General Meetings are Open to the Public!
Meetings are held every
third Tuesday of each Month
At 6:30pm at the
"New Location"
Second Baptist Church
529 California Ave,
Modesto, CA 95351
You can also connect via ZOOM
Join the Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502166410
Meeting ID: 815 0216 6410
Dial: 1 669 444 9171
Grow With Us
"The purpose of knowing history is so that you won’t repeat it.
We’re not going back!"
Wendy Byrd, President
Upcoming Events
Freedom Fund & Community Service Awards BanquetSat, Mar 21Modesto
Join us at our upcoming events and be part of the change in our community
Happy New Year, NAACP Family and Friends,
I hope you and your family have a blessed and prosperous New Year. As we step into this new year, let us remain engaged, empowered, and steadfast in the work ahead.
Because let’s be clear: 2025 made one thing undeniable. We still have a long way to go. The challenges remain. The attacks on our rights remain. The inequities remain. But what also remains and what will not waver is our commitment to push for change, to protect our communities, and to keep moving this work forward.
I am genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead in 2026 and what we can accomplish together when we stand united and organized. We have powerful moments on the horizon, starting with our Day at the Capitol on April 20, 2026, then the NAACP National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, July 18–22, 2026, and of course our 39th NAACP State Convention, October 23–25, 2026, in Southern California. These are the moments to come together to advocate and strategize with purpose as we build the momentum needed to achieve real results for the people we serve.
This month, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose unwavering vision for justice, equality, and love continues to guide our work. His commitment to nonviolence and unity reminds us that the pursuit of true justice is not a season; it is a lifelong mission.
And I anticipate that you will join us right now in doubling down on this fight for justice.
Yours in the fight,
Rick L. Callender, Esq.
President, NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference
PRESS STATEMENT | December 22nd, 2025
NAACP CA/HI STATE CONFERENCE EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BETTY REID SOSKIN
“On behalf of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Betty Reid Soskin, who was a National Park Ranger, historian, and lifelong advocate for justice whose impact spans generations.
As the nation’s oldest National Park Ranger and an inspirational voice for truth, Betty Reid Soskin dedicated her life to ensuring that the stories of Black Americans, particularly Black women, were not erased, overlooked, or misunderstood. Her work challenged dominant narratives and expanded our collective understanding of American history, democracy, and civil rights.
Betty Reid Soskin’s legacy reminds us that civil rights work is not confined to a single era. It is ongoing, intergenerational, and rooted in courage, integrity, and truth-telling. Her commitment to justice, equity, and historical accountability aligns deeply with the mission of the NAACP and continues to inspire our work across California and Hawaii.
A beloved Bay Area icon, Betty’s life and work have been celebrated locally and nationally. Her story has inspired artistic and documentary projects, including Sign My Name to Freedom, a feature documentary that explores her life through music, memory, and the continued struggle for justice — a connection that deepens our shared mission and reflects her lasting influence on historical memory and civic engagement. As a ranger at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, she helped ensure the broader narrative included the experiences of Black Americans, particularly during WWII.
We honor her life, her voice, and her unwavering dedication to ensuring that our history is told fully and honestly. Rest in peace, Betty Reid Soskin. Your legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.
Sincerely,
Rick L. Callender, Esq.
President, NAACP California Hawaii State Conference
2026 Legislative Engagement
The NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference is gearing up for a strong and strategic 2026 legislative session, with a full commitment to advancing the priorities adopted at the 38th NAACP California/Hawaii State Convention. We are excited to engage the California Legislature to push forward policies that promote equity, economic opportunity, and fair representation.
Our initial legislative focus includes:
Supporting Small Black and Minority-Owned Businesses
Resolutions #2 Page 5 Click here for more information
This effort includes limiting excessive financial reserves to 15 percent for entities where appropriate, unlocking capital flows and expanding equitable access to contracting opportunities and credit for small businesses.
Retirement Benefits for Members of the California Legislature
This proposal would allow Members of the California Legislature to earn retirement benefits for their legislative service by repealing the current constitutional prohibition on pensions and requiring the Legislature to establish a retirement system for eligible Members- helping remove financial barriers that limit who can afford to serve.
We are actively seeking strong, committed legislative authors to champion these efforts.
