ACT-SO NEWS!
The NAACP issues this Black Consumer Advisory to inform and caution Black consumers about the ongoing and intentional rollback of nationwide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments by corporations and institutions. These actions threaten economic opportunities, workplace diversity, and community investments, directly impacting Black communities nationwide. (NAACP.ORG)
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HOW WILL THIS IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY?
The NAACP believes Project 2025 threatens to reverse decades of progress and harm Black and marginalized communities. We deserve a better future!
Project 2025 is a manifesto that seeks to undermine our progress, dismantle democracy, and take us back to a time when we did not have a vote or a voice. We must fight, we must continue to advocate - we must vote. For more information: https://naacp.org/campaigns/our-2025 |
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NAACP DANE COUNTY UPDATES
"Wisconsin again has widest gap in U.S. for math, reading scores between white and Black students
Math and reading scores have remained mostly unchanged since 2022"
Source: wisconsin public radio
On Saturday, February 22, the NAACP Dane County Education Committee, convened a Community Conversation at the Madison College - Truax Campus to lay the ground work for pursuing the civil rights granted under Brown vs. Board of Education, the 14th Amendment, and the U.S. Constitution for our children, The Right to Read. Attended by parents, educators and community volunteers, the conversation focused specifically on the literacy crisis and why black children are struggling to achieve. The conversation will resume on April 12, and will focus on issues surrounding math proficiency.
RESOURCES:
RESOURCES:
WPR.ORG: Wisconsin again has widest gap in US for math reading scores between white and black students, January 29, 2025
THE CAP TIMES: Wisconsin prioritizes literacy, but math scores are even worse.
THE CAP TIMES: Wisconsin prioritizes literacy, but math scores are even worse.
NAACP DANE COUNTY SPEAKS OUT!
Kodichi Lawrence of WKOW 27 News interviews NAACP Dane County President, Greg Jones
THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS CONTINUES!
PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS BEYOND 2025 - AN OPINION
PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS BEYOND 2025
Greg Jones, President
NAACP Dane County
Opinion - January, 2025
No matter who occupies the Oval Office, the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) remains clear. “For over a century, the NAACP has and will continue to champion justice and equity. We are determined to protect and uplift Black and underserved communities. We are loyal not to politicians, but to policies that allow us to keep advancing, no matter what."
Democracy in the modern era includes a number of elements, only one of which is electing leaders at regular intervals through free and fair elections. Other aspects include, once those leaders are given temporary powers to represent us, they are constrained by checks and balances, by the rule of law, and by the protection of individual rights in order to ensure our sovereignty. It has been said that Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Unadulterated power in any branch of government is a menace to freedom, but concentrated power across all three branches is the very definition of tyranny: a dictatorship disguised as democracy.
The system of checks and balances in government was developed to ensure that no one branch of government would become too powerful. Each branch (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) has an effect on the other. An effective checks and balances system depends heavily on citizen engagement to prevent abuse of power. The rule of law requires that all people and institutions are accountable to the same laws. “No one is above the law” or all are equal before the law while the United States Constitution protects individual rights.
Today, we face the promotion of a white nationalist agenda; a rescission of civil rights enforcement; acceleration of the deportation machine; and overt and covert attacks on voting rights. We must be loud and clear that democracy and freedom are the cornerstone values of the United States. We encourage all who share the same goals to join us by raising our voices, our level of advocacy, and supporting democratic principles designed to advance our rights. Project 2025 will radically expand the president’s authority and will reverse the civil rights protections on which Black communities have relied for decades to exercise their full citizenship and to prevent a return to a repressive governmental authority. The NAACP is working to mobilize grassroots efforts to protect and advance the rights and well-being of African Americans; and to build coalitions with other civil rights organizations, policymakers, and community stakeholders
to continue to develop and promote alternative policy solutions that ensure the protection and advancement of civil rights, social justice, and equity.
Call To Action
American democracy hinges on the idea that each branch of government prevents the others from taking too much power. To ensure this value, the following actions are necessary.
