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...

Virginia NAACP Responds to Walmart’s Rollback of DEI Initiatives The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) is deeply concerned about Walmart’s recent decision to roll back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move not only undermines the progress made in fostering an inclusive environment but also disrespects the diverse customer base that Walmart serves across Virginia and the nation.Walmart’s actions appear to cater to a small faction of individuals who prioritize partisan politics...

Virginia NAACP Supports Judicial Decision on Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Following yesterday’s ruling by retired Judge C. Randall Lowe in Floyd County that the decision to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was unlawful, Rev. Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, issued the following statement:“The Virginia NAACP stands firmly in support of the recent judicial decision to uphold the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, emphasizing that only the Virginia...

Virginia NAACP Urges Virginia Beach City Council to Approve Modifying the City Charter to Incorporate the Fair 10-1 Voting System The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) stands firmly in support of the overwhelmingly positive feedback from Virginia Beach residents regarding the 10-1 voting system implemented in 2022. This system has proven to be a vital step towards ensuring equitable representation and addressing the historical disparities faced by minority communities in our city.The survey conducted by...

NAACP Responds to Gov. Youngkin’s Illegal Voter Purge Program, Urges SCOTUS To Follow the Law  WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Virginia state election officials requested the Supreme Court to block a ruling by a federal judge that would bar them from reviving an unlawful voter purge program that would prevent naturalized citizens from voting. The program, which was responsible for purging more than 1,600 registered Virginia voters, was put in place by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in August and was later struck...

Virginia NAACP Announces Melanie Campbell, President/CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation as Keynote Speaker for 89th Annual Convention in Williamsburg, Virginia The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) is pleased to announce Melanie Campbell, President/CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, as the keynote speaker for the Freedom Funda Gala. The Freedom Fund Gala is the premier event during the Annual Convention.“Ms. Campbell is recognized as one of the...