NAACP President Condemns Racist Text Messages Sent to Black Americans Across the Country

In multiple states, including Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Black women, men, and students have reported receiving racist text messages from an unknown source, urging them to report to a plantation to pick cotton. 

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared the following statement on the news of hateful, and racist text messages sent to individuals across the country:

"The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.  These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday's election results.

We've said it before and we'll say it again - there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.  

These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized. The NAACP was founded in the spirit of liberation and progress, bringing otherized communities together to fight for a brighter tomorrow. That spirit lives on as we continue to fight for the safety, security, and prosperity of all people. Freedom is on the horizon, and we won't be fear mongered out of the future we deserve."

In addition to the text messages, reports are circulating in states like North Carolina and Georgia, of planned attacks against Black Americans "from now until November." 

The NAACP has taken action to alert and urge the FBI and local law enforcement to take these messages seriously and respond appropriately. The Association continues to monitor and coordinate with our communities on the ground. If you have, or are experiencing hateful acts, please do not hesitate to contact our Constituent Services department. 

NAACP IS OFFERING FREE RIDES ON ELECTION DAY

Election Day is here! And if you need a ride to the ballot box, the NAACP has got you covered. This year, they have partnered with Lyft to provide discounted rides to help voters get to the polls.

Use the code NAACPVOTE24 to claim up to $20 off of two rides ($40 total)— one to the polls and one back. This offer runs from now through Election Day, November 5, while supplies last.

Claim your ride here: https://lyft.com/ride-with-lyft

New NAACP Data Displays Progress in Reaching Black Male Voters, Shifts in Key Attitudes and Priorities

Today, during a press briefing, the NAACP unveiled its final pre-election round of polling results outlining shifting attitudes and issue priorities of millions of Black voters. The research, in partnership with Hart Research and HIT Strategies, is part of the Association's $20 million dollar civic engagement program targeting 14.5 million voters across 12 priority states where the Black community holds significant electoral power. 

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

"This new data proves what we already know to be true - Black voters show up when they feel heard. The NAACP is proud to see the results of our $20 million investment as we continue to increase Black voter engagement and mobilization. Make no mistake - now is not the time to falter. We must be focused on people, not polls. Let's continue to knock doors, make phone calls, and send texts. Talk to your family members, your friends, and your neighbors. Our voices will only be heard when we cast our votes. The work continues."

Key takeaways include:

• From August to October, Black men under 50 have decreased their likelihood to vote for Trump (27-21%) and increased their likelihood to vote for Harris (51-59%). 
• To date, NAACP's $20 million civic engagement program has reached over 60 million Americans through canvassing, digital outreach, community outreach, and digital, print & radio ads.
• The NAACP has successfully ended Georgia's Hand Count rule, prevented the disenfranchisement of thousands of WA voters, and halted Alabama's "Purge Program" through coordinated litigation. 

The research study document and recording can be made available upon request. A recording from today's call can be found here and the presentation can be accessed  here.

On Election Day, the NAACP Communications team will stand up a Press War Room, providing real-time updates on what's happening at the polls, any reported incidents of voter suppression, and legal filings. Click here to RSVP and receive more information.

NAACP and Singleton Schreiber Champion Justice for Women of Color in Groundbreaking Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

The NAACP has partnered with Singleton Schreiber, a leading law firm specializing in civil rights, to pursue justice for Black and other women of color exposed to toxic chemical hair relaxers (perms). These products, widely marketed to women of color, have been linked to serious health problems such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and uterine fibroids with one of the following procedures: hysterectomy, myomectomy, or endometrial ablation. 

"The NAACP will use all its legal might to seek justice from those companies that have profited while Black women were harmed by these beauty products," said Janette McCarthy Wallace, General Counsel of the NAACP. "It remains the mission of The Association to protect Black women against predation of any form, most especially against their health and wellness."

For generations, Black women have used chemical relaxers to straighten their hair, a practice shaped by societal standards that favor Eurocentric beauty norms over natural Black hair textures. Haircare companies have aggressively marketed these harmful products to Black women and girls, often failing to disclose the associated health risks. Now, a lawsuit targeting major beauty corporations such as Soft Sheen-Carson LLC and others, seeks accountability for these companies' failure to disclose the dangers of their products. Women across the country have experienced health impacts, from scalp burns and infections to life-altering cancers, without being adequately warned. 

"Our partnership with the NAACP amplifies our shared mission to protect the health and rights of Black women," said Danielle Ward Mason, Partner at Singleton Schreiber. "By holding these companies accountable, we're sending a strong message that corporations profiting at the expense of women's health will face justice." 

The campaign aims to raise awareness, provide legal support to affected women, and ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. This lawsuit represents a pivotal step in addressing the exploitation of marginalized communities by powerful corporations.  

