NAACP

The NAACP over the weekend issued a travel advisory for Florida, joining two other civil rights groups in warning potential tourists that recent laws championed by Gov_ Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”.

The NAACP warns that “separate and unequal policing” will return to Mississippi’s majority-Black capital under a state-run police department.

The NAACP is hosting a community meeting to discuss the state’s takeover of the Houston Independent School District.

A contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars is up for debate at Houston’s City Hall.

Whether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.

The federal government will put $600 million toward repairing the troubled water system in Mississippi’s capital city — a project that the mayor has said could cost billions of dollars.

A federal trial to determine whether South Carolina’s congressional maps are legal is closing with arguments over whether the state Legislature diluted Black voting power.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced it is investigating whether Mississippi state agencies discriminated against the state’s majority-Black capital city by refusing to fund improvements for its failing water system.

The NAACP on Tuesday accused Mississippi of discriminating against Black residents by denying badly needed federal funds for drinking water infrastructure in Jackson and instead diverting money to largely-white communities that needed it less.

At the center of the calls for termination are Nick Ozuna, Bellaire High School’s head baseball coach, as well as his assistant coach Robert Manuel. Both are accused of not correcting their players’ alleged racist taunts.

Community leaders gathered ahead of Houston Independent School District’s Board of Trustees’ monthly meeting, demanding two high school baseball coaches be fired amid allegations of racism.

Jennifer Hudson was named entertainer of the year at the 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards that highlighted works by entertainers and writers of color.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will receive the President’s Award during the 53rd NAACP Image Awards this weekend.

On Friday, the Brazoria County NAACP submitted an eight-page letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking for an independent investigation into allegations that former district clerk Rhonda Barchak altered the jury pool by race for more than a decade.

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Houston-area activists are calling for the federal government to take over the investigation of a former district clerk accused of excluding people of color from being selected on juries.

One of several legal challenges to North Carolina’s contentious voter ID law is on hold amid a dispute over whether two justices on the state Supreme Court should recuse themselves.

Houston area political leaders weighed in Tuesday on Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives leaving the state for Washington D.C., in an attempt to block a quorum needed to vote on a Republican-backed bill on election reform.

Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are unveiling $9.25 million in new educational and humanitarian projects as they seek to build on an alliance formed with the NAACP in 2018.

The NAACP has launched an initiative that works to limit pandemic and systemic disparities among the Black community within the United States.

The Houston Police Department teamed up with the Houston chapter of the NAACP to host a rally meant to address the recent rise in crime as well as provide community members the opportunity to “discuss issues of concern within their community, improve police and community relations.”

The University of Texas has announced that its marching band and pep band will be required to play “The Eyes of Texas” school song when they return to performing.

People in Houston and across the country are reacting to the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd.

The NAACP has given him its Jackie Robinson Sports Award. And, for the first time, the nation's oldest civil rights organization is recognizing more than one person by honoring the WNBA Players Association. Ad“I am so proud of the WNBA players for this well-deserved recognition of their continued activism and advocacy for social justice and equality," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement provided to the AP. Warriors coach Steve Kerr, outspoken on many issues himself, admires the WNBA players for their activism. “I love what the WNBA players have done.

Nearly four years after the NAACP warned travelers that their civil rights may not be respected if they visit the state, a Black woman has become the face of Missouri's tourism campaign. (Missouri Division of Tourism via AP). – A Black woman has become the face of Missouri's tourism campaign, nearly four years after the NAACP warned travelers that their civil rights may not be respected if they visit the state. Pictures also show her posing as a Foodie Mo, Barbecue Mo, Lake Mo, History Mo and more. He said Visit Missouri, the tourism website that features Mo, “auditioned over 200 actors and actresses with strong ties to Missouri.

(AP Photo/Jessica Hill)Mia Schultz has watched three other Black women in Vermont leave leadership posts in the mostly white state because of harassment and threats. Democratic state Rep. Kiah Morris, who was the only Black woman in the Vermont state Legislature, resigned that year partially in response to harassment from a self-described white nationalist. Anyone holding public office or high profile advocacy roles takes on risks as a public figure, but Black women face harassment and threats of violence aimed at them for both their gender and race. It's a challenge Black women leaders across the United States face and coincides with a surge of women, and women of color, running for office. Just this week during Vermont's annual town meetings, at least three Black women won seats on town and school boards.

ALVIN, Texas – Julie Pickren has been a trustee with the Alvin Independent School District Board since 2015. She traveled to Washington in January to take part in former President Donald Trump’s rally and documented it on FaceBook. “We ask that Ms. Pickren explain what the process was for her being there,” said chapter president Eugene Howard. “We’re not asking for ms Pickren to resign. we’re letting the community know that ms Pickren is up for reelection.”KPRC 2 asked Pickren for comment, she declined.

HOUSTON – Over the weekend, there was a call for action to combat police brutality and honor the life of George Floyd. On Sunday, the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, the Brazoir and Beaumont chapters of the NAACP and other organizations gathered for a slab ride. Several elected leaders were also there, calling on the federal government to pass the George Floyd Act. “Our committee will put on the floor of the House, next week -- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -- the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston). “We will vote on it in the House and with the leadership, my good friend Karen Bass and members of the judiciary committee, we’re here to tell you that bill will be passed.”The slab ride started on Homestead Road near Bretshire Drive in northeast Houston.

Dixon II, President-Elect, NAACP (KPRC)Dr. James W.E. Dixon II is poised to be sworn in as the new President of the Houston Branch of the NAACP. “My vision is to make this organization more relevant, more resourceful and more relatable,” he said in his appearance on Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. See much more on this week’s Houston Newsmakers EXTRA when he says :“The authentic message of the Gospel is a social justice message”“We need more than a poetic message that inspires. Dixon II, President-Elect Houston Branch, NAACP· Website: https://naacphouston.org/· Twitter: @NAACPHOUDee Dee Dochen, Producer ReelAbilities Virtual Concert· Website: https://www.reelabilitieshouston.org/· Website: http://www.dddmc.com/· Twitter: @ReelAbilityHouRhonda Abbott, Sr. VP & CEO TIRR Memorial Hermann· Website: https://www.reelabilitieshouston.org/· