May 24, 2022 – another random shooting occurred! This time, children were targeted. This happened in a place in which we would assume that children could be safe – their school. The victims who were slain in last week’s massacre in Buffalo have not all been laid to rest and yes, we are back with the same story.
Shopping malls, churches, synagogues, movie theaters, grocery stores, and night clubs have been the scenes for shooters who prey upon unsuspecting victims.
I am sure that the vast number of folks would have thought that when children became murder victims, something would be done about the issue of guns being in the hands of irresponsible people. Even the simple request of securing background checks for those who buy weapons, would be a first step. It appears that most Americans would approve of this step as a legislative issue. However, there has been no action from those legislators that were elected to ensure the safety of the American people.
Since the slaughtering of innocent citizens is not a priority of those who could do something about this issue, namely the Congress of the United States, WE need to act now! American people need to realize that elections have consequences. The phrase “our thoughts and prayers are with you” appears to be an automated response, and in some cases, lacking in sincerity because it is repeated so often. ENOUGH IS PAST BEING ENOUGH!
Janette B. Martin, President ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE NAACP
The name of
this organization shall be the Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Objectives
of Branches. The
purpose and aims of Branches of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People shall be to improve the political, educational, social, and
economic status of African-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; to
eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of
discrimination; and to take lawful action to secure the elimination of racial
discrimination, to seek legislation and policies at the local level, or at
other levels if requested by the State/State-Area Conference or National
Office, which advance the programs and policies of the Association; and to
oppose legislation and policies which are adverse to the programs and policies
of the Association consistent with the efforts of the national organization and
in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation of the Association, its Constitution and
Bylaws, and as directed by the Board of Directors.
Objectives
of Authorized Committees.
The purpose and aims of Authorized Committees of the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People shall be to improve the political,
educational, social, and economic status of African-Americans and other racial
and ethnic minorities; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware
of the adverse effects of discrimination; and to take lawful action to secure
the elimination of racial discrimination; to seek legislation and policies at
the local level or at other levels if requested by the State/State-Area
Conference or National Office which advance the programs and policies of the
Association; and to oppose legislation and policies which are adverse to the
programs and policies of the Association consistent with the efforts of the
national organization and in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation of
the Association, its Constitution and Bylaws, and as directed by the Board of
Directors.
(2)
(Coalition/Affiliation
with other Organizations)
Authority. Units of the NAACP may affiliate and cooperate with
other groups, organizations or coalitions when there is an incentive and
purpose of affiliation and/or cooperation on specific issues, which are in
accord with the program and policies of the Association. Prior written
permission for such affiliation and/or cooperation by the Units must be granted
by the Virginia State Conference and the Executive Committee of
Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch.
Approval Procedure for
Joining Coalitions: Any Unit of
the Association seeking to join a coalition shall seek prior, timely
authorization in writing from the President and Executive Committee. Units must
submit requests for approval within 15 business days before joining the
proposed coalition. The President and Executive Committee shall respond within
10 business days after receipt of said request. The President and Executive
Committee at their discretion and in accordance with the objectives of the
Association, shall communicate approval or disapproval of said proposed
coalition in writing to the Unit.
(Membership in the
Branch)
Members of the Association in
good standing where Branches are being formed, may affiliate with the local
Branch and be entitled to vote upon presenting satisfactory evidence of their
membership. They shall not be assessed annual membership fees by the Branch
until the expiration of the annual membership for which they have paid.
Members may affiliate with more
than one branch but may only vote with their home unit.
GOVERNANCE
(Meetings of Units)
Regular Meetings. Regular
membership meetings of Branches and Youth Units shall be held at least once a
month, and there may be such other public or special meetings as may be
required. Regular meetings shall be held on a fixed day or date of each month.
(3)
(Meetings of the
Executive Committee of Branches)
The Executive Committee shall
meet at least once a month at such times and places as it may determine.
Special Committee meetings may be called by the President, Secretary or by two
members of the Committee on two days written notice. The notice must state the
purpose for which the meeting is called.
All business to be discussed at
the Executive Committee meeting must be presented in advance to the president
or secretary.
(Meetings of Standing
Committees)
The Standing Committees shall
meet regularly once a month at places they may determine. They shall inform the
President and Secretary of the time and place of each meeting. Special meetings
may be called by the Chairperson or by two members on two days written notice.
If the meeting is to be held via teleconference or electronic meeting, the
conference call number or sign in code must be provided.
