Showing posts with label NAACP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NAACP. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2024

NAACP Urges Black Student Athletes to Reconsider PWI Universities in Florida

The NAACP has sent a letter to current and prospective members of the NCAA, calling for Black student athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in Florida. The letter comes following recent news that the University of Florida had dismantled its DEI department at the direction of the DeSantis administration's Stop WOKE Act. The bill, which was passed last year, prohibits the use of state funds for any diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. While the University of Florida has been the first to follow the directive, Florida is home to some of the nation's largest public universities, many of whom rely on Black talent recruited to their athletics programs.

Read that letter below:

NAACP Urges Student Athlete... by George L. Cook III

Wednesday, March 06, 2024

CBS and the NAACP Developing New Soap Opera Centering on Black Family

CBS Studios and NAACP Venture announced they are developing a new daytime drama series for the CBS Television Network titled “The Gates,” with veteran writer Michele Val Jean (“The Bold and the Beautiful,” “General Hospital”) set as writer and showrunner.

Val Jean, who exited “The Bold and the Beautiful” last month as a scriptwriter after writing more than 2,000 episodes of daytime dramas and winning multiple Daytime Emmy and WGA Awards, will also serve as an executive producer for “The Gates” alongside Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson and Kimberly Doebereiner.

The potential series will follow the lives of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community. It will be produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP production venture in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. P&G, in particular, might sound familiar to soap fans as the company helped pioneer the genre with the likes of “As The World Turns,” “Guiding Light,” and “Another World.”

“‘The Gates’ will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective,” said Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture. “This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, ‘The Gates’ will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture.”

[SOURCE: SOAPOPERANET]

Sunday, March 03, 2024

NAACP Supports Reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

On Febrary 29, 2024 Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA) reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The bill, which the NAACP has signed onto, aims to revitalize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by expanding the government's ability to respond to voting discrimination. The reintroduction of the act comes following a failed attempt at passage of the original bill, and increasing attacks on voting rights from courts and politicians across the nation.

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement:

"The NAACP is proud to support Senator Warnock's reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act bill. Right now, Americans, particularly Black Americans' right to vote is under attack. While the NAACP remains unwavering in our efforts to litigate, agitate, and advocate, we can't do this alone. Federal action must be swift and decisive.

The reintroduction of this bill marks another pivotal moment in the fight to ensure every American has access to the ballot box. We know that democracy can't exist without the Black vote. Now, it's up to our leaders to protect it, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every vote counted. Together, we'll repair democracy."

This week, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House to discuss voting rights in America. The NAACP is also currently litigating eight voting rights cases across the country. Ahead of the 2024 election, the Association has launched a multi-million dollar civic engagement campaign throughout 26 priority states in its ongoing advocacy efforts to preserve equitable access to the ballot box for Black Americans.

Friday, February 02, 2024

NAACP statement on the Passing of Radio Icon and Activist Joe Madison

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement on the passing of Joe Madison.

It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the countless memories of my friend, Joe Madison, and the profound impact he made on this world. Joe devoted his life to the mission of civil rights advocacy, working tirelessly to uplift the stories of marginalized communities. He understood the power of advocacy and made it his life's mission to ensure that the rights of Black Americans were respected and protected.

Joe's life as a leader in the pursuit of social justice began to take shape after graduating from college. It was then that he began his journey as a community focused radio host to further support his career as a civil right activist for the NAACP. From Detroit to Philadelphia, to the streets of Washington, D.C., Joe spread his advocacy across the airwaves to the thousands of listeners who tuned into his show daily.

As his influence grew, he became affectionately known as "The Black Eagle" and would regularly challenge listeners to take action on the stories he'd uplift, asking the famous question; "What are you going to do about it?" There's no question that Joe stood firmly on the cause of action. Whether engaging fearlessly in volunteer work in neglected, predominantly Black communities, or leading fundraising initiatives for the preservation of Black History, Joe was no stranger to doing the work.

