Local NAACP News – December 2016

by Carmen Ramos-Kennedy –

Election of Officers

Because the October 2015 election of officers was a special election, off-cycle with the rest of NAACP’s Elections, the Buncombe County Branch was required to have an election. On Saturday November 12, 2016 the following people were elected to serve two-year terms: Carmen Ramos-Kennedy, President; James Lee, Vice-President, Elaine Lite, Secretary; Marvin Chambers, Treasurer.

Let it Shine

In lieu of our regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Asheville-Buncombe Branch NAACP members will join “Let it Shine: Celebrating the Light of Community!”

In light of the recent divisive election, our Branch along with approximately 30 other organization (including ABCCM, Building Bridges, Center for Diversity Education, Center for Participatory Change, and the YWCA) will join together to celebrate our community’s commitment to support people of every creed, ethnicity, religion, background, gender, and orientation.

This gathering is to remind us of our power to bring light and warmth into the world as we work to create a future where ALL people are welcome and safe. Please join us December 13 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Edwin Place in Asheville at 7 p.m.

Equity Manager

The City of Asheville is asking for input on what skills the new position of Equity Manager should have. Our local Branch encourages members of the community to participate. Here are the details:

Equity Manager: What Skills Will Be Important? Please come share your thoughts about skills the equity manager will need to be successful!

• Tuesday, Dec 13 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (light lunch will be provided), Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
• Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Shiloh Recreation Center, 121 Shiloh Rd.

Women’s March on Washington

On Jan 21, 2017, women from across the nation will gather in Washington to stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of women’s rights—our safety, our health, and our families. The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us—women, black and brown people, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths, particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, native and indigenous people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished, and survivors of sexual assault.

We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear. The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.

Stay in touch as plans unfold and get travel information:

• North Carolina: facebook.com/events/1205920736112709
• Website: www.womensmarch.com
• Twitter: twitter.com/womensmarch
• Instagram: instagram.com/womensmarch
• Bus Info: rallybus.net/womens-march-on-washington

Carmen Ramos-Kennedy is the President of the Asheville-Buncombe County NAACP Branch #5363. For questions and membership information, call (828) 255-4453, or send an email to [email protected]. Asheville Buncombe NAACP, PO Box 2881, Asheville, NC 28802.