New post from the NAACP: Award-Winning Actor, Rapper, and Writer Common Voices Powerful New AD For NAACP Ahead of Georgia Senate Runoff Elections by Marc Banks

With Less Than a Week to the Election, Common Joins the NAACP to Call on Black Georgians to Vote

BALTIMORE, MD – Today, the NAACP released a new ad featuring award-winning actor, rapper, and writer Common that will run in Georgia between now and the January 5th Georgia U.S. Senate runoff elections.

The ad is part of the civil rights organization’s efforts to engage and mobilize Black voters throughout the state and carry the overarching message of the NAACP’s “Black Voices Change Lives” campaign, an unprecedented campaign to persuade and mobilize Black voters in the 2020 General Election.

“This election cycle is not over and we must continue to do everything we can to make sure the voices of Black voters are heard,” said Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP. “Already more than 2 million Georgians have voted despite the continued assault we continue to see on our voting rights in Georgia and Washington. If we are to effectuate change in our community and country, we need Black voters to show up to the polls. Our lives continue to depend on making our voices heard and we cannot and will not be silenced.”

Script from the ad:

Georgia.

In November, you sent a clear message to the rest of the country.

A message that made history and changed the future.

In cities and towns in this great state

Black people harnessed their power

And said loud and clear.

Enough is Enough.

Now, we need you to do it again.

To use your power at the polls on January 5th.

Vote.

Like your life depends on it. 

For more information on the “Black Voices Change Lives” campaign and to listen to the ad, visit the website.

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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 Sues President Trump for Systematically trying to disenfranchise Black Voters by Marc Banks

December 21, 2020 – The NAACP sued President Trump, his presidential campaign, and the Republican National Committee (RNC) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for systematically trying to disenfranchise Black voters in states across the country.

The lawsuit alleges that President Trump, the Trump campaign, and the RNC have engaged in a coordinated conspiracy to disenfranchise Black voters by disrupting vote-counting efforts, lodging groundless challenges during recounts, and attempting to block certification of election results through intimidation and coercion of election officials and volunteers.   These steps to delegitimize our democracy were targeted in cities across the country with high numbers of Black voters.  These actions are a clear violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Ku Klux Klan Act.

Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP said, “President Trump and his allies have repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and undermine confidence in our democracy.  Across the country – from Detroit to Milwaukee, and Atlanta to Philadelphia – they have targeted areas with large numbers of Black voters and made baseless, racist claims to attempt to not count their votes. While all of the allegations have repeatedly gotten thrown out of court and no judge has found any evidence of election fraud, we cannot sit back and let these actions go unaccounted for.  In order to protect the constitutional rights of millions of Black Americans, and ensure that our democracy is not delegitimized, we are bringing this lawsuit to protect the integrity of Black voters and the democratic process in which they participated and made their voices heard in record numbers.”

The NAACP joined a lawsuit that was filed on November 20^th by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), on behalf of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and three Detroit residents.

 

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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: Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP Applauds MacKenzie Scott for her Philanthropy by Marc Banks

Washington, D.C. — Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, released the following statement on the generous philanthropy by MacKenzie Scott.

“The NAACP is honored and grateful for the generous philanthropic efforts of Mackenzie Scott. Her selfless gift and enduring commitment to the cause of racial justice, supporting equitable outcomes for all people and HBCUs, is inspiring and humbling. Her donation, during this most turbulent time of COVID-19, racial injustice, and economic despair, will fuel the NAACP’s work to upend the dark underbelly of bigotry, discrimination, and racism within this country. We are thankful and forever grateful for the dutiful contribution she has made to us and all other organizations fighting for the world’s most vulnerable populations. With her assistance, we are well-positioned to ensure we achieve better outcomes for those that need it most.”

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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 Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP Applauds MacKenzie Scott for her Philanthropy appeared first on NAACP.

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New post from the NAACP: The 52nd NAACP Image Awards to Air on BET Saturday, February 20th at 8 PM ET by Marc Banks

Nominees to be announced January 22, 2021

LOS ANGELES (December 16, 2020) – Today the NAACP announced that the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards will broadcast live on BET Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 8:00 PM ET.

Additionally, the NAACP Image Awards Dinner, which traditionally takes place the night before the telecast, will live stream over six nights February 15-19, 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.

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.

“In this season of reflection and reckoning, the 52nd NAACP Image Awards will continue a tradition of uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.  We are excited to continue our broadcast partnership with BET and look forward to celebrating Black excellence in a safe and meaningful way,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice-Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors and Chairman of the Image Award Committee.

“This has been an unprecedented year and we are all in need of the inspiration, empowerment, and awareness the NAACP Image Awards brings year-after-year.    BET is thrilled to continue our partnership with the NAACP to broadcast the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that will celebrate and honor the creatives, musicians, storytellers, and trailblazers who have uplifted and guided our culture during this time,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET.

