NAACP Responds to State Bar of Texas Rescinding Invitation to President Derrick Johnson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — This week, the NAACP issued a letter to the State Bar of Texas responding to their decision to rescind the invitation to NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson to serve as keynote speaker at their Annual Meeting Luncheon. The reason for disinviting him? Because the NAACP Texas State Conference had the audacity to stand up for children and challenge unlawful federal overreach by filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's illegal attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
This is not about "politics." This is about people. This is about silencing voices who stand on the frontlines defending civil rights, the rule of law, and the right to an education for every child in America — especially Black children, whose futures are repeatedly placed on the chopping block.
Let's be clear: rescinding this invitation is a cowardly act, not a principled one. The same institution that welcomed former Trump Attorney General Bill Barr — the man who ran legal cover for authoritarianism — without a second thought is now labeling our advocacy "too political"? That's not just hypocrisy. That's censorship in plain sight.
"Any notion that rescinding an invitation or throwing up roadblocks will deter the NAACP from fighting on behalf of our communities is a grave miscalculation. We are no stranger to Texas" said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. "We are civil rights leaders. Fighting is what we do. If you invite freedom fighters, don't expect them to forget how to fight."
The NAACP exists to lead. To challenge injustice. To make good trouble. The State Bar of Texas's actions do nothing but reaffirm the necessity of our work.
We will not be silent. We will not be sidelined. We will continue to empower. And we most certainly will not be stopped.
To read our full letter to the State Bar of Texas, please visit this link.
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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.