In response to weeks of community meetings and post-election listening sessions throughout Manchester, the Manchester NAACP affirms its commitment to grassroots work to protect and champion civil rights and social justice in the Manchester area, especially in relation to policies that affect Black communities, including access to health care, education equity, and environmental and economic justice.
As we anticipate and prepare for potential negative policy changes in our polarized nation, we affirm our full and unswerving commitment to American ideals of liberty and justice for all and of equality before the law. The Manchester unit walks the walk of this commitment throughout the year in areas including advocacy and support of people of color who have encountered discrimination or who have been unjustly treated, excellence and fairness in public education, access to affordable health care supporting the well-being and resilience of people of color, and economic and environmental justice.
In this, it acts to realize Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “abiding faith in America and audacious faith that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”
Alicia Mercedes, press secretary for the national NAACP, stated: “Our resolve remains stronger than ever as we advocate for policies that dismantle systemic injustices and support the American dream. This new chapter presents an opportunity to chart a course that unites Americans through integrity, understanding, and inclusion.”
President-Elect Arnold Mikolo states: “As President-elect, I am deeply committed to uniting our community and strengthening partnerships with members, allies, and elected officials to uphold the NAACP’s core values of justice, equality, and progress. These are challenging times, filled with strong emotions and urgent needs. However, the recent elections remind us of both the obstacles we face and the hope found in historic milestones, such as the Congressional Black Caucus’s achievement of record-breaking representation with this election. We will stand firm together, work diligently, and strive for a brighter, more just future for all.”
Speaking earlier this year on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Manchester unit, First Vice-President Elect James McKim urged NH residents to “think bigger than ourselves,” to “go to town meetings. Let your voice be heard. Contact your representatives. Let them know. Contact your Executive Council members. Let them know what you think needs to be done to change systems to improve the quality of life for everyone here in the state.”
In this time of transition, challenge, and opportunity, the NAACP is strengthened by memory of past struggles and successes including its role in ending segregation in schools, the integration of the armed forces, and securing federal assurances in relation to voting rights and fair housing. The Manchester unit of the NAACP stands steadfast in its support of integrity, understanding, and steady, collective action to dismantle systemic injustice and to protect and extend civil rights. The unit invites all those who share this commitment to join us.
ABOUT THE NAACP
Founded in 1909 in response to ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation along with well over two million activist members.
