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Claude Cummings Jr. - NAACP National Board of Directors
Press Statement July 11, 2023

NAACP Congratulates Board Member Claude Cummings Jr. on His Historic Election as CWA President

Claude Cummings Jr. - NAACP National Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2023

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

BALTIMORE — The NAACP extends its heartfelt congratulations to Board of Directors member Claude Cummings Jr. on his historic election as the first Black president of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson issued the following statement commemorating this significant accomplishment:

"We proudly acknowledge Claude for his historic election to become the first Black President of CWA. Claude's ascension to leader of the CWA is not just a personal achievement, but a monumental stride forward for all Americans. His leadership and resilience serve as a beacon, illuminating the path for the next generation. His remarkable accomplishment reminds us that each step we take contributes to the collective march toward a society where race-based discrimination is a thing of the past." 

Before becoming president, Cummings served as an at-large member of the Executive Board of CWA since 2007, and was initially elected Vice President of CWA's District 6 in July 2011 representing workers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. He also led important work that supported CWA engagement in Human and Civil Rights, Women's Rights, Immigration and Voter Protection. Cummings currently serves the NAACP as 1st Vice President of the Houston Branch and 2nd Vice President of the Texas State Conference of the NAACP.

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ABOUT NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF –  was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation's first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.