For more information on this legal battle and how to join the fight, visit https://naacphairrelaxerjustice.com/  .  

NAACP calling for North Carolina Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson to drop out of the race

CNN released a story claims that Mark Robinson, the North Carolina Republican candidate for governor used a username he allegedly used frequently online to make several inflammatory comments on a message board of a pornography website more than a decade ago, including one comment where he allegedly referred to himself as a "black NAZI! After the story was released the NAACP has now called for Mark Robinson to step down:

Anyone who identifies as a Black Nazi and supports reinstating slavery has no place running for governor.

We’re nonpartisan, but we’re not blind. And we speak out against what is wrong.

Mark Robinson: drop out. https://t.co/O2P5l6cK6E

— NAACP (@NAACP) September 19, 2024

NAACP Announces Chicago as Home of the 117th National Convention

At a press conference in Chicago, Illinois, NAACP leaders welcomed Governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to announce a 2-year partnership bringing the NAACP National Convention to Chicago in 2026. The announcement comes as thousands of Black Americans gather in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, where Kamala Harris is poised to become the first Black woman to receive the Presidential nomination from a major political party.

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

"The NAACP is proud to partner with the Illinois State Conference, state and local leaders, and community partners to bring the nation's largest civil rights organization to Chicago. Being home to one of the largest Black populations in America, we're confident that our attendees will feel at home. As we celebrate a pivotal moment in Black history this week, we remain focused on our mission to advance Black culture and support the Black community. Chicago sits at the intersection of Black history, and Black future. We're excited to be here today, embarking on a partnership to bring the largest nationwide cohort of Black advocates to the Windy City."

The NAACP's first national convention in Chicago was in June 1926, a time when the civil rights movement was working to impart much-needed change for the Black community. A century later, the NAACP will return to the city in the Summer of 2026 with the same vision in mind – to galvanize and empower Black America. We are proud to partner with Choose Chicago, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), owners of McCormick Place.

"100 years after the first NAACP Conference took place in Chicago, I couldn't be more proud to welcome them back in 2026 for what I'm sure will be the best conference yet,"said Governor JB Pritzker. "Chicago's Black community carries a storied history and an important place in the legacy of culture, activism, and advancement, and the NAACP Convention will be an opportunity to show off the best of Chicago and Illinois while also supporting the ongoing fight for racial justice."

"Chicago is proud to welcome the NAACP back to Chicago in 2026 and we cannot wait to showcase the best of our city to thousands of attendees," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "As a city rooted in Black history and committed to carrying forward the values of the NAACP in all that we do, there is no better place than Chicago for this historic event. I want to thank the NAACP for choosing Chicago as its home for the 2026 National Convention and I look forward to working together to deliver an incredible Chicago experience."

NAACP president: Georgia 'infringing on the right of voters' to participate in election

The NAACP is calling on the Department of Justice to open an investigation into Georgia's online voter registration removal portal. President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson joins MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell to explain more.

NAACP statement on President Biden’s Decision to end Re-election Campaign

President Joseph R. Biden Jr., announced that he would be stepping aside from his re-election campaign to focus on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term. Within his announcement, President Biden extended his thanks to and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to serve as the Democratic nominee for the 47th President of the United States. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement in reaction to the news:

"For over a century, the NAACP has been proud to galvanize the Black vote, ensuring our voices are heard on the most pressing policy issues for our community. We recognize that today's news may come as a shock to Black America. Just last week, President Biden energized thousands of Black voters attending our 115th National Convention in Las Vegas. And for four years, they've worked with us, delivering more than $160 billion in student debt cancellation, supporting nearly 10 million families through the Child Tax Credit, and developing our nation's first ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention, just to name a few. We understand that this decision was not an easy one, and we thank President Biden for prioritizing the good of the country over personal ambition.

While today's news requires a discussion - we cannot be distracted. Our focus must remain on the policies that presidential candidates stand for, not their political performances or personalities. Ahead of November, we must remain all in on educating, engaging and mobilizing Black America. All in on fighting for policies that will advance, not undermine our progress. We must remain all in on our community, standing as a united front as we head to the ballot box to defeat fascism, defend democracy, and determine our futures. The NAACP is all in, are you?"

Watch President Biden speech at the 115th National NAACP Convention

Watch President Biden's entire speech at the NAACP Convention in Las Vegas about the need to address violence, political violence and gun violence against children. He also defended his record and talked about inflation, child care, historical black colleges and universities, and his plans for a second term.

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson statement on Donald Trump being shot at political rally

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson issued the following statement after Donald Trump was shot at a political rally in Pennsylvania:

The incident in Pennsylvania is incredibly disheartening. We stand firm in our belief that there is no place for political violence in a functioning democracy.

