NAACP PRESIDENT AND CEO DERRICK JOHNSON: "REJOICE TODAY, REBUILD TOMORROW"

 Friend:

This morning, hate, division, and lies left the most powerful office in the world for the last time.

We endured pain, trauma, fear, and marginalization for four years, but we are still here.

We fought, we persisted, mobilized neighbors, used our voice, and most importantly, used our vote.

And so today we are celebrating a long overdue but historic occasion: The inauguration of President Joe Biden and the first woman of Black and South Asian descent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The immense symbolism of this election cannot be ignored, especially after the hatred and ignorance that has characterized the past four years.

This election cycle we saw, once again, voters across the country put their faith in Black women, who used their political power to unify against the ugly resurgence of white supremacy.

For far too long Black women have been at the forefront of our participatory democratic process. Today we see that translated into positions of power at the highest levels of our government.

Change of this magnitude never happens in a vacuum. It took the dedicated work of organizers past and present; women like Shirley Chisolm who paved the way for Black women in politics and organizers like Stacey Abrams who were on the ground knocking on doors and registering voters.

Together we enter this new chapter, and I am calling upon every supporter, member, organizer, and activist to stand with the NAACP as we begin the work of rebuilding and healing the damages our communities have endured by advancing the Black Agenda.

Friend, now comes the long process of addressing the deeply rooted inequalities that plague our nation. Though this may be a difficult task, nothing is impossible when we stand together. Please consider making a generous donation today as we roll up our sleeves and get back to work:

Eternally grateful for your continued support,

Derrick Johnson
President and CEO
NAACP