LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND SPECIAL GUEST ANNOUNCED FOR 66TH ANNUAL FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FUND DINNER
“Added to the exciting lineup is Hassan Jaber, President & CEO, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), as the James Weldon Johnson Lifetime Achievement Awardee. Jaber will be recognized for his 16 years of exemplary leadership and service as an inspiration to generations of individuals focused on improving quality of life.
In addition to Jaber, Zania Alaké, Singer, Songwriter and Spring 2021 Top 20 Finalist on “The Voice,” will be a special guest for the Freedom Fund Dinner. Alaké will perform “Lift Every Voice And Sing,” and the national anthem. “
PRESS STATEMENT – BEAT DOWN AT THE BORDER – HAITIANS DESERVE MUCH BETTER!
“The influx of immigrants to Del Rio, Texas, most of them Haitians, has gripped the attention of the world. Graphic scenes of Haitians being run down by border patrol agents on horseback, using their lariats like a bull whip conjure up images of American enslavement. It reminds us of a period in our nation’s history filled with pain, blood, agony, and human degradation. Escaped Africans were often pursued by slavecatchers on horseback carrying bull whips in one hand, while guns were strapped to their side ready to be drawn by the other. America must do better than this.”
HUD SECRETARY MARCIA L. FUDGE TO KEYNOTE 66TH ANNUAL FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FUND DINNER
“After nearly two years of COVID-19, we are pleased to begin a new journey along the march towards freedom and equity at one of the nation’s most iconic civil rights events called the Detroit NAACP Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner. It is scheduled for Sunday, October 3, 5pm, at the TCF Center.”
PRESS STATEMENT - HOW TO KILL A DEMOCRACY
. Last November, the American people by a majority of 7 million votes elected a new president. Joseph R. Biden got 81 million votes to Donald J. Trump’s 74 million. It was the highest voter turnout since 1900. Despite this, American democracy has been called into question. Voters have been made to believe fraud was committed, machines were rigged, and illegal ballots were cast. Phony voter audits have been called for in the states of Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and even attempts have been made in Michigan. The U.S. Justice Department warned, “that some jurisdictions conducting them may be using or proposing to use procedures that risk violating the Civil Rights Acts.”
PRESS RELEASE - WE TOO HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIONS!
“The recent knockout of a young black man by a Detroit police officer, as he walked backwards in Downtown Detroit raises very serious concerns. These concerns go directly to police policy and protocol. Does this reflect the kind of community policing so desperately needed in cities across the country?”
PRESS STATEMENT - THE PROPOSED REVISIONS OF THE DETROIT CITY CHARTER
“The NAACP has long since its inception believed in the fundamental right to vote. It is one of the pillars on which the organization stands. In that spirit, the Detroit Branch NAACP must oppose any attempt which may directly or indirectly impede, negate, or eliminate the right of the people to cast their vote and exercise their constitutional rights. “
PRESS STATEMENT - LET’S GO BACK TO SCHOOL
The ability to train, inspire, and facilitate the dreams and aspirations of youth can’t ever be completely measured. Teachers are invaluable. Parents are the key to what their children will aspire to be. Schools are repositories for academic learning, social development, duty and responsibility, unity, and community. They help to establish both purpose and priorities.
PRESS STATEMENT: WE MUST PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE
“We are facing a political pandemic. We are facing a virus that is spreading like COVID-19 seeking to consume the very life out of our democracy in over 47 states. They have placed democracy on a ventilator that provides not greater access but rather a grand scheme to suppress the rights of a select group of Michiganders.”
PRESS STATEMENT - THE VIRUS OF VOTER SUPPRESSION IS NOW THE EPIDEMIC WITHIN OUR DEMOCRACY!
“Standing underneath the canvass of a notorious slave plantation in Wilkes County Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp and six white male Republicans signed into law a voter suppression bill. Among other things it makes it illegal to give food and water to Black people while standing in line to vote. The state of Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis is now considering the same law. It reminds one of the era when it was illegal to the point of death to give Black’s food, water, and shelter as they escaped from slavery to freedom. “
PRESS STATEMENT - DID THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE LET THE DOGS OUT?!
“Perhaps the Michigan State Police (MSP) need to put some of their officers on a leash to prevent the dogs from chewing away at suspects entitled to apprehension and not digestion. State Trooper Parker Surbrook, in a horrific, inhumane demonstration of what not to do, has violated the ethics, and policies of the Michigan State Police.”
PRESS STATEMENT - THE PRIVILEGE OF WHITE PRIVILEGE
“No other group in America has been allowed to attack with impunity the nation’s capital, our citadel of freedom and democracy. We witnessed an insurrectionist group of domestic terrorists storm the capitol, break down the doors, walk over the police, bust the windows, roam the floors, ransacking congressional offices at will. They were welcomed and given a free “come as you are” pass by some members of the capitol police. As they came in after taking selfies with certain members of the capitol police, backpacks strapped on their backs, bricks and sticks in hand, one even had a pistol strapped to his side. “
PRESS STATEMENT — DEMOCRACY STILL STANDS
“After failure in the courts, elimination of postal services, unfounded and embarrassing conspiracy theories, and the attempted assassination of certification, it was brought to a halt in the state of Michigan. Let this be very clear to every citizen in these United States. The only security we have to preserve and protect our freedom, and to continue our democracy is our vote and the unrelenting determined voices of the people to defend it.”
PRESS RELEASE — DETROIT BRANCH NAACP APPOINTS HOLLOWELL SPECIAL ELECTIONS COUNSEL
“We are pleased to appoint Attorney Hollowell who will advise the NAACP as Special Elections Counsel to ensure we have the very best legal advice on protecting the 250,000 votes cast by Detroiters in the November 3 Presidential election. Our vote is our power. And there is no lawyer in the country better equipped to assist us in ensuring that our voting power is protected and counted than Attorney Hollowell,” said Reverend Anthony.
PRESS STATEMENT — THE REPUBLICAN ELECTION PANDEMIC OF 2020
“This latest election debacle occurring in Wayne County, in the city of Detroit, is another example of people trying to take away from those who have worked hard, voted right, and counted efficiently. Our eternal thanks for the vast number of workers and volunteers who risked their very lives during this COVID-19 period to count the votes, endure the insults, harassment, and intimidation by Trump operatives seeking to invade their space. “
PRESS STATEMENT - STOP THE MADNESS — IT’S A LANDSLIDE
“This madness lies in President Trump’s refusal to accept the decision of the American people to vote for whom they want as President. This madness is rooted in Republican leaders playing footsie with words and actions, refusing to recognize President-Elect Joe Biden as the choice of the majority of Americans. “
PRESS STATEMENT: COUNT EVERY VOTE AND EVERY VOTE MUST BE COUNTED
“America should be better than this. This was the same tactic used in Florida in 2000, during the Al Gore and George W. Bush recount. It was used once again in Ohio in 2004 during the Bush vs. Kerry election. In 2020, it is now being used in the city of Detroit in the Trump vs. Biden contest. This terror technique will not work. The votes will be counted.”
PRESS RELEASE — WE WILL NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE
“These threats of folk coming into places like Detroit, possibly brandishing armed weapons at polling places, is unacceptable. We call upon the Detroit Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff, Michigan State Police, and the Attorney General to enforce the law, and to arrest and prosecute any individual or organizations that violate the voting rights of any citizen in the city of Detroit. “
$1 Billion Commitment to the Community
The Detroit Branch NAACP presents a special forum with TCF Bank to discuss its new project of a $1 billion dollar commitment to Black, minority, women and small businesses. Join us for a special discussion on this new program.
Congressman John Lewis
Every now and then we are paused by the voices that reside in the corners of our conscience. In the words of Congressman John Robert Lewis. “when you see something about that is not right, not fair, not just, do something about it.