months.

As we head into Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, those committed to dismantling racism, those pushing for change, and those advocating for justice will be looking for ways to demonstrate their commitment to advancing a more equal society.

The time for words and statements is gone. This is the year for deeper, more concrete actions.

Invest in MLK Day and Black History Month All Year Long

In addition to participating in the MLK Day of Service on Jan. 18, brands can:

• Sign the Equal Pay Pledge to ensure all employees get equal pay for equal work by December 2021
• Take a year around approach to embracing the spirit of MLK Day and Black History Month
• Publish a progress report on June 2020 stated actions by June 2021
• Join the One Million Jobs Campaign
• Fund support for diversity and inclusion leads within your organization
• Provide sustaining support to local social justice organization
• Become a Corporate Member of your local NAACP
• Source more diverse candidates by adding to the NAACP Job Board 

The work to upend the underbelly of discrimination in this country and around the world demands engagement from all people, sectors, and industries.

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO Releases Statement on Indefinite Banning of President Trump’s Facebook and Instagram Account by Marc Banks

President Trump’s social media accounts are a petri dish of disinformation, designed to divide and fuel violence at all costs.

For the safety of the American people and the security of our democracy, Facebook is doing the right thing to indefinitely ban President Trump from their platforms. We are urging Twitter to do the same immediately.

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New post from the NAACP: President and CEO of the NAACP Releases Statement on Disruption of Peaceful Transition of Power and Calls for Impeachment of President Trump by Marc Banks

This afternoon, the NAACP released the following statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the disruption of peaceful transition of power and calls for the impeachment of President Trump:

“What we are witnessing at this moment is the manifestation and culmination of reckless leadership, a pervasive misuse of power, and anarchy. This is not protesting or activism; this is an insurrection, an assault on our democracy, and a coup incited by President Trump.

For the past four years, we’ve seen him chip away at the civility, integrity, and dignity of our nation. The pattern of President Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again that it is a grave threat and harm to the fragile fabric of our country. In the latest show of failed leadership, we witnessed the Capitol under siege by bad actors who had no other objective than to disrupt the constitutional proceedings of a fair and rightful transition of power. At this moment, President Trump is silent and continues to perpetuate lies and disinformation for his selfish amusement and personal gain.

We must not allow President Trump to continue to place our nation in peril. The NAACP calls for President Trump’s impeachment so that he will never again be able to harm our beloved country, and more importantly, its people.”

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About NAACP 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

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New post from the NAACP: Statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on Georgia Runoff Election by Marc Banks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2021

 

Baltimore, MD –  This evening, the NAACP released the following statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff election:

“The stakes have never been higher as Black voters turned out again in Georgia to make their voices heard in record numbers and helped to decide the balance of power in the United States Senate. With more than 3 million residents voting early in the Senate runoff, the message is clear: we are not tired, and our voices will be heard.

“The next Senate will be closely divided and will determine how we move forward on critical issues like healthcare, housing, education, and long overdue institutional reforms. That is why we need leaders who will continue to champion our causes and empower our fight for justice. We deserve representation, but more importantly, we deserve representatives who will advance equity and erase inequality.

“In one of the most consequential elections of our time, Black lives have literally been on the ballot. That is why the NAACP committed to engaging, educating, and re-energizing the Black community to vote – again. The need to ensure that Georgians’ voices are heard is imperative, and our democracy depends on the full enfranchisement of voters.

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About NAACP 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.

The post Statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on Georgia Runoff Election appeared first on NAACP.

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New post from the NAACP: President and CEO of the NAACP Issues Statement Condemning Decision in the Shooting of Jacob Blake by Austyn Ross

Washington, D.C. — The NAACP released the following statement regarding Kenosha county official’s decision not to charge Rusten Sheskey with the shooting of Jacob Blake:

“Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley’s failure to bring substantial charges against the officer who shot Jacob Blake causes pain for far too many Americans still reeling from a pandemic and the countless black deaths due to police brutality.

The district attorney’s decision is foul and shameful. It is yet another stark reminder of the free-willing atrocities committed against Black people at the hands of those entrusted to maintain public safety. Atrocities committed against the people of this country by the authorities cannot and should not go unanswered. The justice system failed Jacob Blake and, as such, failed us.

At this moment, the work of the American people is clear: we must continue to fight, organize, and mobilize against police brutality. Far too many Black lives have been damaged or lost due to the egregious malpractice of police officers, elected officials, and the justice system as a whole. While the visions of Jacob Blake, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others play over and over in our minds, we must not grow weary until we’ve achieved police liability and substantive change is realized. If there was ever a time for us to unite against a common threat to the existence of Black people, it is now. Our fight for justice remains unyielding. 

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jacob Blake, his family and friends.”

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About NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.

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New post from the NAACP: Watch: NAACP calls for Trump investigation in targeting of Black Georgia voters by Shunkecia Lewis

Source: theGrio and April Ryan

Early voting continues in the state of Georgia for two U.S. Senate races as a cloud hangs over the state’s election process there. On Saturday, President Donald Trump allegedly committed voter and election crimes with an unprecedented and illegal request for Georgia election officials to change the state’s certified vote count.

This matter has drawn the attention of many, including organizations like the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights group, which is now calling for an investigation.

“There is an overall picture that has developed. Obviously, [President Trump] has targeted Black electorates. Places that are majority Black populations,” NAACP Board Chairman Leon Russell exclusively tells theGrio.

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, releases statement after President Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State to Recalculate Votes in His Favor by Marc Banks

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement after President Trump pressured Georgia secretary of state to recalculate votes in his favor:

“This is a racist attack on Black voters. President Trump’s desperate and futile attempts to invalidate and falsify votes cast by Georgia voters add to a growing list of criminal acts that must be addressed. His blatant disregard of the election’s accurate results is harmful to the American people and democracy itself. 

The NAACP calls for the Fulton County District Attorney’s decision to investigate the state law violations committed by President Trump after he pressured Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, to overturn Georgia’s election results. 

We’ve repeatedly seen attempts to delegitimize democracy by trying to disenfranchise voters, specifically Black voters. In December, we witnessed the Trump campaign and a Trump elector file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Fulton County, challenging the state’s presidential election results and asking for a new presidential election or for the court to prohibit the appointment of the slate of presidential electors. On December 10, 2020, the NAACP-Georgia State Conference filed a motion to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit because of their interests in ensuring their members’ votes are counted. 

Once again, if the NAACP must intervene to protect our community, we will do so swiftly and assuredly.”

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