Author Archives: Lynn Boyd

VA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONVENE AUGUST 2

Subject: Governor Northam Announces General Assembly to Convene August 2

Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ·
June 23, 2021  
Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov
Governor Northam Announces General Assembly to Convene
August 2
~ Special session to address state budget, including the allocation of federal relief funding ~
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today issued a proclamation
calling the members of the General Assembly into special session on
Monday, August 2. A special session is necessary to fill judicial vacancies and allocate more than $4.3 billion in federal relief funding.  “With more Virginians getting vaccinated every day, we are turning the corner and
building back stronger,” said Governor Northam. “Thanks to the
American Rescue Plan, we have a unique opportunity to fund public
schools, support small businesses, achieve universal broadband access,
and make generational investments in our shared future. I look forward
to working with legislators to get it done.” Earlier this summer, Governor Northam and legislative leaders issued a joint statement outlining their
shared priorities for this federal funding: 
Public health. 
Upgrade long-underfunded state and local public health services, boost
affordable housing, and help Virginians with the cost of utilities.
 Small businesses.
Fully fund the Rebuild Virginia economic recovery program, invest in
Virginia Tourism’s work to recruit visitors back to the Commonwealth,
and help the Department Housing and Community Development support Virginia’s main streets, small towns, and industrial revitalization.  
Workers.
Fund the Unemployment Trust Fund to support workers who lose their
jobs and avoid increased costs on Virginia businesses, increase support
for the Virginia Employment Commission—historically one of the lowest-funded unemployment systems in the country—to continue upgrading its computer systems and hire necessary staff. 
Public schools. 
Modernize public school buildings across Virginia by rehabilitating and
upgrading existing facilities, improving air quality and HVAC systems,
and improving safety. 
Broadband. 
Accelerate a 10-year plan to ensure universal broadband access within
the next 18 months. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law in March, directing $350 billion in economic recovery
funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. All
Republican members of Congress voted against the law, including those
representing Virginia. The full text of Governor Northam’s proclamation is available here. Full Release
###
Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia | P.O. Box 1475, Richmond, VA 23218Unsubscribe dlove+news@naacpva.orgConstant Contact Data NoticeSent by press@governor.virginia.gov

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH!

The Journey:  Juneteenth from Piedmont Virginia Community College to the African American Heritage Center 2002-2021.

The link:  https://vimeo.com/555747666 .  It can be seen now.  It will air on Charlottesville Education Channel 14 (Comcast) starting June 19 at 5:00 p.m.  This will continue to air each Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.  and on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 a.m. Enjoy the Journey.     We are a mighty people!


The above information is from Mrs. Maxine Holland

MESSAGE FROM STATE CONFERENCE NAACP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Recognizes Delegate Hala Ayala’s Nomination to Major Party Ticket

RICHMOND – Robert N. Barnette, Jr, president of the Virginia NAACP, released the following statement on the nomination of Virginia Delegate Hala Ayala as a candidate for lieutenant governor on a major party ticket in Virginia:

“We recognize today’s historic selection of Hala Ayala as the first Afro-Latina nominee for lieutenant governor of Virginia on a major party ticket. The Virginia NAACP does not support a political party. However, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment.

While representation matters, we know that policies are what count. The Virginia NAACP will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and accountability during this election season.”

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP

Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.

– ### –
—

VIRGINIA NAACP DEMANDS STATE LEADERS TO MAKE IMMEDIATE CHANGES AT VMI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Demand State Leaders to Make Immediate Changes at VMI

RICHMOND – Today the Virginia NAACP responded to the investigative report released this week regarding the years-long culture of racism and sexism at the Virginia Military Institute VMI. 

Virginia NAACP Education Chair Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown said: “This report tells us what Black people and women have known for years:  Racism and sexism have been allowed to thrive on the campus of VMI. The absence of policy to protect students and faculty from racism and sexism renders VMI complicit in upholding the racist and sexist culture documented in the investigation.”

Virginia NAACP Political Action Chair Gaylene Kanoyton said: “No publicly-funded institution should be allowed to operate with such blatant disregard for civil and human rights. The Virginia NAACP firmly believes that absent immediate changes, all funding from the Commonwealth to VMI should be revoked.”

Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette said: “The Virginia NAACP demands that state legislators return to Richmond this summer to implement the report’s recommendations and set a swift timetable for implementation.”

