Dear NAACP Family,
I know many of you are feeling a deep sense of disappointment after our recent elections. The weight of uncertainty can sometimes feel overwhelming. But I urge you to remember that this moment does not define us, nor does it diminish the powerful voices and ideas we champion for.
Elections are part of a larger journey. Change is often inspired by grassroots level work so don’t you dare feel defeated. Our ancestors faced greater adversities, but still they rose, and we will too. Our journey is not just about one election; it is about a commitment to our principles ever since 1909 when the NAACP was born in New York City by a small multi-racial group of concerned citizens who didn’t like the injustices they saw against Black people.
Take this moment as an opportunity to reflect and to grow. Embrace your disappointment, but do not let it consume you. Transform it into motivation, and let us work together to create the future we so deeply believe in. Believe in ourselves more than we do in others. I am asking for every member to recruit at least three other family members, friends or neighbors who believe in civil rights to join the NAACP. There is a place for everyone, regardless of race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or other. We have work to do!
History teaches us that every set back can lead to a greater comeback. This isn’t the end of the road; it’s an invitation to redefine our path. So often, the NAACP is only called upon when there is a problem, and we’re expected to have a solution. Your participation and getting ready for the next steps are the solution. Every right we have today was earned by those who came before us. Freedom was never free so don’t expect something for nothing. There is a concerted effort to chip away at every civil right in existence that empowers us. Don’t get mad, get busy. Don’t be sad, get organized. Don’t talk about it, be about it. Each one teach one that your service is your voice and we all must contribute. Winners never quit and quitters never win. The NAACP will not be deterred from our mission regardless of who is in charge. We’ve stood steadfast for 116 years with no intentions of stopping now.
Congratulations to our NAACP members who had the courage to run for various offices.It all begins with local politics. Even if your numbers fell short of winning, you advanced our principles by stepping up to the plate. Your NAACP family is proud of you. Thank you for your resilience, your strength, and your unwavering commitment. The journey continues, and together we will rise.
God bless,
Wendy Byrd
President
Wendy Byrd
President
UMW Voice: UMW Welcomes NAACP President for MLK Keynote Address Jan. 22
When Derrick Johnson takes the stage at the University of Mary Washington next week, his words are expected to resonate far beyond the event’s walls – inspiring those who hear him to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy.
Bloomberg Law: NAACP, Professors Say Alabama’s Anti-DEI Law Is Unconstitutional
The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP and local university professors and students want a district court to declare the state’s new law banning public funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs unconstitutional. Alabama Senate Bill 129 violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution and must be enjoined from being enforced, according to a complaint Tuesday in the US District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
Alabama Political Reporter: NAACP president: anti-DEI law harming students, professors
The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP believes an Alabama law that went into effect in October that eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses and restricts what professors can teach on matters of race is purposefully harmful to minority students and that the law serves no benefit to white students. Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, told the Alabama Politics This Week podcast that his organization filed a federal lawsuit against the new law because it has already proven harmful to students on college campuses in the state.
Office of Governor Grisham: Governor issues statement on the death of NAACP leader Dr. Harold Bailey
Under Dr. Bailey’s leadership, the Albuquerque NAACP endorsed the Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Option Act in 2020, championing expanded healthcare options and addressing disparities in education and access.
Howard University: Howard University Legends Honored with NAACP Image Award Nominations
The 2025 nominations for the 56th NAACP Image Awards have been revealed, highlighting celebrated Howard University alumni, including Taraji P. Henson and Lynn Whitfield, a third-generation Howard graduate.
Clemson News: Show produced by Clemson faculty member earns 7 NAACP Image Award nominations
The National Geographic/Disney+ series “Genius: MLK/X”, executive produced by Clemson University World Cinema Professor of Practice Sam Sokolow, has earned seven nominations for the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.
WTKR: Virginia NAACP calls for rejection of a bill that protects law enforcement as witnesses
The Virginia NAACP is sounding the alarm on a bill that aims to protect the jobs of police officers serving as witnesses in court. Senate Bill 1274 was introduced last week. The bill specifically states police officers with a witness impeachment evidence designation can’t be disciplined or let go.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Anti-DEI Law Is Discriminatory, Violation of Free Speech, NAACP Alleges in Federal Court
A group of Alabama students and educators on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit that takes aim at a new state law banning public funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at schools and colleges.
