Virginia NAACP Responds to Senate Courts of Justice Committee’s Passage of HB2724 The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) is pleased to announce that the Senate Courts of Justice Committee has passed HB2724, maintaining essential guardrails while excluding the expansion of license plate reader cameras. Notably, this legislation includes a re-enactment clause that allows the issue of expansion to be revisited in 2026. We urge legislators to retain this re-enactment clause to ensure that any future...

Virginia NAACP Applauds Legislators for Bipartisan Support of Automatic Restoration of Rights Amendment The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the legislators who came together across party lines to support HJ2/SJ248, the Automatic Restoration of Rights Amendment. This pivotal legislation marks a significant step towards justice and equality in Virginia, and we commend the commitment of all those involved in this important initiative.Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy...

Virginia NAACP Denounces Attorney General Miyares’ Actions Towards Anti-DEI Policies The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) condemns the action taken by Attorney General Jason Miyares for signing a letter urging the CEO of Costco to abandon its diversity policies. His actions are influenced by MAGA politics that threaten the progress made toward inclusivity in communities across the Commonwealth and falsely claiming the company’s DEI policies are illegal.Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey issued...

Virginia NAACP Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Henry L. Marsh, III Today, the Virginia NAACP celebrates the life and legacy of Henry L. Marsh, III. Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey shared the following statement:“When we honor our Civil Rights giants, Senator Marsh stands among them. We will continue his lifelong fight to end racial injustice in all its forms. We are grateful for his commitment to us and his guiding light.”Senator Marsh was a lifetime member of the NAACP. His legacy in founding Hill,...

Federal Judge Denies Shenandoah County’s Efforts to Dismiss Litigation Challenging Reinstatement of Discriminatory Confederate School Names Students and Virginia NAACP Members May Proceed with All Claims Against School BoardYesterday evening, a federal district court judge denied the Shenandoah County School Board’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit concerning their reinstatement of school names honoring Confederate generals.  US District Judge Michael F. Urbanski determined that, taking the facts alleged in the complaint...

Celebrating Legacy and Progress Statement of Gratitude from the Rev. Cozy Bailey, NAACP Virginia State Conference PresidentAs we commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his recent decision to grant clemency to individuals whose lives have been profoundly impacted by the criminal justice system. This act embodies the spirit of justice and redemption that Dr. King championed and serves as a beacon of hope for countless others striving for a second...

Virginia NAACP Applauds President Biden’s Decision to Grant Clemency to the Waverly Two The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) applauds President Biden’s decision to grant clemency to Ferrone Claiborne and Terrence Jerome Richardson, known as the Waverly Two. The Waverly Two were unjustly sentenced to life in prison without sufficient evidence. This long-awaited action brings a measure of justice to those who have suffered for far too long.Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey shared the following...

Virginia NAACP Supports Bill #SB1183 the Virginia Access to Justice Act The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) fully endorses Bill #SB1183, the Virginia Access to Justice Act, recognizing the urgent need for equitable legal representation throughout our state. Establishing a public defender office in every judicial circuit is crucial to ensuring all individuals have access to fair and competent legal counsel regardless of economic status.This legislation addresses the current disparities in public...

Virginia NAACP Opposes Bill #SB1274 – Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) stands firmly against Bill #SB1274, the proposed Witness Impeachment Evidence Designation bill, which poses a direct threat to the integrity of police and criminal justice reform efforts in our Commonwealth.This bill effectively shields law enforcement officers from accountability, allowing those with a history of inconsistent statements or misconduct to remain in positions of power...

Virginia NAACP Announces Its 2025 Legislative Priorities Today, the NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) announced its 2025 Legislative Priorities for the Virginia General Assembly 2025 regular session.Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey shared the following statement about the legislative agenda:“The Virginia NAACP will tackle issues that impact the Black community, including economic opportunity, education, and criminal justice reform, just to name a few.  Our work continues to ensure civil rights...