NAACP Unveils Black Policy Agenda Ahead of State of the Union
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - Ahead of President Biden's final State of the Union address before elections in November, the nation's largest civil rights organization has unveiled their Black Policy Agenda: State of The Union Edition. The agenda, which is first-of-a-kind for the organization, encapsulates the issues that are top-of-mind for Black America, outlines the Biden Administration's progress thus far, and what must be done to fulfill promises made to Black America on the 2020 campaign trail.
NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, who will attend Thursday night's address, released the following statement:
"Ahead of the 2024 election, the NAACP's number one priority is to educate, engage, and prepare the Black electorate to mobilize. Let's be clear - democracy cannot work without the Black vote. But Black voters refuse to remain tone deaf to the reality of actions, or lack thereof on behalf of any politician. We appreciate the Biden Administration's continued efforts to include our community in all important conversations. I look forward to hearing from the Commander in Chief on how his administration plans to continue fulfilling their commitments to our community. It's up to all of us to ensure that Democracy works, for everybody."
The full agenda can be found here and on the NAACP website, in addition to the Association's legislative policy agenda released late last year during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference (CBC-ALC). This is the first year that the Association has publicly released its key policy priorities directed towards the federal government.
"Approaching elections with a clear understanding of policy positions and progress is a crucial tool for educating, and engaging Black voters," said Patrice Willoughby, NAACP SVP of Global Policy & Impact. "The NAACP's ongoing work to engage with, and advise all Presidential Administrations on the most pressing issues facing our community is paramount to advancing our broader mission. We look forward to the continued opportunity to hold our elected officials accountable to their promises, celebrate their progress, and continue promoting equity for everybody."
Ahead of the 2024 elections, NAACP is working to recruit 300,000 volunteers to support their GOTV mobilization efforts. Additionally, the organization is prioritizing data collection, targeted education, and engagement within 26 states that have the highest concentration of Black voters.
For more information on NAACP's work to get out the Black vote, visit naacp.org/vote.
###
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.