Local NAACP News – January 2017

by Carmen Ramos-Kennedy –

As we move into the New Year, many are finding themselves in a state of disillusionment, fear and/or anger.

The election results are a huge disappointment to progressive-minded people. What we must do now is channel that disappointment into proactive action to hold our elected officials accountable, and demand that they represent ALL the people!

To help get that representation, one of our Branch’s goals is to work on local advocacy tactics that actually work. Come to our monthly meetings to learn more. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Hill Street Baptist Church, 135 Hill Street, Asheville 28801.

Moral March on Raleigh

Please join Asheville-Buncombe Branch NAACP, Branches across the State, Mountain People’s Assembly, and thousands of supporters for the 11th annual Moral March on Raleigh on February 11, 2017. This annual mass mobilization of the HKonJ Coalition brings together justice-loving people from our state and nation to stand against the legislative attacks on the people of North Carolina, and to continue to fight for our moral agenda.

We will gather on South Street in downtown Raleigh at 8:30 a.m. The Rally begins at 9 a.m., and the Moral March and People’s Assembly begins at 10 a.m. Mountain People’s Assembly is planning a bus to the state capital for the Moral March. Stay tuned to the Asheville-Buncombe Branch NAACP and/or Mountain People’s Assembly Facebook pages at: facebook.com/buncombecountynaacp and facebook.com/forwardtogetherinthemountains.

Take Action

Some folks make New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re one of them we hope you can add to yours a “new resolve to get involved.” Below you will find several links to help you engage in a number of ways. At the top of the list is the NC We The People Petition, which needs to go viral. Please take action.

NC We The People Online Petition

Please go to ncwethepeople.org and sign the petition for a ballot measure in North Carolina that will allow voters to tell Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment declaring that corporations are not people, and money is not speech. Please copy and send to everyone in your contacts. Be sure to ask your contacts to do the same.

Lunch and Learn with NAACP Criminal Justice Committee

Ian Mance, Criminal Justice Attorney, Southern Coalition for Social Justice Durham, NC will disseminate Asheville Traffic Stop Data compiled by the N.C. Dept. of Justice, on January 24 from 12 Noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Edington Center, 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. To register call (828) 275-6217.

Welcoming America

Help Create More Inclusive Communities, https://goo.gl/EpAkqC

Talking to Children About Race, https://goo.gl/pOCjlE

Churches in Dallas Work for Reconciliation: Ideas for Faith Communities, https://goo.gl/oaty8G

Supporting Transgender Students: More Inclusive Learning Environment, https://goo.gl/bA3cT6

Vera Institute: Criminal Justice Reform, https://goo.gl/muWcmM

Gender Equality in the Workplace: Addressing Gender Disparity, https://goo.gl/JqvR44

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.