The Legislature reconvenes on January 5, 2026. If there are bills you believe the State Conference should engage on or take a position on, we welcome your input. Please contact Taneicia Herring at therring@cahinaacp.org.
Robert Rose, Product Designer
Hoodline- RIFLE THREAT VIDEO AT COLFAX HIGH SPARKS SHOWDOWN WITH SACRAMENTO NAACP
The Observer- Sac NAACP Rips Placer District For Ignoring Racist Bullying Of Autistic Student
PASADENA NOW- Altadena Coalition to Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of Eaton Fire
Pasadena Star-News- SCE answers questions from Altadena’s Black community at town hall
PASADENA NOW- Black Clergy Host Southern California Edison leaders at Pasadena Town Hall Today on Eaton Fire Compensation
Tracy Press- NAACP award honors Tracy woman’s advocacy for Port Chicago 50
KCRA 3- Sacramento County DA investigating COVID-era food Program run by Sacramento NAACP
LONG BEACH WATCHDOG- New LA County report shows ‘unprecedented’ hate crime levels
American Community Media- Kevin Epps: ‘Felon With a Gun’ or Community Asset?
The Press Democrat- Local NAACP chapter gifts toys to more than 100 Sonoma County families during weekend drive
The Observer- Stockton Advocates Call For Cultural Healing And Resources In Wake Of Deadly Mass Shooting
Santa Maria Times- Santa Barbara County supervisors deny permit transfer to Sable Offshore
KQED- Stockton Leaders Urge City to Invest in Youth After November Mass Shooting
The Sacramento Bee- Vallejo's special Kwanzaa celebration coming up
The Sacramento Bee- Sacramento DA is investigating allegations of fraud in NAACP COVID food program
The Sacramento Bee- Restraining order renewed because of alleged online doxxing in California NAACP case
The Signal Santa Clarita Valley- NAACP honors scholarship recipients
Save the date! The 57th NAACP Image Awards airs on Saturday, February 28, 2026, live on BET
We’re excited to welcome back comedian, actor, and writer Deon Cole Returns as host!
Know Your Rights
Both the California Constitution and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protect your right to free expression. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights.
Choose from the scenarios below to make sure you’re prepared before heading out into the streets.
AFRICAN AMERICAN GRADUATE RECOGNITION CEREMONY
FREEDOM FUND
2025
On behalf of the Modesto/Stanislaus NAACP, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support of our annual Freedom Fund & Community Service Awards Banquet, held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Modesto Centre Plaza.
Your generous contribution played an important role in helping us celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of local leaders and organizations who continue to make a meaningful impact in our community. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in advancing the mission of equity, justice, and progress.
Thank you once again for your support. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
NAACP Inspire Initiatives Scholarships, —
If you know a Black student or student of color in need of financial assistance for college, please encourage them to apply. Whether they’re a high school senior preparing for their next step or a current student furthering their education, these scholarships can help lighten the financial burden.
Available scholarships include:
If you’ve already applied, we encourage you to share this opportunity with your friends, classmates, and community. Let’s work together to make sure every deserving student has a chance to succeed.
To the vibrant and resilient LGBTQ+ community, the California vs. Hate Campaign stands firmly by your side. Your courage in the face of adversity and your unwavering authenticity inspire us all.
Together, we fight against hate and discrimination to ensure a world where love and acceptance triumph over prejudice. Your voices, your stories, and your experiences are essential in this journey.
Let’s continue to support each other, celebrate our diversity, and create a California where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is free to live and love openly and proudly.
2025 OFFICERS
WENDY BYRD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
CONSTANCE GUSTAFSON
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
DR. SAMUEL WHITE-EPHRAIM
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
ERIC JACKSON
SECRETARY
GIA SMITH
TREASURER
Gladys Williams
Sherri Nelson
Christopher Nelson
Juanita Gaillard
Dr. Jacquelyn Forte
Michael Baldwin
Sharon Froba
Angela Dallas
Dr. Ana Andrade
VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED!
WE THANK THE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS FOR THEIR TIRELESS ENERGY AND HARD WORK TOWARD IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OTHERS!
Modesto City Council approves Forward Together recommendation to establish a Citizens Review Board with an Independent Auditor to help improve relations between the community and law enforcement. Read More at ModBee...