At age 24, Joe became the youngest Executive Director of the NAACP's Detroit branch before being appointed the organization's National Political Director from 1974 to 1978 and eventually being elected to the National Board of Directors where he served for 14 years from 1986 to 1999. In 1996, Joe was appointed chairman of the NAACP Image Awards where he promised to restore the prominence of the NAACP Image Awards. The next year, he was awarded the Chairman's Award at the 1997 NAACP Image Awards. The result of his work to preserve the legacy of the NAACP Image Awards has been seen and felt since.

Throughout his time at the NAACP, Joe led numerous voter mobilization efforts. One of the most notable included the "March for Dignity" where hundreds of volunteers partook in a cross-country activation from Los Angeles to Baltimore. These marches garnered substantial success, where thousands of signatures were collected in support of an anti-apartheid bill in Congress.

I had the distinguished honor of meeting with Joe during one of his most memorable advocacy moments. As many know, in 2021, he went on a 73-day hunger strike to encourage the passage of voting rights bills. Despite his fight with prostate cancer during his hunger strike, and knowing the health ramifications of the strike, Joe declared "I am willing to die." His dedication to the cause of voting rights and access to the ballot box for Black voters was unlike any other I've seen. I take this lesson and carry it with me, always.

Several months following his hunger strike, Madison's persistent advocacy on the airwaves played a crucial role in the passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in the Senate. His impactful work garnered recognition from prominent figures and global leaders, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Barack Obama, and former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. As we continue to face attacks on our fundamental right to vote, it is our hope that elected leaders will carry on Joe's legacy, particularly his dedication to the preservation of the Voting Rights Act.

Joe will be missed dearly by all who loved him and were touched by his work. We thank him for his dedicated activism and forging a path to a better world for Black Americans. Our thoughts and prayers are with all in mourning during this time. May he rest in peace.

Sunday, October 08, 2023

NAACP Opens Powershift Entrepreneur Grant Applications

The NAACP, in conjunction with Daymond John, Medium Rare, and The Shark Group, has launched applications for the fourth annual NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant in celebration of Black Entrepreneurs Day curated by Daymond John. The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources and has, in previous years, contributed largely to the growth of Black businesses across the nation.

"As we embark on the fourth year of the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant, we are thrilled to once again open the doors of opportunity for Black entrepreneurs across the nation. Through the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant, we are providing the support and resources necessary to enable Black enterprises to not only thrive but also drive positive change in their respective sectors," said Yumeka Rushing, NAACP Chief Strategy Officer. "We invite aspiring and established Black entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity and join us in shaping a brighter future for all. The NAACP remains committed to fostering economic growth and sustainability for Black communities. This is what advocacy in action looks like."

Since its inception, Black Entrepreneurs Day has provided guidance and inspiration to the next generation of rising entrepreneurs as well as over $750,000 in business grants via the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant. Black Entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country can apply now for a $25,000 NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant through October 11th, 2023 at 10:00 AM ET.

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Watch Vice President Harris in a Conversation at the NAACP Annual Convention

Watch the full remarks by Vice President Harris during a moderated conversation at the NAACP 114th annual convention. A conversation in which she urges Black Americans to vote and cast Republicans as extremists on everything from abortion, voting rights and gun reform.

Monday, July 10, 2023

NAACP Launches ‘Diversity No Matter What’ Pledge for Colleges and Universities

The NAACP calls on more than 1,600 U.S. public and private colleges and universities with selective admissions processes to commit to the "Diversity No Matter What" pledge following the Supreme Court's extreme decisions reversing decades of precedent on affirmative action. The Pledge is an effort to ensure that higher education institutions foster environments mirroring the nation's diversity and increase the representation of historically underrepresented students.

"Let's be clear - Black America is in a fight for our lives. The NAACP has been at the forefront of this battle for more than a century and we're not backing down," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson."It is our hope that our nation's institutions will stand with us in embracing diversity, no matter what. Regardless, the NAACP will continue to advocate, litigate, and mobilize to ensure that every Black American has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive."

