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President Derrick Johnson and Gov Maura Healey
Press Statement March 3, 2023

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson Meets with Massachusetts Governor Healey Ahead of 2023 National Convention

President Derrick Johnson and Gov Maura Healey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 3, 2023

Contact: Jonah Bryson, jbryson@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON - Today, NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson met with Gov. Maura Healey (Mass.) during his visit to Boston. He also spent time at Harvard University as a guest panelist for their Thursday Institute of Politics forum where he discussed political activism with former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III. 

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement regarding his time in Boston:

"For four years now, the NAACP has anticipated our convening in Boston for our annual National Convention. With great pleasure, we will finally come together in this unique and progressive city for the 114th National Convention this summer. We've endured some very challenging years as a people and after meeting with Gov. Healey and speaking with the young minds of this city, it has become more clear that the people of Massachusetts are ready to enact true and equitable change in this nation. It brings me joy to join local leadership and the Boston community to plan a vision for the future of civil rights in America that includes a more inclusive economy, prioritizes voting rights for all, provides affordable and accessible health care and puts an end to environmental and climate injustices.

Our National Convention provides a distinctive and salient opportunity to cement solutions that lead to actionable items through workshops and panels. The NAACP looks forward to joining the bold and bright minds of the Boston community along with our organizational leaders at this year's National Convention to canvass our community's most pressing issues, determine the NAACP's policy agenda priorities for 2023-24 and provide solutions to the ongoing issues in Black America in order to advocate for policies that address the changes we demand as a community."

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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.