1. Renew our commitment to civil rights. Together we must commit to making the “other America” finally a thing of the past. To stay vigilant, to keep working, and in the words of Coretta Scott King, “to remember that the struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.”
2. Ensure Martin Luther King’s Dream is a Reality. Create and cultivate a culture of belonging for all: Advance Equity and Inclusion initiatives at all levels; eliminate systems that uphold inequality: fight for a minimum wage for working families, promote effective insurance programs for low income families, reduce the wealth gap, and the gender gap in wages; and actively mobilize to respond to legislative initiatives that promote inequality and injustice.
3. Engage Youth in the new Civil Rights movement. Connect past history with today’s youth serving organizations and programs. Encourage local communities to develop instructional curriculum to study the meaning and purpose of the Civil Rights Movement and apply it to the issues of today. Communities are further encouraged to develop NAACP Youth Councils to provide information to their peers and serve as a means to mobilize young people.
4. Build Community Coalitions as catalysts for change with emphasis on civil rights. This coalition must address the many state sponsored, regressive policies including the unprecedented numbers of anti-DEI legislation, voter suppression bills, anti-truth measures, and book bans that seek to erase Black, LGBTQ+, and other historically oppressed histories from classrooms. A newly focused coalition must be disruptive and address policies with; focused on civil rights; ensure democracy is working for all and that the constitution applies to everyone.
A renewed focus on social change, amplifying marginalized voices, and inspiring meaningful action towards a more just and equitable society must be our path forward.
Editorial originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of The Capital City Hues.
Greg Jones, President
NAACP Dane County
Opinion - January, 2025
No matter who occupies the Oval Office, the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) remains clear. “For over a century, the NAACP has and will continue to champion justice and equity. We are determined to protect and uplift Black and underserved communities. We are loyal not to politicians, but to policies that allow us to keep advancing, no matter what."
Democracy in the modern era includes a number of elements, only one of which is electing leaders at regular intervals through free and fair elections. Other aspects include, once those leaders are given temporary powers to represent us, they are constrained by checks and balances, by the rule of law, and by the protection of individual rights in order to ensure our sovereignty. It has been said that Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Unadulterated power in any branch of government is a menace to freedom, but concentrated power across all three branches is the very definition of tyranny: a dictatorship disguised as democracy.
The system of checks and balances in government was developed to ensure that no one branch of government would become too powerful. Each branch (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) has an effect on the other. An effective checks and balances system depends heavily on citizen engagement to prevent abuse of power. The rule of law requires that all people and institutions are accountable to the same laws. “No one is above the law” or all are equal before the law while the United States Constitution protects individual rights.
Today, we face the promotion of a white nationalist agenda; a rescission of civil rights enforcement; acceleration of the deportation machine; and overt and covert attacks on voting rights. We must be loud and clear that democracy and freedom are the cornerstone values of the United States. We encourage all who share the same goals to join us by raising our voices, our level of advocacy, and supporting democratic principles designed to advance our rights. Project 2025 will radically expand the president’s authority and will reverse the civil rights protections on which Black communities have relied for decades to exercise their full citizenship and to prevent a return to a repressive governmental authority. The NAACP is working to mobilize grassroots efforts to protect and advance the rights and well-being of African Americans; and to build coalitions with other civil rights organizations, policymakers, and community stakeholders
to continue to develop and promote alternative policy solutions that ensure the protection and advancement of civil rights, social justice, and equity.
Call To Action
American democracy hinges on the idea that each branch of government prevents the others from taking too much power. To ensure this value, the following actions are necessary.
1. Renew our commitment to civil rights. Together we must commit to making the “other America” finally a thing of the past. To stay vigilant, to keep working, and in the words of Coretta Scott King, “to remember that the struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.”
