PRESS RELEASE

NYS NAACP CONVENES FOR ITS FIRST MEETING OF 2022

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, NAACP leaders from across New York State convened virtually and in-person for the body’s first meeting of the new year. Over 300 members attended Saturday’s business meeting, where they received programmatic updates from State Officers and Committee Chairs. Special greetings were brought by Leon Russell, Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and David Banks, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education.

During the Legislative Session, the body adopted several resolutions, including calling on the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment to hold at least one public hearing after maps are drawn to allow for public comment, demanding fair pay for home care workers, calling for a moratorium on water shut-offs during the pandemic, and calling on school administrators to replace zero tolerance policies with more effective practices that will not disproportionately impact students of color.

** “As we begin to look at our 2022 agenda, continuing our advocacy work regardless of the continuing pandemic is so vital now as we work around redistricting, housing crises, and shifts in technology. Our work moves forward virtually through tireless collaboration across state conference chairs and branch leaders. We have brought in technology experts to make sure this state conference isn’t missing a beat. We were pleased to install strong youth leadership. The youth agenda is amazing and we look forward to great things from our youth council leadership. We are excited also about the young leaders that are serving across the state branch presidents and executive committee members who are in position to advance the future of the conference.”

** Statement by Committee Chair or State Officer**

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will mark its 113th year of leading civil rights advocacy in America on February 12, 2022. Founded in 1936, the New York State Conference of Branches has led the fight for equality in every corner of the state, from fighting for school desegregation in Buffalo to the expansion of voting rights in Suffolk County. The New York State Conference of Branches operates under the leadership of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, State Conference President and Member, National Board of Directors.