NAACP Marks Juneteenth with Call to Protect Freedom and Fight for Voting Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2026
Contact: Communications@naacpnet.org 

Organization urges communities to organize, mobilize, and safeguard hard-won freedoms amid ongoing attacks on civil rights

WASHINGTON — As communities across the nation commemorate Juneteenth, the NAACP is honoring the legacy of freedom while fighting the escalating threats to Black political power, access to the ballot, and fundamental civil rights.

Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of both the delayed promise of freedom for Black Americans and the ongoing struggle to fully realize that promise. This year, the commemoration comes at a time of heightened concern, as communities face renewed efforts to roll back rights that generations fought to secure.

"This Juneteenth falls in the shadow of Donald Trump's repeated attacks on our community," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "As we mark Juneteenth, we're pushing back against states that are enacting congressional maps that would erase Black representation. We're fighting attempts to block access to the ballot box through unlawful executive orders. The fundamental civil right to Birthright Citizenship is now in question. And white nationalists are being promised $1.8 billion in support from Trump's DOJ. Juneteenth is a moment to celebrate freedom — and this year, we must organize and mobilize together to turn out voters this November to protect that freedom. Trump and his allies are attempting to take our rights away, but as long as we stand strong as a community — and vote as a country — they will never succeed."

The NAACP emphasized that Juneteenth is not only a day of reflection but also a call to action. Across the country, lawmakers continue to introduce policies that weaken voting rights, dismantle fair representation, and undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.

From statehouses to courtrooms, the Association is actively working to challenge discriminatory congressional maps, oppose unlawful restrictions on voting access, and defend core constitutional protections. The NAACP will use every legal, legislative, and grassroots tool available to protect Black communities and ensure equal participation in the democratic process.

As the nation reflects on the meaning of freedom this Juneteenth, the NAACP is urging individuals, families, and communities to remain engaged, informed, and active in shaping the future.

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About NAACP

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.