The NAACP Pushes for Equitable Stability Recovery for Vulnerable Populations Impacted by Coronavirus

Washington, D.C. — The NAACP is leading social justice and civil rights thought leaders to advocate for vulnerable populations in the face of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Earlier this week, the NAACP held an emergency tele-town hall with 21,000 participants. NAACP policy experts heard from thousands in the black community about the impact of the virus. The grassroots organization is sharing information and policies with congressional leaders to better inform decision making.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, spoke with congressional leaders and staff to ensure matters pertinent to caregivers, students, small business owners and hourly workers, whom will bear the brunt of this pandemic, receive an equitable outcome in the face of stimulus packages and bailouts put forth by Congress.

"In the short time which we've had to endure this pandemic and drastic shift in life as we know it, there are millions of people across the country whose issues have been exacerbated by this pandemic," said Johnson. "Economically and politically, they have been stunted in their ability to earn a living, engage in our democracy and contribute to society. With haste, Congress must take into account the low-income workers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, gig workers and others who will ultimately find themselves left out of the discussion when it comes to stability and recovery."

The NAACP policy experts have been coordinating with elected officials, coalition partners and its 2200 branches across the country to put forth a multi-billion dollar policy proposal that will ease the impact of this pandemic while ensuring an equitable solution is put forth to sustain the country and most importantly, its people.

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP's work and our "Game Changer" issue areas here.