The NAACP has long advocated for policies and regulations at every level of government to guarantee a first-rate education for all Black students. The "Diversity No Matter What" pledge outlines various steps that schools can take to create and sustain a culture of inclusion, belonging, and respect for the benefit of all students — and therefore our society — such as: 

  • Eliminating racially biased entrance examinations and adopting a holistic approach that considers every aspect of an applicant's background, achievements, and potential.
  • Supporting the matriculation and retention of low-income and first-generation students through outreach programs, scholarships, mentoring, and academic support services.
  • Recruiting diverse faculty and staff who can serve as role models and mentors for our students while contributing to our curriculum and research.
  • Creating a welcoming, and supportive campus climate that values diversity, stands for equity, and advances inclusion in all aspects of academic and social life.
  • Striving towards greater inclusivity by ending the utilization of legacy admissions which give an advantage to children and family members of institutional alumni or donors.
  • Partnering with and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and other Minority Serving Institutions that have deeply rooted race-conscious missions.

"When a college or university commits to our 'Diversity No Matter What' pledge, that signifies a huge stride toward future insurance that every student, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or socioeconomic status, has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at a higher education institution," said Dr. Ivory Toldson, NAACP Director of Education Innovation and Research. "Protecting diversity within higher education and beyond cannot be about a political party or affiliation. This is about our ability to correct the nation's original sin and level the playing field to maintain and expand our diverse learning environments to propel our society forward towards a brighter future."

The NAACP also launched a "Diversity No Matter What" petition for their members and leaders across the country to sign. You can read and sign the petition here

College and university administrators can sign the "Diversity No Matter What" pledge here

Thursday, June 29, 2023

NAACP Condemns SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued extreme decisions reversing decades of precedent on affirmative action. The court's rulings in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina jeopardize hard-fought progress for Black Americans in classrooms and beyond.

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement reaffirming the Association's commitment to tools that support equal access to higher education for Black students:

"Today the Supreme Court has bowed to the personally held beliefs of an extremist minority. We will not allow hate-inspired people in power to turn back the clock and undermine our hard-won victories. The tricks of America's dark past will not be tolerated. Let me be clear - affirmative action exists because we cannot rely on colleges, universities, and employers to enact admissions and hiring practices that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Race plays an undeniable role in shaping the identities of and quality of life for Black Americans. In a society still scarred by the wounds of racial disparities, the Supreme Court has displayed a willful ignorance of our reality. The NAACP will not be deterred nor silenced in our fight to hold leaders and institutions accountable for their role in embracing diversity no matter what."

Thursday, June 15, 2023

NAACP Urges Biden Administration to Address Student Debt Crisis and Fulfill Promises to Black America

NAACP sent an open letter to President Joe Biden emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive student debt relief and calling for him to fulfill his promises to the Black community.

Read that letter below:

NAACP open letter to Biden Administration emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive student debt relief... by George L. Cook III on Scribd

Sunday, May 21, 2023

NAACP Issues Travel Advisory in Florida

The NAACP Board of Directors issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The travel advisory comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.

The formal travel notice states, "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."

"Let me be clear - failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. "Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We're not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation."

The travel advisory was initially proposed to the Board of Directors by NAACP's Florida State Conference. NAACP's collective consideration of this advisory is a result from unrelenting attacks on fundamental freedoms from the Governor and his legislative body.

"Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority," said Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, Leon Russell. "We will not not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy."

Following Gov. DeSantis' so-called leadership in driving the state to reject students' access to AP African American studies course in March, the NAACP distributed 10,000 books to 25 predominantly Black communities across the state in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers's Reading Opens the World program. The majority of the books donated were titles banned under the state's increasingly restrictive laws. The NAACP continues to encourage local branches and youth councils to start community libraries to ensure access to representative literature.

The NAACP encourages Florida residents to join this effort to defeat the regressive policies of this Governor and this state legislature. Interested residents and supporters can visit www.naacp.org for additional information and updates.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

NAACP Files Lawsuit in Response to Passage of Unconstitutional Legislation in Mississippi

The NAACP Office of General Counsel and Covington & Burling LLP filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi on behalf of the NAACP, the NAACP Mississippi State Conference, the Jackson Branch of the NAACP, and a number of Jackson residents and civil rights activists to challenge two new Mississippi statutes. The counsel team includes former Attorney General of the United States Eric H. Holder, Jr., Senior Counsel at Covington & Burling. 

Lawmakers and Jackson residents have opposed both bills throughout the legislative session, citing outside attempts to increase policing without adequate training, silence dissent from Jackson residents, and strip residents of their voting power to elect judges and district attorneys who serve their interests.