2. Ensure Martin Luther King’s Dream is a Reality. Create and cultivate a culture of belonging for all: Advance Equity and Inclusion initiatives at all levels; eliminate systems that uphold inequality: fight for a minimum wage for working families, promote effective insurance programs for low income families, reduce the wealth gap, and the gender gap in wages; and actively mobilize to respond to legislative initiatives that promote inequality and injustice.
3. Engage Youth in the new Civil Rights movement. Connect past history with today’s youth serving organizations and programs. Encourage local communities to develop instructional curriculum to study the meaning and purpose of the Civil Rights Movement and apply it to the issues of today. Communities are further encouraged to develop NAACP Youth Councils to provide information to their peers and serve as a means to mobilize young people.
4. Build Community Coalitions as catalysts for change with emphasis on civil rights. This coalition must address the many state sponsored, regressive policies including the unprecedented numbers of anti-DEI legislation, voter suppression bills, anti-truth measures, and book bans that seek to erase Black, LGBTQ+, and other historically oppressed histories from classrooms. A newly focused coalition must be disruptive and address policies with; focused on civil rights; ensure democracy is working for all and that the constitution applies to everyone.
A renewed focus on social change, amplifying marginalized voices, and inspiring meaningful action towards a more just and equitable society must be our path forward.
Editorial originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of The Capital City Hues.
WISCONSIN STATE CONFERENCE OF BRANCHES
A BLACK HISTORY REMEMBERANCE
Standing In the Presence of History
On Sunday, February 25, 2025, the NAACP Wisconsin State Conference presented a proclamation honoring the WWII military service of Mrs. Anna Mae Wilson Robertson. Mrs. Robertson is nearing 101 years old, and now resides in Milwaukee, but in 1944 she and over 800 black female enlisted personnel and officers, formed the WAC 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
This battalion of female, African American soldiers stepped into history when they were shipped to Birmingham, England on February 3, 1945. The women, under the command of Major Charity Adams, also an African American, had been ordered to clear a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail (the result of a 2-3 year backlog that filled three aircraft hangers), they were given six months to complete the job. Others had attempted to resolve this moral crushing issues ("no mail, low moral" was their motto, since mail was the only form of outside communication available to soldiers at that time), but all had failed due to sheer magnitude of the assignment. The women of the "Six-Triple-Eight" saw the challenge, reimagined the sorting system and redefined their work day. They ran 3-8 hour shifts per day, and were able to process approximately 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. These and other changes, allowed them to complete their assignment in 90 day, as opposed to the six months they had been given. They did this while having to contend with the indignities of racism, including not being allowed to sleep, shower or eat in the same facilities as the other female personnel and soldiers, and while working freezing conditions. The women knew they were representing opportunity for their sisters in arms back in the US who were dealing with the racism, and sexism within the ranks. Upon the successful completion their assignment in Birmingham, they were reassigned to France.
On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed legislation awarding members of "The Six-Triple-Eight" the Congressional Gold Medal. The legislation was introduced in the US Senate by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan), and was co-sponsored by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev). In the House of Representatives, Wisconsin Congresswoman, Gwen Moore (WI-04) was the sponsor, and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) the co-sponsor.
According to NAACP State Conference President, Wendell Harris, "There is no better time than now to honor Mrs. Robertson with this proclamation from the NAACP State Conference. February is Black History Month, and her service during World War II, and the success of the all-Black Women's Army Corp 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was not only phenomenal, but historic. The fact that these women successfully completed a mission, many thought to be impossible, is just one reason we must continue to highlight the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in this country."