— Derrick Johnson (@DerrickNAACP) July 14, 2024

NAACP Announces President Joe Biden as Key Speaker at 115th National Convention in Las Vegas

The NAACP, the nation's preeminent civil rights organization announced President Joe Biden will join the group as a key speaker at the 115th National NAACP Convention taking place in Las Vegas from July 13 to July 17. 

"Ahead of this crucial election, the NAACP has worked fervently to educate our members and our community on the importance of exercising our right to vote," said NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson. "The rights of Black Americans are under rampant attack - from efforts to limit access to education, the mass absolving of diversity programs, and officials at every level actively working to dilute voting rights. There is no better time than now for our presidential candidates to reassure our community that our voices are heard and our concerns are a priority. We welcome President Joe Biden as a key speaker at our national convention. It is our hope that we leave Las Vegas feeling more empowered to cast our ballot - knowing in full faith that we will not be silenced."

President Joe Biden engaged with The Association multiple times this spring. The current president and presidential candidate gave an address at the NAACP's Brown v. Board 70th anniversary event at the National African American History and Culture Museum. He also attended the NAACP Freedom Fund dinner in Detroit as a key speaker for the annual event.

The NAACP has shared invitations to both presidential candidates as a welcome to address its members at the upcoming national convention.

NAACP Response to Guilty Verdict in Trump Criminal Fraud Case

This evening, a 12-person jury in Manhattan found former president Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal alleged affairs during his 2016 campaign. The conviction comes amidst three ongoing cases against the current Republican presidential candidate.

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

"Today is a monumental step toward justice for the American people. Whether it's an attempt to steal an election or overthrow our government, one thing has long been apparent - Donald Trump is unfit to represent American democracy. The NAACP strongly believes that anyone who has been found guilty of criminal offenses of this magnitude is unfit to occupy the Oval Office. As Black Americans have been denied basic human rights due to less offensive crimes, any attempt to advance Donald Trump's nomination for Presidency would be a gross advancement of white supremacist policy."

NAACP Launches Multi-Million Dollar Fund to Propel Voter Registration and Turnout Ahead of November

The NAACP has announced the official launch of their Building Community Voice Fund (BCVF). The non-partisan, multi-million dollar fund established by the NAACP to provide grants to 501(c)(3) voter registration and voter turnout initiatives and organizations, including complementary voter education and voter protection programs. 

Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Vice President of Campaigns shared the following statement:

"This year, The NAACP is laser-focused through our robust civic engagement work. As we mobilize 13.5 million Black voters across 12 priority states, we recognize the power of investing directly in community. The Building Community Voice Fund will provide crucial resources to our grassroots organizations, ensuring that Black Americans are informed and engaged around pivotal local elections that are too often overlooked. Together, we will ensure that democracy prevails and Black voices are heard loud and clear."

Our research shows that targeted investment in state groups have positive effects on Black voters' daily lives. With a continued commitment to the BCVF program, the NAACP aims to delve deeper into defining the impact of investing in competitive races in both competitive and progressive counties.

"In many Black communities, a lack of resources directly contributes to low voter registration and subsequent election turnout," said Brittany Smith, Program Director of the NAACP Building Community Voice Fund. "The BCVF program is critical for Black Americans to have a voice in this crucial upcoming election and beyond."

To learn more about the NAACP's Building Community Voice Fund, visit our website.

NAACP Leads Call for Presidential Pardon of Marilyn Mosby

The NAACP led 14 civil rights organizations in sending a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a presidential pardon of former Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Mosby is facing up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced on May 23, 2024. The call from civil rights organizations echoes rallying cries from activists, advocates, and concerned citizens who believe Mosby has been unfairly targeted and unjustly convicted. 

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

"We've watched, decade after decade, as Black Americans have faced wrongful prosecution at the hands of those who seek to promote injustice. The only thing Marilyn Mosby is guilty of is the desire to provide her family with a better life. The sad reality is, as Black women take their rightful places in positions of power, dark forces seek to tear down both their progress, and that of our community. The NAACP refuses to stand idly by as injustice takes the wheel, driving us down a path of further disparity. We are proud to stand alongside our partners in calling on President Biden and the Department of Justice to reemphasize their commitment to racial equity by pardoning Attorney Mosby. Enough is enough. It's time to stand with Black women."

Following her push to prosecute officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby found herself at the center of a politically motivated "fraud" case for withdrawing funds from her own retirement account. Since her conviction in February, there have been growing calls for the Biden Administration to intervene, alleging a complete miscarriage of justice. 

