NAACP Condemns Act of Hate in Jacksonville, Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2023 

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

NAACP President & CEO: "As we continued the march for freedom in Washington, hateful actors continued to carry out the white supremacist agenda in Jacksonville."

WASHINGTON - Earlier today, during the continuation of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a white supremacist follower in Jacksonville claimed the lives of three Black Americans at a Dollar General store. NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement, condemning the act of hatred and calling for the ban of assault weapons: 

"It's a sad day in America when we realize that extremists will stop at nothing to undermine our work to thrive. As we continued the march for freedom in Washington, hateful actors continued to carry out the white supremacist agenda in Jacksonville, claiming the lives of Black Americans in the name of an era we refuse to go back to. Today's tragedy is a reminder of why we march, and why we will stop at nothing to ensure that democracy works for everybody. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who stand to be forever impacted by today's acts of hatred. Enough is enough. We must ban assault weapons now." 

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The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.