Taken together, the two bills represent a state takeover of Jackson, MS. The first statute, S.B.  2343, which was signed by Governor Tate Reeves on Friday, April 21st, significantly expands the Capitol Complex Improvement District to bring the entire predominantly Black city of Jackson under control of the state-run Capitol Police. The bill will also significantly restrict Mississippi residents' ability to protest and hold demonstrations in and around buildings considered property of the state, requiring written approval from the Chief of the Capitol Police or the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety before "any event" occurs.  

The second bill, H.B. 1020, creates a new court with an unelected judge appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court, which will have the ability to hear and determine all preliminary matters and criminal matters within the District. The bill also continues a court packing plan by appointing unelected Circuit Judges to the Seventh Circuit Court District in Hinds County.  

NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement condemning the Mississippi legislature's move to infringe on the rights of Jackson's predominantly Black residents: 

"As our country continues to face the reality and consequences of our broken law enforcement and criminal justice systems, passing legislation to increase policing, install undemocratically appointed judges, and infringe on the constitutional right to protest is simultaneously irresponsible and dangerous. To be clear – this legislation is nothing new. The people of Jackson have been silenced and have faced years of discriminatory disinvestment and neglect from the state government which led to the major water crisis they are still dealing with to this day. If elected officials in Mississippi want to help address the results of their negligence and improve the lives of Jackson residents, they should start with completing improvements to Jackson's water system, not undermining the constitutional rights of their citizens. 

Black Jacksonians need real investment in their infrastructure and complete control over the future of their city. The NAACP will do whatever it takes to protect Jackson residents from the elected officials that continue to fail them. We will continue to collaborate and mobilize with the people of Jackson to ensure their voices are heard and rights are protected."

The NAACP encourages concerned members of the public to sign a petition asking the Mississippi state legislature and Governor Tate Reeves to protect the rights of Jackson residents to control their own resources, such as their water system, elect local judges, and ensure that residents continuing the fight for safe drinking water will not be unconstitutionally silenced.

Former Attorney General of the United States and Senior Counsel at Covington & Burling L.L.P, Eric H. Holder, Jr., released the following statement in support of NAACP's continued advocacy:

"Mississippi House Bill 1020 and Senate Bill 2343 represent a disturbing regression, rolling back decades of progress by stripping Jackson residents of their fundamental right to democratically elect leaders, undermining the authority of those they have elected, and severely restricting their first amendment right to freedom of speech. This Legislative body has proven that they are uninterested in upholding their sworn oath to protect the constitutional rights of their constituents, including the majority Black residents of Jackson. 

Once again, the responsibility has fallen on us - Black advocates and citizens - to hold state lawmakers accountable and fight back against this dangerous legislation. I am proud to work collaboratively with the NAACP to force these undemocratic lawmakers to answer for their brazen, historically resonant actions in the public sphere – and in a court of law." 

Over the past year, the NAACP has worked closely with leaders and residents in Jackson to address the State of Mississippi's gross mishandling of the water crisis and the history of inequities that caused it. In September, the NAACP filed a Title VI Complaint for Investigation of the state's discriminatory allotment of federal funds which resulted in a federal civil rights investigation. NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, Abre' Conner also testified before Congress, providing expert analysis of the neglect and disinvestment in Jackson and the broader, national implications of infrastructure failures. NAACP leaders continue to monitor the recovery process in collaboration with Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and EPA Administrator Michael Regan and ensure that the community is aware of the progress and decisions made.

Monday, April 17, 2023

NAACP Supports Lawmakers Now Reinstated to Tennessee House of Representatives

On Thursday, April 6, Tennessee State Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were expelled from the Tennessee House of Representatives for their participation in a demonstration in support of gun reform. Following widespread public outcry calling for the reappointment of the two young Black politicians, Rep. Jones was temporarily reinstated to his position on April 10th and Rep. Pearson was temporarily reinstated on April 12th. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released this statement in response:

"This is America - where you receive more legislative 'action' for calling out the need for gun control than for actually addressing the loss of life as a result of gun violence. It is disappointing, but not surprising, to know that some lawmakers in Tennessee would rather spend precious time removing these brave young Black men from their duly elected positions than take a stance against inadequate gun policies. Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have demonstrated incredible leadership and commitment to protecting their constituents and our democracy through their unwavering support of gun reform in the absence of action from their state-level peers and legislative colleagues at the federal level."