Excerpts from the letter include:

• "We are deeply concerned that the last administration abused their power to advance a meritless indictment against Ms. Mosby…"
• "Her courageous commitment to justice made her a target of admiration and punishment."
• "…739 individuals withdrew funds from their retirement accounts without being charged for improper withdrawals, including three within her agency."
• "We expect that political persecutions and malicious prosecutions pursued during the Trump Administration would not continue in the Biden Administration."
• "We ask that you grant a full pardon to Ms. Marilyn Mosby before May 23, 2024, and restore her full rights."

Signers include; Black to the Future Action Fund, Black Voters Matter, Black Women's Roundtable, Color of Change, Fair and Just Prosecution, National Action Network, National Bar Association, National Black Justice Coalition, National Black Law Students Association, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, National Urban League, Until Freedom and World Without Genocide. 

For access to the full letter, visit this link.

NAACP Calls for DOJ Investigation into Suspicious Death of Mississippi Black Man

The NAACP sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging an investigation into the suspicious death of 37 year-old Jackson, Mississippi resident, Dau Mabil. The letter echoes previous requests from Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) urging Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Kristine Clarke, to open an investigation into Dau's mysterious disappearance.

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement:

"Today, the NAACP stands with the Mabil family and the broader Jackson community in mourning the loss of Dau Mabil. It is our hope that the recovery of Dau's body will allow his family to grieve while we fight for justice. Dau's life mattered, and everything must be done to ensure that his tragic death receives the investigative due diligence it deserves. It is unacceptable that for weeks, the Mississippi Capitol Police havefailed to follow the basic fact patterns while delaying the course of justice. We are disgusted, but not surprised. This is not the first time that Capitol police have neglected the Black Jacksonians they supposedly serve.

The NAACP is not backing down from this fight. We call on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to act swiftly and put us on a path toward justice for this tragic loss of life. Dau, his family, and our community deserve action, transparency, and accountability."

A copy of the letter sent to the Department of Justice can be found here. Excerpts include:

"... I write to request that the Department of Justice open an investigation into the disappearance and death of Dau Garang Mabil of Jackson, Mississippi."

"The NAACP has a longstanding commitment to holding law enforcement accountable…"

"… there appears to have been a concerning amount of irregularities associated with the Capitol Police's investigation."

"Today, our hearts are with the family of Dau Mabil as we grieve the loss of another Black life lost far too soon. Black Jacksonians are under attack from a racist political landscape while being occupied by outside forces who rule over, but fail to protect, or invest in our community,"said Nsombi Lambright, President, Jackson Branch of the NAACP. "We demand action and answers. In the wake of neglect from the Capitol police force, it is imperative that our local and federal law enforcement deliver justice for Dau. Enough is enough. The Jackson branch of the NAACP remains committed to shedding light on injustice and working to prevent tragedies like this one." 

On March 25, 2024, Dau Mabil was reported missing by his wife, Karissa Bowley, who had last seen him at noon. The case was assigned to the Capitol Police as the residence fell within their jurisdiction of Jackson, which was recently expanded by controversial legislation, HB 1020. 

Over the course of the following two weeks, the Jackson Police Department, and State Capitol Police ran two parallel investigations, with Capitol police leading on the case due to recently expanded jurisdiction as a result of anti-Democratic legislation passed in 2023. 

Throughout the course of their investigation, Capitol police repeatedly failed to follow standard operating procedures that would have supported a more expeditious progression of the case. Although a body was found in the Pearl River on Saturday, April 13, Dau Mabil's brother was not brought in for DNA testing until April 15, nor had he been allowed to view the body as of Thursday, April 18. 

On April 18, following the Sheriff's public announcement and confirmation of Dau's death, the NAACP sent a letter to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation into the disappearance and death of Dau Mabil to ensure that any failure by the Capitol Police to swiftly and thoroughly investigate this matter does not deprive Mr. Mabil's family and his community of the answers and the justice they deserve.

NAACP Inks Four-Book Deal with Amistad

The NAACP, the storied civil rights organization, has inked a deal with Amistad, the HarperCollins imprint and the country's oldest trade imprint dedicated to publishing Black authors. Amistad will publish two new books and a reprint of an existing work, as well as one previously self-published book nominated in the Outstanding Literary category the NAACP Image Awards, which will be selected by an independent group of judges. Judith Curr, president and publisher of HarperOne, and Patrik Henry Bass, executive editor of Amistad, who will edit the books, negotiated the international rights arrangement with NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson and Kyle Bowser, senior v-p of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau.

The first title in the series is tentatively set for fall 2025. The two new books include The Best of the Crisis, a "collection of essays and articles featuring the nation's most respected scholars, journalists, and authors from the NAACP's official magazine," which was founded by W.E.B. DuBois, and a cookbook "featuring recipes from celebrities across film, television, and the stage." The reprint is Twenty20 in Black, a "groundbreaking pictorial title that documented news and events from the pivotal year 2020," the publisher said.

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

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]

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.

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.