Racism and sexism have been allowed to thrive on the campus of VMI in large part due to the lack of accountability required of those who participate in racist and sexist acts. By ignoring, or insufficiently addressing claims of racism and sexism, the institution nurtures a racist and sexist culture making it difficult if not impossible for Blacks and women to thrive because of race and gender. As one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country, the NAACP takes serious issue with this reality and is committed to protecting the civil rights of all. We support further investigation of the alleged racist and sexist climate at VMI. 

The disciplinary actions taken against Black cadets follow the national trend of criminalization of Blacks as evidenced by our nation’s criminal justice system. At VMI, Black cadets makeup 41% of dismissed cadets since 2011 but comprise about half that–23% of the student population.  Because education has always been a civil rights issue, the Virginia NAACP is committed to closing the opportunity gap exacerbated by the disproportionate, punitive discipline of minority students not only in higher education but also at the K-12 levels. 

The investigative findings note that sexual assault is not adequately addressed by VMI. The fear of retaliation or further ostracism is prevalent. The Virginia NAACP believes that students’ claims of sexual assault should be taken seriously and that VMI reconsider the sexual assault training that exists, but considering respondents’ statements–does not appear effective. 

The Virginia NAACP demands accountability of any publicly-funded institution that denies people civil and human rights due to race and/or gender. Without appropriate accountability, all equity and anti-discrimination efforts are futile.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP

Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.

– ### –

MONDAY, JUNE 14 PRESENTATION

The Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP will host a 7 pm – presentation on Monday, June 14, 2021 entitled:

“IT FEELS LIKE SOCIETY KEEPS TRYING TO COUNT ME OUT”.

Presenters:  Dr. L. Bernard Hairston, Assistant Superintendent for School and Community Empowerment – Albemarle County Public Schools and Ms. Shay Carter – Shifflett, Teacher, Albemarle County Public Schools.

Please take the time to read the March 23, 2021 article by Ms. Carter Shifflett which may be found on the web:  teachingwhilewhite.org

The presentation will be open to the public.

WEBINAR PRESENTATION: ‘IT FEELS LIKE SOCIETY KEEPS TRYING TO COUNT ME OUT” –

 LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88190010338?

pwd+WDJyT1JaV2ZxMmRFQVE0c24zYjRWZz09

WINSOME SEARS – NOMINATED!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP Recognizes Former Delegate Winsome Sears’ Nomination to Major Party Ticket

RICHMOND – Robert N. Barnette, Jr, president of the Virginia NAACP, released the following statement on the nomination of former Virginia Delegate Winsome Sears as a candidate for lieutenant governor on a major party ticket in Virginia:

“We recognize today’s historic selection of Winsome Sears. The Virginia NAACP does not support a political party. However, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment.

While representation matters, we know that policies are what count. The Virginia NAACP will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and accountability during this election season.”

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP

Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.

– ### –

VIRGINIA NAACP

April 26, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Virginia NAACP To Meet With Gov. Northam, Sec. Moran, and Col. Settle Today

RICHMOND – The Virginia NAACP announced that it will meet with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran, and Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary Settle this afternoon.

“The Virginia NAACP looks forward to a productive and fruitful conversation about the future of public safety in the Commonwealth,” said Robert N. Barnette, Jr., president of the Virginia NAACP.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACP

Founded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. You can read more about the Virginia NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org.

– ### ––

SPOTSYVANIA NAACP ACTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Da’Quan Love, Executive Director
804-972-3310
press@naacpva.org

Spotsylvania Branch NAACP Successfully Negotiates Public Release of Police Bodycam Footage In County Sheriff’s Deputy-Involved Shooting

SPOTSYLVANIA, VA – This afternoon the Spotsylvania Branch NAACP announced it had successfully arranged for the public release of the police bodycam footage in the sheriff’s deputy-involved shooting two days ago. Today’s announcement comes after the Spotsylvania Branch NAACP arranged for the victim’s family to view the footage prior to its public release.

“Trust of our local law enforcement relies on transparency and accountability,” said Mozett Petway, president of the Spotsylvania Branch NAACP. “We are grateful for the preexisting relationships with our local law enforcement officials that helped expedite this vital request. The Spotsylvania Branch NAACP will continue working with the family and investigating this incident.”

– ### –