All meetings under the name of
the Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch that are conducted electronically or via
conference call must be originated under the Branch Account. Chairs/Members of
any committee may not use their personal account/s to conduct a meeting.
Chairs/Members are asked not to
share the conference call number or sign in code with non-branch members
without expressed or prior approval from the President.
(Quorum)
The quorum of the Executive
Committee and Standing Committees shall be 50% of their respective Committees total
membership.
(4)
(Operating Procedures)
1) All proposals must be in writing. The presiding
officer may require any main motion, amendment, or instruction to a committee
to be in writing.
2) Business may be
postponed, at the sole discretion of the presiding officer, to permit referral
of the matter to the Executive Committee at its next scheduled
meeting. Any postponed business will be taken up at the following
general meeting of the membership as an item of unfinished business.
3) The following is the regular order of business for general
meetings of the membership. Agendas shall be approved by a majority
vote of the membership at the start of each general meeting of the membership.
(1) Approval of the agenda
(2) Reading the Minutes of the previous meeting (and their approval).
(3) Reports of Boards and Standing Committees.
(4) Reports of Special (Select) Committees.
(5) Unfinished Business
(6) New Business
(Qualifications to run for Office)
Any person standing for election to the office of
President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer must, by April 1 of the
election year, have completed at least twelve months service in this Branch as
a member of the Executive Committee or as a member of a standing committee of
the Branch. Branch officers are elected according to National and State
guidelines (Note: I interchanged the wording State and National since National
Bylaws/guidelines supersede State). The
term of service of twelve months can be divided among committees, so long as
the aggregated total service is twelve months or more.
(5)
A parliamentarian and
vice parliamentarian shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
The Parliamentarian
shall:
Assist
the presiding officer in managing meetings and advising on parliamentary
procedure.
The Vice
Parliamentarian shall:
The
Vice Parliamentarian shall perform the duties of the Parliamentarian when the
Parliamentarian is temporarily absent or is otherwise unable to serve. He/she shall engage in such duties as required
of him/her.
(Amendments to Bylaws)
The Bylaws may be
amended by a two-thirds vote of any annual meeting provided the proposed
amendment be submitted to the Bylaws Committee by the (note need to come up
with a date that is consistent with an annual meeting date) deadline. The President and the Executive Committee
shall provide copies (Note can be electronic/mail – need not put in the
document just a note that we could consider either method and or both or a
combination of them since some may not have email) of the proposed amendment(s)
to all members in good standing with the Branch at least 30 days prior to the
Annual Meeting.
Ratification of the Bylaws becomes
effective 60 days after approval at Noon, Eastern Standard Time (discussion
here from the Ad Hoc Committee).
It supersedes any previous Bylaws, manuals and other documents duly adopted by the Executive Committee to these Bylaws
Meeting ID: 825 1490 9912
Passcode: 311675
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Passcode: 311675
The Albemarle- Charlottesville NAACP joins in the historic celebration of the first Black woman judge, Ketangi Brown Jackson, being confirmed to be a Justice on the highest court in the land! This is truly a moment that will forever don history books. Yesterday, while Judge Jackson was being applauded, some chose to be on the wrong side of history, and failed to realize the importance of her confirmation to the Supreme Court.But, to join in with Senator Cory Booker of the state of New Jersey, even those who could not recognize the significance of her appointment, nothing should let those of us who can and do, see the importance of this event. We will not allow the joy of this historic event and what it means for the country be overlooked! Judge Jackson, we appreciate you !
Virginia NAACP Statement on Governor Youngkin’s Interim DOE Report
RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) is outraged at Governor Younkin’s Executive Order One and the subsequent Interim report submitted by Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow.
Superintendent Balow has in effect declared war on teaching accurate American History by erroneously characterizing truth as divisive and outlawing previous efforts to bring about racial equity. Amy Tillerson-Brown, Ph.D., and chair of the Virginia NAACP Education Committee said, “…none of the resources Secretary Balow requested be rescinded or modified are discriminatory in that they do not promote unjust or prejudicial treatment based on race or gender. Instead, these recommendations will work to unravel
the progress our Commonwealth has made towards racial equity in education.”
The Governor cannot perpetuate this false narrative of “divisive concepts.” Virginia students have the right to an education that is accurate and without censorship.