The 51st NAACP Image Awards telecast, drew 1.8 million total viewers P2+ (Simulcast)—a +448% increase versus the previous year. Filled with non-stop exhilarating moments, the special secured the #1 Most Social TV Program on Saturday, February 22, 2020.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws a crowd of the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees include Rihanna, Lizzo, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl Underwood, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

Nominations for the 52^nd NAACP Image Award will be announced on January 22, 2021. Due to an overwhelming number of entries, nominees in the eight literary categories will be announced on February 3, 2021.  Additional key dates include:

Friday, December 18 – Online submissions close

Monday, December 28 – Nominating committee voting begins

Friday, January 15 – Nominating committee voting closes

Friday, January 22 – Public online voting opens

Friday, February 5 – Public online voting closes

As previously announced, the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards will include 21 new submission categories:

 

• Television + Streaming: Outstanding Animated Series; Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television); Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama; Outstanding Performance in a Short-Form Series; Outstanding Short-Form Series – Variety; Outstanding Short-Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction; and Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

 

• Recording: Outstanding International Song; Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental Outstanding Jazz Album–Vocal; Outstanding Soul/R&B Song; Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song; Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional); Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary); and Outstanding Producer of the Year

 

• Motion Picture: Outstanding International Motion Picture; Outstanding Animated Motion Picture; Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture); Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action); Outstanding Short-Form (Animated); and Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

 

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 praises release of Myon Burrell, commends Minneapolis NAACP for pushing for his freedom by Marc Banks

The NAACP released the following statement on the release of Myon Burrell, a Black man imprisoned for life as a teenager in the slaying of an 11-year-old girl hit by a stray bullet almost two decades ago.

“We applaud the tireless efforts of former President of the Minneapolis NAACP Leslie Redmond for raising national awareness of the case and support for its reopening. Since the AP raised several flaws with the case earlier this year, the NAACP Minneapolis branch has sought recourse for Myon Burell. We are also thankful to Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar who called to reopen the case, which had special resonance since she first prosecuted the case.

The injustice inflicted upon Myon Burrell is a reflection of how much work needs to be done to repair our criminal justice system. Our efforts were successful in this case due to the voices of many. We will continue to hold the justice system accountable for its transgressions in criminalizing Black youth and rushing to put them behind bars for a long time.”

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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 to Host Virtual Town Hall on Navigating the COVID-19 Vaccine by Marc Banks

WASHINGTON, DC (December 10, 2020) – On Wednesday, December 16 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT, the NAACP will host a virtual town hall series entitled UNMASKED: COVID Vaccines. Over the last year, the NAACP has presented virtual town halls that focus on how the coronavirus pandemic impacts African Americans. In the next episode of the series, congressional leaders, guest speakers, and health experts will join Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, to provide the latest research information, slowing the spread, vaccine availability, and distribution.

“As we’re hearing more about the potential end of COVID-19’s devastating grip on the lives of Americans and people around the world, African Americans are voicing understandable concern and skepticism about the vaccines and treatments being developed,” said Dr. Marjorie Innocent, NAACP Senior Director of Health Programs. “The dynamic speakers in this installment of our COVID: Unmasked town hall series will provide clear information to help us understand vaccine development, approval, availability and distribution.”

It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged communities across the country, particularly the Black community and frontline workers. The lack of consistent leadership and coordination on a federal level from the current administration led to state and local governments taking on varied approaches to combat an unprecedented public health crisis. This town hall will include champions at the forefront of stabilizing the crisis and ensuring a healthy recovery.

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:

• Senator Cory Booker, United States Senate
• Kizzmekia Corbett, PhD, Senior Researcher, National Institutes of Health
• Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, American Medical Association, Immediate Past President
• Marcella Nunez-Smith, Co-Chair President-Elect Biden Advisory Board on Coronavirus
• Derrick Johnson, NAACP, President & CEO

 

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New post from the NAACP: NAACP Urges New Cabinet Position for Incoming Biden-Harris Administration Focused on Racial Justice, Equity and Advancement by Marc Banks

WASHINGTON, D.C. (12.8.2020) – Today, the NAACP met with President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris about the ongoing racial justice crisis that has plagued our nation. In the face of an unprecedented pandemic, an escalation of police violence against Black people, and a current presidency rooted in white supremacy and bigotry, the NAACP calls on the incoming Biden administration to create a new position–National Advisor to the President on Racial Justice, Equity and Advancement.

“The structural inequality that is rooted deep within our society must be addressed, and after four years of regression on social, civil, and political matters that profoundly impact the American people, specifically, Black people, we must prioritize the transformation of our nation into a more just, equal society in which all Americans can succeed and thrive,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO, NAACP. “The creation of National Advisor to the President on Racial Justice, Equity and Advancement is a bold action that has the potential to yield significant results on behalf of millions of Americans.”

The National Advisor on Racial Justice, Equity, and Advancement would be charged with centralizing bold, visionary thinking and strategy on racial justice within the White House and fostering holistic measures throughout government to tackle the pervasive problem of systemic racism. The Advisor would report directly to President Biden with an office fully resourced and staffed to accomplish its mission.

The strong and early commitment by the Biden administration to elevating 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 itself to determine how it still perpetuates and fosters institutional racism. We can no longer afford to address systemic inequity through the exclusive province of the civil rights offices of each agency. Our structural inequality goes much deeper than that, and now is the time for bold solutions. The National Advisor on Racial Justice, Equity and Advancement will lead this charge.

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