Arlington Now: New Arlington NAACP leader urges unity and continued advocacy
In her remarks, Davis — pastor of Calloway United Methodist Church — said civil-rights advocates need to put aside personal ambitions and eschew internal strife, working instead toward common goals.
ABC 6 News: Rochester NAACP to host annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “We Have a Dream” celebration
The NAACP Rochester Branch MN is once again hosting its annual community event to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in partnership with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Fox56 WOLF: NAACP Luzerne County branch celebrates new leadership at Wilkes-Barre ceremony
The NAACP is promoting the Wilkes-Barre branch and officially recognizing them as the organization’s representative for all of Luzerne County. This celebration marked the official induction of new officers and their commitment to advancing civil rights and equity across the county.
NAACP, in partnership with Singleton Schreiber, is hosting a virtual town hall to address the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. This event offers community members a platform to ask questions, express concerns, and learn about available resources.
When: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PT
Where: Online via Zoom
With so much devastation and uncertainty across Los Angeles and the surrounding areas for those impacted by the wildfires, blame can never be the first response. We do as we have done time and time again in the face of adversity.
We pray for those essential workers risking their lives and for those families who lost loved ones.
We plan for those who have been misplaced and have lost their homes and belongings.
And we prepare for the future where we help rebuild our communities together.
Above all, we keep advancing together.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s messages of hope, love, and resilience reverberate far beyond the confines of historic moments, reminding us that our collective progress is a shared responsibility.
His legacy continues to inspire, educate, and guide generations of advocates dedicated to the pursuit of justice and equity through coordinated resistance. His groundbreaking efforts coupled with those of other civil rights leaders and activists fueled the Civil Rights Movement and changed the course of history.
The nominees for the 56th NAACP Image Awards were announced last week, celebrating outstanding achievements in film, television, music, literature, and beyond.
Voting is NOW OPEN at www.naacpimageawards.net until February 7, 2025, at midnight (ET). Explore the categories and cast your vote today.
Don’t miss the LIVE TV Special airing Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS, as we honor Black excellence and transformative storytelling.
Change is on the agenda for 2025. New leaders will take office this month across the country. Climate change continues and no one knows what the economy will look like from one month to the next.
We know the only constant is change. The Black Panthers showed us the power of community and taking care of our own. And our legacy has equipped us with what we need to make it through what feels like unprecedented times.
The path to our ultimate goal - an equitable future for all - isn’t a straight line. There will be peaks of great progress and pits of setbacks. But we keep advancing.
The fight wasn’t done when we secured the Civil Rights Act in 1964 or the Voting Rights Act in 1965. We kept fighting and advancing. Though we’ve helped elect candidates who look like us, the fight isn’t done.
General Meetings are Open to the Public!
Save Your Spot
2025 BRANCH ELECTIONS RESULTS
President
Wendy Byrd
Vice President
Constance Gustafson
2nd Vice President
Samuel White-Ephraim
Secretary
Eric Jackson
Treasurer
Gia Smith
Executive Committee / At Large
Gladys Williams
Sherri Nelson
Christopher Nelson
Juanita Gaillard
Jacquelyn Forte
Michael Baldwin
Sharon Froba
Angela Dallas
Terry Johnson
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.
Stanislaus County, California 2025 election results show live vote count
2025 OFFICERS
WENDY BYRD
PRESIDENT
CONSTANCE GUSTAFSON
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
SAMUEL WHITE-EPHRAIM
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
ERIC JACKSON
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Gladys Williams
Sherri Nelson
Christopher Nelson
Juanita Gaillard
Jacquelyn Forte
Michael Baldwin
Sharon Froba
Angela Dallas
SECRETARY
GIA SMITH
TREASURER
WE THANK THE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS FOR THEIR TIRELESS ENERGY AND HARD WORK TOWARD IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OTHERS!
VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED!
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW
“Black residents experienced disproportionate use of force by Modesto police over past decade.”
Over the past decade, the Modesto Police Department has used force against Black individuals at a rate of more than four times greater than their population, according to police data.
“Reporting on disproportionate uses of force against people of color makes clear what communities of color across California and the country have long known. Police violence is a tool of racial oppression,” said....
"If you feel you have been treated unfairly by the Modesto Police Department, fill out an NAACP COMPLAINT FORM"
NAACP response letter to the Modesto Bee article on disproportionate use of force.
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...