“Virginia has a long torrid history as it pertains to educating Black children. Black slaves in Virginia were prohibited by law and practice from learning to read or write. Even when Virginia established a free public education system, educating Black children were a complete afterthought. “It is apparent that the Governor has no real interest in teaching our shared history. You cannot characterize truth as divisive and be open to teaching history accurately.” said President Robert N. Barnette, Jr.
In August 2021, the Virginia NAACP issued a press release affirming the importance of teaching Black history in public schools. The mission of the NAACP is in “…inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination…” we are obligated to protest this administration’s attempt to falsify American history through omission of critically important facts.
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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 the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocates 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
A statement issued by the
Virginia State Conference of the NAACP proclaims that The United States
Constitution mandates that Virginia’s General Assembly districts contain
substantially equal population. This Constitutional provision ensures that each
vote is given equal representational weight – one person, one vote. However, because the 2021 elections were
conducted on maps based upon the 2010 census, this is not currently the case.
Therefore, the NAACP’s Statement requests that the State Court will uphold
these rights by ordering new elections to be held this year under the new
General Assembly maps
The Albemarle-
Charlottesville NAACP supports the Virginia NAACP’s call on the courts to order
elections based on the redistricted maps.
Virginia NAACP Issues Statement Against Optional Mask
Wearing in School Amidst Virginia Senate’s Passage of SB 739
RICHMOND,
VA – The
Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Virginia NAACP) abhors the passage of
Senate Bill 739 (SB 739) with Senator Chap Petersen’s amendment where parents
are allowed to opt their child out of wearing a mask in school without an
explanation required.
“It
is disappointing to the Virginia NAACP that Senator Chap Petersen would put
forth such an amendment that will knowingly harm the health and safety of our
children, teaching staff, and staff personnel in schools,” said Virginia
NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. “His sly tactics will now increase
the odds that hundreds of thousands of Virginia’s children may spread and contract
COVID-19 while in school.”
SB
739 now, more than before, demonstrates a relentless disregard for the
well-being of Virginia’s children and makes schools less safe and inaccessible;
especially for our children of color who are already detrimentally and
disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and behind because of discriminatory
barriers in our education systems.
The
Virginia NAACP stands by science and the CDC’s guidance for COVID-19 prevention
in K-12 schools, and with that comes the requirement of masks for our children.
Requiring masks in schools is a preventative measure and we will continue to
support and encourage all children to wear masks at school and on school buses.
To be on any other side is an outright failure to protect the health of the most
innocent among us, children.
Virginia
NAACP urges all NAACP members and allies to take bold action against SB 739 and
urges the House of Delegates upon receipt of SB 739 to reject the bill’s
blatant failure to protect school children from the deadly COVID-19 virus and
therefore, take all necessary steps to protect students, teachers,
administrators, and all school staff.
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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 the
preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocates 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 Announces Black History Month Commemoration
RICHMOND – The Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Virginia NAACP) is pleased to announce its Black History Month Commemoration event schedule.
The first event to kick off the month will be the “Transit Equity Day for Civil Rights and a Healthy Planet,” to be held virtually on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:30 pm.
“In our community, there’s a problem with accessibility and equity to resources needed to live our everyday lives. One space we see this in day-in and day-out is within transit. The annual celebration of Transit Equity Day is where we come together to learn more about the unfair transit practices we encounter and how we can change them! Together, we can make a change. Join the Virginia NAACP for our virtual Transit Equity Day event where you can not only learn about the changes needed, but also, be the change we need,” states Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette.
The second event: “The Urgency of Now Rally” will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11 am. This in-person event will take place at the Bell Tower on the Capitol Square to commemorate Black History. Special guests will include leaders from the Virginia NAACP, National NAACP, and other civil rights organizations.
For more information and to register for these events, please visit naacpva.org
MEDIA CONTACT Da’Quan Love, Executive Director 804-972-3310 press@naacpva.org
Virginia NAACP Opposed to Confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources
RICHMOND – Today the Virginia State Conference NAACP (Virginia NAACP) outlined its grave concerns with the appointment of Mr. Andrew Wheeler to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and vowed its adamant opposition to his confirmation by the Virginia General Assembly.
Virginia NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Chairman Karen Campblin said:
“During Mr. Wheeler’s career, serving as a lobbyist in the fossil fuel/coal industry and most recently the US EPA Administrator, he led many efforts to weaken environmental protections, lower emission standards, and allow pollutants to contaminate resources unchecked and unmitigated. It is imperative that the next Secretary has a strong commitment to prioritize the health and wellness of all Virginians, particularly our vulnerable populations.”
Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. said:
“We demand Governor Youngkin immediately rescind the nomination of Mr. Andrew Wheeler and urge all legislators to block Mr. Wheeler’s confirmation.”
The Virginia NAACP urges Governor Youngkin to re-evaluate Mr. Wheeler’s qualifications as well as, other appointments to make sure the potential candidate will carry out the duties of the position fairly, equitably, and without political agenda or reprisal. Governor Youngkin’s administration must set a high standard and demand nothing less than putting all peoples of the Commonwealth first.
The role of the Secretary is to advance Virginia’s environmental and conservation policies, protect, and restore our natural and historic resources, and oversee all-natural and historic state agencies.
The NAACP in collaboration with the Clean Air Task Force, published Fumes Across the Fenceline, a seminal report which analyzed the health impacts on Black communities located adjacent to fossil fuel facilities.
The report stated Blacks are exposed to 38% more polluted air than their white counterparts and are 75% more likely to live in a Fenceline community. Fenceline communities are typically Black, communities of color, and low wealth communities located adjacent to hazardous facilities and are directly affected by the facility’s operations (i.e. noise, fumes, emissions, odor, traffic, etc.). These communities are overburdened by the effects of pollution and experience higher rates of asthma, cancers, upper respiratory illnesses, and other diseases.
While this is not the only cabinet head nomination of concern the Virginia NAACP, Mr. Wheeler’s nomination resulted in an unprecedented, unanimous vote of no confidence by the Virginia NAACP Executive Committee comprised of NAACP leaders across the Commonwealth.
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 Releases Its 2022 Legislative Agenda NAACP prioritizes the passage of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to vote in the 2022 General Assembly.
RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia State Conference NAACP released its 2022 Legislative Agenda for the Virginia General Assembly 2022 regular session. In a virtual press conference, Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette joined Virginia NAACP Political Action Chair Gaylene Kanoyton and other NAACP leaders to discuss legislation the NAACP would support and oppose in the state legislature.
The Virginia NAACP declared its number-one legislative priority to be the passage of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to vote, referencing the organization’s ongoing efforts to champion voter rights.
President Robert Barnette said “Last year, thanks to NAACP advocacy, we passed the constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to vote for all Virginia citizens. We look forward to working with legislators to pass this legislation again so it can go before Virginia voters.”
Advocate for legislation that ensures that every Black student and every student of color is able to pursue a free, high quality, equitably funded, public pre-K and K-12 education followed by diverse opportunities for accessible, affordable vocational or university education.
Healthcare
Advocate for legislation that will result in the elimination of the racial and ethnic inequities that exist within our healthcare system that undermine communities of color, their life opportunities, and their ability to contribute fully to the common good.
Housing
Advocate for legislation that allows for all Virginians to have access to affordable housing, protections from evictions, relevant and timely information on tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities and to be free of discriminatory practices. Housing is a basic human right.
Environmental and Climate Justice
Advocate for intentional legislation and policies that upholds that all individuals have the right to: a clean environment free from polluting facilities, safe, affordable renewable clean energy production; resilient and updated energy infrastructure; sustainable and healthy communities; affordable and just utility protections against overcharges (including repayment of previous overcharge rate structures), expanded rural broadband and uninterrupted energy service.
Criminal and Juvenile Justice
Advocate for smarter, results-based criminal justice policies to keep our communities safe, including treatment for addiction and mental health problems, judicial discretion in sentencing, and an end to racial disparities at all levels of the system. Furthermore, we support sensible gun laws.Advocate for legislation that eliminates racially disparate treatment of Black youth and other over-represented youth which have lasting and negative consequences and contributes to an intergenerational cycle for individuals and problematic outcomes in the community.
Workforce, Labor and Economic Empowerment
Advocate for policies and legislation which enhances the capacity of Black Virginians and other underserved groups through financial economic education; individual and community asset building initiatives; providing safe and affordable housing, diversity and inclusion in business hiring, fair hiring, and protection practices, and inclusive procurement; and monitoring financial banking practices.
Voting Rights and Political Representation
Advocate for legislation that ensures free, open, equal, and protected access to the vote and fair representation at all levels of the political process. Advocate for legislation that expands voting access including Saturday and Sunday voting, no-excuse absentee voting, and vote by mail.A