This battalion of female, African American soldiers stepped into history when they were shipped to Birmingham, England on February 3, 1945. The women, under the command of Major Charity Adams, also an African American, had been ordered to clear a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail (the result of a 2-3 year backlog that filled three aircraft hangers), they were given six months to complete the job. Others had attempted to resolve this moral crushing issues ("no mail, low moral" was their motto, since mail was the only form of outside communication available to soldiers at that time), but all had failed due to sheer magnitude of the assignment. The women of the "Six-Triple-Eight" saw the challenge, reimagined the sorting system and redefined their work day. They ran 3-8 hour shifts per day, and were able to process approximately 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. These and other changes, allowed them to complete their assignment in 90 day, as opposed to the six months they had been given. They did this while having to contend with the indignities of racism, including not being allowed to sleep, shower or eat in the same facilities as the other female personnel and soldiers, and while working freezing conditions. The women knew they were representing opportunity for their sisters in arms back in the US who were dealing with the racism, and sexism within the ranks. Upon the successful completion their assignment in Birmingham, they were reassigned to France.
On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed legislation awarding members of "The Six-Triple-Eight" the Congressional Gold Medal. The legislation was introduced in the US Senate by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan), and was co-sponsored by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev). In the House of Representatives, Wisconsin Congresswoman, Gwen Moore (WI-04) was the sponsor, and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) the co-sponsor.
According to NAACP State Conference President, Wendell Harris, "There is no better time than now to honor Mrs. Robertson with this proclamation from the NAACP State Conference. February is Black History Month, and her service during World War II, and the success of the all-Black Women's Army Corp 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was not only phenomenal, but historic. The fact that these women successfully completed a mission, many thought to be impossible, is just one reason we must continue to highlight the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in this country."
IN OUR OPINION
GOP'S LATEST PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE DEI RECEIVES PUBLIC HEARING
WISCONSIN STATE CONFERENCE STATEMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
August 9, 2024
WISCONSIN NAACP REJECTS AUGUST 2024 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Since the 1930’s Wisconsin’s governor has had constitutional authority to accept and direct federal funds sent to the state. It is the Governor’s responsibility to direct the funds to the appropriate state agency. The Wisconsin NAACP supports, approves, and endorses the current process of receiving federal funds and rejects the constitutional amendments.
Under current law, the governor has authority in certain instances to accept federal funds without participation of the Legislature. Under the proposed amendments, the governor could not allocate federal funds without approval by the Legislature. The Legislature would approve such allocations through joint resolutions or legislative rules that, unlike state statutes, do not require the governor’s
approval.
The proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution could significantly change how federal emergency funds are allocated in the state. Wisconsin has seen money from the American Rescue Plan or COVID stimulus package which provided funding for public health and economic development; the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which includes repairing our roadways and more than 45,000 bridges; CHIPS (semiconductors) and Science Act subsidies for chip manufacturing and funding to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors; Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which includes tax reforms and investments in healthcare; and federal rental assistance funding to about 25,000 to 30,000 households in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin NAACP President Wendell Harris said “The proposed amendments are not just a power grab; they will deny the citizens of the state the benefit of federal funding opportunities. This is unacceptable.” We must respond to crises, natural disasters, and emergencies in a timely, and nonpartisan fashion.
CALL TO ACTION
The Wisconsin NAACP strongly encourages all eligible voters to reject the proposed constitutional amendments by voting NO at the polls and by absentee. It is our obligation to uphold the principles of effective government in Wisconsin. Maintaining the current process ensures effectiveness and responsiveness and protects the future.
WISCONSIN NAACP REJECTS AUGUST 2024 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Since the 1930’s Wisconsin’s governor has had constitutional authority to accept and direct federal funds sent to the state. It is the Governor’s responsibility to direct the funds to the appropriate state agency. The Wisconsin NAACP supports, approves, and endorses the current process of receiving federal funds and rejects the constitutional amendments.
Under current law, the governor has authority in certain instances to accept federal funds without participation of the Legislature. Under the proposed amendments, the governor could not allocate federal funds without approval by the Legislature. The Legislature would approve such allocations through joint resolutions or legislative rules that, unlike state statutes, do not require the governor’s
approval.
The proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution could significantly change how federal emergency funds are allocated in the state. Wisconsin has seen money from the American Rescue Plan or COVID stimulus package which provided funding for public health and economic development; the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which includes repairing our roadways and more than 45,000 bridges; CHIPS (semiconductors) and Science Act subsidies for chip manufacturing and funding to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors; Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which includes tax reforms and investments in healthcare; and federal rental assistance funding to about 25,000 to 30,000 households in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin NAACP President Wendell Harris said “The proposed amendments are not just a power grab; they will deny the citizens of the state the benefit of federal funding opportunities. This is unacceptable.” We must respond to crises, natural disasters, and emergencies in a timely, and nonpartisan fashion.
CALL TO ACTION
The Wisconsin NAACP strongly encourages all eligible voters to reject the proposed constitutional amendments by voting NO at the polls and by absentee. It is our obligation to uphold the principles of effective government in Wisconsin. Maintaining the current process ensures effectiveness and responsiveness and protects the future.
NATIONAL NAACP REACTS TO THE SUPREME COURT'S EXTREME DECISION TO REVERSE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2023
WASHINGTON – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued extreme decisions reversing decades of precedent on affirmative action. The court's rulings in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina jeopardize hard-fought progress for Black Americans in classrooms and beyond. NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement reaffirming the Association's commitment to tools that support equal access to higher education for Black students: "Today the Supreme Court has bowed to the personally held beliefs of an extremist minority. We will not allow hate-inspired people in power to turn back the clock and undermine our hard-won victories. The tricks of America's dark past will not be tolerated.
Let me be clear - affirmative action exists because we cannot rely on colleges, universities, and employers to enact admissions and hiring practices that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Race plays an undeniable role in shaping the identities of and quality of life for Black Americans. In a society still scarred by the wounds of racial disparities, the Supreme Court has displayed a willful ignorance of our reality. The NAACP will not be deterred nor silenced in our fight to hold leaders and institutions accountable for their role in embracing diversity no matter what."
Later today at noon, NAACP National Director of Youth & College Wisdom Cole, will lead a group of students and activists in a mobilization starting at the Supreme Court steps. Cole said of today's decision: "This is a dark day in America. Affirmative action has been a beacon of hope for generations of Black students. It stood as a powerful force against the insidious poison of racism and sexism, aiming to level the playing field and provide a fair shot at a high-quality education for all. Students across the country are wide awake to the clear and present danger encroaching on their classrooms. We will continue to fight, organize, mobilize and vote against all attempts to hold us back. We will hold the line against this clear pattern of hate. We will thrive!"
NATIONAL NAACP NEWS
NAACP National President, Derrick Johnson
NAACP President Condemns Trump Administration’s Roll Back of DEI Programs
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2025
WASHINGTON - In a flurry of Executive Orders enacted on President Trump's first day in office, the controversial Administration has chosen to roll back all federal programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The move represents a significant regression from the previous Administration's approach to centering racial equity and remedying the systemic racism deeply entrenched in our nation's governing practices.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement condemning President Trump's Executive Order Rolling Back DEI in the Federal Government:
"It is outrageous that the President is rolling back critical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. DEI programs help ensure that everyone can prosper. It's clear that President Trump does not value equal opportunity.
His appalling executive order will only worsen America's racial hierarchy and benefit the oligarch class. This executive order threatens public services that benefit all Americans; it's an attempt to consolidate power and money to a few wealthy individuals. And poor and working-class people will pay the price.
This is all part of a calculated strategy to redefine the role of government, privatize essential public services, and further discrimination. Elections have consequences and it's clear that this election has put a target on Black America's back."
The data makes it clear: organizations with diverse workforces have a strategic advantage over those who don't. According to McKinsey, Companies in the top quartile for being ethnically and culturally diverse are 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile.
With your help, we can put an end to the horrors of police brutality and reform a criminal justice system that fails to properly hold law enforcement officials accountable.
ACTION ALERT: CONTRACT FOR BLACK AMERICA
As the world faces unprecedented times and new realities during this global pandemic, and incidents of hate and domestic terrorism are perpetuated leading to routine brutalization of Black Americans, the health and safety of our people are at an unparalleled risk.