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Florida chapter of NAACP calls for travel advisory due to concerns about 'anti-Black legislation'

The state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is calling on national leaders to impose a travel advisory for Black Americans.

The organization wants to tell Black Americans not to enter Florida, citing concerns over what it calls the governor's "anti-Black legislation."

Thursday, March 09, 2023

NAACP Statement on DOJ Louisville Police Report

Following the release of a Department of Justice report finding a pattern of unconstitutional behavior by routinely using excessive force within the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the announcement of an investigation into the Memphis Police Department, NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released this statement:

"While Congress continues to fail our country with police reform, at least the Department of Justice is taking their jobs seriously. Today marks a meaningful step toward police accountability and — should Congress now decide to step up — police reform. The findings from their investigation into the Louisville Police Department provide clear evidence for what we've already known - we are dealing with a rotten tree, not a few bad apples. The NAACP applauds Attorney General Merrick Garland and the dedicated officials at the Department of Justice for continuing their pursuit of justice, and will remain committed to following the newly launched investigation into the Memphis Police Department. Congress should take a page from their book, do their jobs, and pass the legislation necessary to save innocent lives."

Wednesday, February 08, 2023

NAACP Responds To Biden’s Second State Of The Union Address

Following President Biden's second State of the Union address to Congress, NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released this statement:

"Tonight, President Biden presented a vision for the future that spoke to many issues that are top-of-mind for Black Americans including police reform, voting rights, bolstering our economy, addressing climate change, and ensuring affordable and accessible health care. Though his remarks renewed his commitment to addressing racial inequality and protecting our democracy, we need more than words– we demand action. Black America is grieving and continues to experience profound injustice at the hands of our nation's broken systems. Far too many Black people have lost their lives due to police violence and yet I cannot name a single law that has been passed to address this issue. While President Biden signed an executive order, we still need strong policies signed into law that will finally end the horrors of police brutality and hold officers accountable for their misconduct.

"In the year ahead, we will continue calling on President Biden and our other elected leaders to join us as we speak out against what doesn't work for Black America and advocate for the policies that will result in the changes we're demanding. The NAACP looks forward to the bold actions that will follow President Biden's words tonight and will hold him accountable for his promises, as we always do."

Saturday, January 21, 2023

NAACP Condemns Gov. DeSantis' Decision to Reject AP Course on African American Studies

The NAACP Director of Education Innovation and Research Ivory Toldson released the following statement condemning Gov. DeSantis' Decision to reject AP course on African American studies:

Ron DeSantis' flippant dismissal of an AP African American Studies course is not only a dereliction of his duty to ensure equitable education for all Floridians, but shows clear disdain for the lives and experiences that form part of our national history. Dismissing this important subject as lacking "educational value" defies centuries of evidence to the contrary. African American history is American history, and failure to comprehend this very simple fact is un-American in and of itself.

This decision is even harder to accept when we consider Florida's dismal record when addressing education equity for Black students. As data from the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Data Collection reveals, every single district in Florida with more than 100,000 students has grave inequities faced by Black students; including lack of access to advanced classes and disproportionate punishments compared to White counterparts.

ProPublica findings show that Black students comprise 23% of the public school population in Florida - yet are only 10% of those enrolled in gifted and talented programs. White students are 2.2 times more likely to be enrolled in at least one AP class when compared to Black students. In Broward County Public Schools – which has the highest number of Black Students in Florida - fewer than 4,400 out of 105,000 are taking at least one AP class. Florida schools are also enacting practices that punish this same population more severely than any other. The data reveals that Black students are 2.4 times more likely to be suspended than White students. This lack of commitment from Gov DeSantis' administration to prioritize educational equity for these young people is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently if we are going to see real progress toward ensuring all children have equal opportunities in education.

