Leaders of the NAACP Arlington branch acknowledge they are walking a fine line in the era of Donald Trump.
The group will continue to press its values while refraining from direct political activity, the Rev. DeLishia Davis, president of the Arlington NAACP, said at a Monday meeting.
“We are a nonpartisan organization, but we are unapologetically for the advancement of all people,” Davis said at the body’s monthly meeting.
Trump’s name was not mentioned during the program, but it was clear his administration’s policies have drawn ire of the civil rights organization.
“Our work is as urgent now as it has ever been,” Davis said. “It is our sacred duty to rise. We can collectively bring about change. Our children and grandchildren and generations that come are depending on what we do now.”
Plans are underway for both the local and state NAACP conventions in October. At both levels, voter engagement efforts are paramount as Virginia heads toward Election Day on Nov. 4.
County Board member Julius “JD” Spain, Sr., who serves on the executive committee of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, said he expected the election to take center stage at the state convention, which will take place from Oct. 24-26 in Richmond.
“All eyes are on Virginia,” Spain said, while echoing Davis’s comments that the group did not engage in partisan political activity.
The goal in reaching prospective voters was “just to get them out,” he said.
“Don’t tell them how to vote, but get out to vote,” Spain added, suggesting “very robust engagement” was on the horizon.
National NAACP president Derrick Johnson will be keynote speaker at the state convention. At the Monday meeting, Davis, Spain, Kathleen McSweeney and Judith Knight were tapped as Arlington delegates.
The state convention will mark the 90th anniversary of the Virginia NAACP. Arlington’s branch is marking 85 years, having been founded in 1940 under the leadership of Esther Cooper (1881-1970).
As in previous years, the local branch staffed a booth throughout the Arlington County Fair. McSweeney said she noted a change in tone among attendees, with an overwhelmingly positive response to the NAACP’s efforts.
“People who came up to us just thanked us,” she said. “There was not a negative thing said. It was a marked difference, and I think it was reflective of the current climate.”
Next up for the Arlington branch is its annual Freedom Fund banquet, to be held Oct. 4 at George Mason University’s Arlington campus.
“We need everyone to be on board. We have put in a lot of work so far; there is a lot of work ahead,” said Arlington NAACP treasurer Karen Nightengale, who leads organizing efforts for the event.
Tickets currently are on sale for the 78th annual event. The keynote speaker and award recipients will be announced in early September.
