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CONTACT MEMBERS OF U.S. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND STRONGLY URGE A "NO" VOTE ON JEFF SESSIONS' CONFIRMATION TO BE ATTORNEY GENERAL
CALL ALL MEMBERS OF THE US SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
(SEE ATTACHED LIST OF SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND PHONE NUMBERS)
Hearings are being held on whether or not Senator Jefferson "Jeff" Beauregard Sessions III (Alabama) should be the 84th Attorney General of the United States. The first day, which was attended by a bus load of members of the Alabama State Conference of NAACP Branches was almost entirely dominated by Senator Sessions; on the second day the committee heard from 15 witnesses on two panels, some in favor of the nomination and some opposed. Included in those opposing the nomination were NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks; Senator Cory Booker (NJ); Congressman John Lewis (GA); Congressman Cedric Richardson (LA), the new Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; and David Cole, the Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). President Brooks lead the group saying "Senator Sessions' record conclusively demonstrates that he lacks the judgment and temperament to serve effectively as Attorney General of the United States. Senator Sessions' record throughout his career...evinces a clear disregard, disrespect, and even disdain for the civil and human rights of racial and ethnic minorities, women, the disabled, and others who suffer from discrimination in this country."
President Brooks went on to demonstrate that as a U.S. Senator, Sen. Sessions has consistently opposed many of the very crucial laws and programs for which he will be responsible for enforcing at the US Department of Justice, and that he has earned an average score of just over 10% out of 100% on the NAACP Civil Rights Federal Legislative Report Card throughout his 19 years as a US Senator. Specifically, to name but a few of the troubling positions taken by Sen. Sessions which were opposed by the NAACP, he consistently voted against the expansion of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act; he has consistently opposed safe, sane and sensible measures to stem the plague of gun violence across our country; he voted against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act; he has supported discriminatory requirement for photo identification when voting; and he has worked to prevent legislation which would repair and restore the 1965 Voting Rights Act among other troubling policy positions.
In addition to his woeful voting record, Senator Sessions has also voiced policy and opinions which are diametrically opposed, and in too many cases, directly hurtful to the NAACP and the communities we serve. Specifically, he has referred to the NAACP as "un-American" and "Communist-inspired" because we "forced civil rights down the throats of people."
He has also accused the NAACP and other like- minded groups of teaching anti-American values. In 2015, Senator Sessions said that calls to remove the Confederate flag from public buildings are among efforts by "the left" to "delegitimize the fabulous accomplishments of our country"; and in 2006 he referred to the 1965 Voting Rights Act during its reauthorization as "a piece of intrusive legislation."
Speaking at the historic Women's March on Washington, DC, on Jan. 21, 2017, NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, speaking to the hundreds of thousands in attendance and to the millions more watching around the world, stated that we must recognize the dangers in extreme nominees such as Jeff Sessions urged all Americans to oppose his confirmation. Also, President and CEO Cornell William Brooks and Greenpeace Executive Director Annie Leonard are calling on people to contact their lawmakers.
Given his past record of dismal regard for basic civil, human, Constitutional and voting rights, the NAACP opposes the nomination of Senator Sessions to serve as US Attorney General. A vote by the full Senate Judiciary Committee on whether or not to send his nomination forward to the full US Senate with a positive recommendation has been scheduled for Tues., 1/31/17. We urge every Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee to oppose this nomination.
STRONGLY URGE SENATE H.E.L.P. COMMITTEE TO VOTE "NO" ON CONFIRMATION OF BETSY DeVOS AS U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION
ACTION ALERT ATTACHED! Fair and equal access to a high quality public education for every child has been a cornerstone of what we have fought for; it has been instrumental in all we do. The NAACP has been in the forefront of the struggle for and a staunch advocate of free, high-quality, fully and equitably-funded public education for all of America's children. We are dedicated to eliminating the racial inequities that continue to plague the education system.
Currently, more than 50 million, or more than 90% of all children in the U.S., attend public schools. Today, the majority of these children are racial or ethnic minorities. During her confirmation "hearing" before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions ("HELP") Committee, at which no one other than the nominee was allowed to testify and where Senators' questioning time was severely curtailed, Mrs. DeVos clearly demonstrated that she lacks the experience and qualifications to lead the U.S. Department of Education's more than 4,400 staff people nation-wide in furthering its mission to foster educational excellence and ensure equal access to high quality education for all students.
Mrs. DeVos has zero experience with public schools, either as a student, educator, administrator, or even as a parent. Furthermore, her apparent disregard for the safety and well being of our nation's children came into sharp focus when, during her confirmation "hearing", Senator Christopher Murphy (CT) asked if she supported making all schools "gun- free" zones, Ms. DeVos replied, "I would imagine there's a gun in the school to protect from potential grizzlies." Mrs. DeVos' qualifications are as a Chairperson for several organizations which promote schemes which she terms "school choice," such as private school vouchers and tuition tax credits to fund private schools at taxpayers' expense. She is also a major, wealthy political donor, giving enough large amounts of money to political parties and candidates that she is able to exert significant political influence.
However, numerous non-partisan studies have demonstrated conclusively that school vouchers are not a good use of taxpayers' money which does not even significantly benefit the children who take part in such programs. Furthermore, the moniker of "school choice" is, in many ways, a misnomer. Too often, options which include school vouchers and have been touted as "school choice" do not provide real options for students and parents. The "choice" actually lies with the schools, which may turn students away for a variety of reasons or may pick and choose which rules and minimum standards, if any, (including, but not limited to, basic civil rights laws) they want to adhere to. It is up to the school to determine whom to accept, Jimmie, Jamal, or José. In contrast, public schools are open to all and have accountability and transparency standards which have been put into place for a reason.
Given the importance of education to the NAACP, and Mrs. DeVos' sheer lack of qualifications and her demonstrated lack of commitment to ensuring the ability of all students to receive a high quality public education, the NAACP has officially opposed her confirmation. The HELP Committee will vote on whether to send the DeVos nomination to the floor of the full Senate with a positive recommendation this morning at 10:00 a.m.. eastern time We must urge every Senator to oppose her confirmation.
JOIN A NAACP COMMITTEE....
GET ACTIVE, TAKE ACTION!
The NAACP DC Branch has an aggressive agenda to leverage direct action, civic advocacy and economic power to effect positive change in criminal justice reform, political action, healthcare reform, climate justice, environmental justice and civil rights equality. This is the time to get engaged! Join the NAACP DC Branch for one of our upcoming committee meetings.
NAACP POLITICAL ACTION MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017
PLEASE RSVP AT politicalaction.naacpdc@gmail.com TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
NAACP LEGAL REDRESS MEETING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017
PLEASE RSVP AT legalredress.naacpdc@gmail.com TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
NAACP CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
PLEASE RSVP AT climate.naacpdc@gmail.com TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
WOMEN IN NAACP MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
PLEASE RSVP AT win.naacpdc@gmail.com TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
48TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017
AIRS LIVE ON TVONE
9:00PM EST
Presented annually, the NAACP Image Awards is recognized as the Nation's preeminent multi-cultural awards show from an African American point of view. The event celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. Honorees, presenters, performers and social justice advocates have included many of the major celebrities in America as well as international political figures and dignitaries. There are 55 competitive categories in the fields of motion picture, television, record- ing and literature. There are also several honorary awards including the Chairman's Award, President's Award, Vanguard Award, Entertainer of the Year and the Image Awards Hall of Fame.
To understand the significance of the NAACP Image Awards, one must place the program in a social and historical context. Ideas and images create the belief sys- tems that control our individual and societal actions. When it comes to forming ide- as, reinforcing stereotypes, establishing norms and shaping our thinking, nothing af- fects us more than the images and concepts delivered into our lives on a daily basis by television, motion picture, recordings and literature. Accordingly, there is ample cause for concern about what does or does not happen in these mediums when there is little or no diversity in either opportunities or the decision making process.
THE NAACP'S POSITION ON
CHARTER SCHOOLS
AN OP-ED FROM NAACP NATIONAL PRESIDENT/CEO
Rev. Dr. Cornell W. Brooks, Esq.
Read more at EBONY http://www.ebony.com/news-views/naacp-cornell-brooks-charter-schools#ixzz4QDVBsvUR
NAT TURNER TRAIL FIELD TRIP
Saturday, February 25, 2017
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
REGISTRATION FEE $60
REGISTER HERE
APPEAL is sponsoring a Bus Trip to the Nat Turner Trail. This field trip will leave DC on a bus to the Nat Turner Trail, where Nat Turner led the revolt of the Black Liberation Army of 1831, in the fall of 1831 in Southampton County, Virginia. While at Southampton, VA, we will take a two(2) hour bus and walking tour, then visit at the Khalifah Holistic Health Retreat for a discussion about the tour and a wholesome lunch at the Nat Turner Library.
Nat Turner strategized and executed a lethal blow to white slave owners and their families who had brutally and inhumanely mistreated the enslaved Africans they considered their property. Nat Turner and many of his soldiers were captured over the next sixty days. In the aftermath of the revolt, there was a blood bath against many innocent enslaved Africans before and long after Nat Turner's hanging on November 11, 1831. The revolt stirred a fear unmatched in the hearts of whites throughout the country, especially in the south, and contributed to the urgency for a resolution to the slave horror that was the basis of the U.S. Economy.Learn the true story of Nat Turner, while visiting the places where he was born, lived, worked and led the revolt that changed a nation.
Registration includes transportation, the tour and lunch at the Nat Turner Library. The bus will leave the Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 at 8:30am SHARP! Returning to the Thurgood Marshall Center at 6pm.
JUICING CLASS
The NAACP DC Branch partnered with Turning Natural to host a Juicing Class on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 4:00pm as a component of a 12 Month Health Program, "Health Is the New Wealth." Jerri Evans, Owner of Turning Natural, lead the Juicing Workshop explaining the nutritional benefits of various juices and provided juice samples.
 
 
Turning Natural was started by Jerri's mother, Annette Turner. Annette had a dream for creating healthy living especially through the access of quality fruits and vegetables. After passing away from a long battle of cancer, her daughter, Jerri Evans, continued her legacy in creating fresh and naturals juices. Turning Natural has a wide variety of fresh juices and smoothies that can help with cleansing your body system to a better and healthy lifestyle.
Today, Turning Natural has 2 locations. The newest Turning Natural is located in the Anacostia area in Ward 8 of Washington, DC. Juice orders can be placed online. To view the full menu and place orders, please visit www.turningnatural.com
TURNING NATURAL
2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C.
www.turningnatural.com
NUTRITIONAL COOKING CLASS
The NAACP DC Branch partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington to host a Nutritional Cooking Class on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, as a component of a 12 Month Health Program, "Health Is the New Wealth." The mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is to foster the spiritual, mental & physical development of individuals, families & communities according to the ideals of inclusiveness, equality and mutual respect for all.
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