We cannot allow our children's futures to be hamstrung because of systemic racism and inequality; not only when it comes to AP African American Studies but also for all other learning opportunities. All students must be given equal opportunity no matter their skin color or socioeconomic status so that they can achieve their dreams and reach higher levels of academic success. Gov DeSantis' administration should take immediate steps towards rectifying this injustice and ensure that all students receive the same quality education they deserve.

Sunday, January 08, 2023

NAACP AND BET ANNOUNCE “54TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS” TO AIR LIVE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 ON BET

The NAACP and BET announced that the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will broadcast LIVE on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 8:00 PM (live ET/PT on delay) on BET from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. The show will be in front of an audience for the first time in three years. Nominees will be announced and online international voting opens on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Voting closes on Friday, February 10.

Leading up to the Image Awards, NAACP will be hosting a range of week-long activities in Los Angeles to further celebrate and honor achievements in film, television, music, and literature. Media credential application for these activities and the show will be released at a later date.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose. The “54th NAACP Image Awards” will also include three new submissions within the motion picture, television + streaming categories. New submission categories include:

• Outstanding Hairstyling
• Outstanding Make-up
• Outstanding Costume Design

“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed Black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change, while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Black voices are necessary to continually inspire audiences around the world. We’re proud to once again provide a platform that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 54th NAACP Image Awards.” “BET is extremely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP and magnify their endeavors to honor the incredible contributions made by the Black community,” said BET President and CEO Scott Mills. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Black excellence at next year’s Image Awards on all of our platforms, honoring those who help tell our diverse stories in powerful ways.”

Only submitted work will be reviewed for consideration. All valid entries are evaluated and narrowed to the top five in each category by members of the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committees which are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, literary agents, and others) NAACP Board members, NAACP Foundation Trustees, staff, partners and others. As of November 18, nominee submissions are now closed.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, Regé-Jean Page, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, 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, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

Tuesday, December 06, 2022

NAACP Congratulates Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on Historic New Role

This week, Democrats in the House of Representatives voted to elect Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as their new party leader. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement congratulating him on this historic achievement:

"Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has made history. The NAACP is proud to celebrate the election of the first Black lawmaker to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress. This is a major milestone for Black representation within our government. This historic moment is only further proof that it is possible to build a Congress that is just as diverse and dynamic as the American people. As he steps into this new role, Rep. Jeffries will lead his Caucus into a new era, bringing with him new ideas, passion, and energy that will inspire the next generation of Black leaders. "

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

North Carolina NAACP branch to hold Souls to the Polls march

WILMINGTON, N.C - The New Hanover County Branch of the NAACP will hold the Souls to the Polls march on Sunday, October 30 at noon, per the NAACP.

The march will begin at St. Stephen AME Church and end at the Cape Fear Community College early voting location. The NAACP aims to highlight that this is the only Sunday in this election cycle during which polls are open in New Hanover County.

Transportation will be offered to and from the polls for anyone who needs it. The NAACP writes on social media that they will share lunch from On Thyme with people participating in the march.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

California & Los Angeles NAACP Call for the Resignation of All Involved in Racist LA City Council Conversation

The local and state branches of the NAACP have released the following statement calling for the resignation of not just Nury Martinez, but all who were heard in the leaked audio:

The CA/HI State Conference of the NAACP and the Los Angeles Branch of the NAACP called for the immediate resignation of President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo, Kevin de León, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera after a recording came to light where the three Latino members of the Los Angeles City Council and a top county labor official held a conversation last fall that included racist remarks, derisive statements about their colleagues and council President Nury Martinez saying a white councilman handled his young Black son as though he were an “accessory.”

“The President of the LA City Council, and all of the involved Councilmembers should immediately resign. This kind of overt racism has no place in political discourse. We clearly know where your heart and mind are, and both of them are corroded with the rust of racism and hate.”, said Rick L. Callender, President of the CA/HI State Conference of the NAACP. Callender further pointed out that all were complicit in the conversation in the recording which was published by the LA Times.

We will not sit idly by and allow our elected representatives to engage in these kinds of disgusting and racist behaviors, said Latricia Mitchell, President of the Los Angeles Branch of the NAACP.

Both the State Conference and the LA Branch of the NAACP are calling into question, and ask for the City of Los Angeles to investigate, how far the racial animus has impacted hiring and other decisions of the City Council.