The president of the Georgia chapter of the NAACP recently called on the group, urging them to strengthen the organization ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.
Published in news outlet Rolling Out, Gerald Griggs called on the community to band together with “unity, organization, and strategic action.” In his op-ed, he emphasized the enduring impact of President-Elect Donald Trump’s first term and called upon the NAACP to become stronger in the wake of his re-election.
Griggs proposed methods including mobilizing people to take civic action to help dismantle forms of oppression across all aspects of government, including the judiciary system.
He also emphasized the need to plan for achieving long-term change, with a focus on voting rights, the right to education and healthcare, reforms in criminal justice and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their policies.
“We are in a pivotal moment. The power to change our communities for the better lies within us, but it requires action from everyone,” wrote Griggs. “Young people, in particular, have a critical role to play. We need the energy and innovation of our youth, who understand that this fight is also theirs.”
In the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency, our nation has witnessed profound shifts in the political and social landscape. From emboldened rhetoric to policy shifts that threatened hard-won civil rights, the call for vigilance and action has never been louder.
— Gerald A. Griggs (@AttorneyGriggs) November 14, 2024
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Following the announcement that Trump had been chosen as President, the NAACP released a statement. In its official release, the organization promised to protect Black and other underserved communities, ensuring that their votes and voices would still be heard.
The NAACP also highlighted the dangers of electing a President who has proven to perpetrate and contribute to hateful rhetoric following a series of racist text messages that were sent nationwide after Election Day. In their statement, the organization emphasized their vow to bring “safety, security and prosperity” to all people, particularly in the wake of increased actions devoted to spreading hate. The NAACP also reported that they took action themselves, alerting the F.B.I. and law enforcement about the messages.
“We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat — and the mention of enslavement in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” said the NAACP in their official statement. “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized.”
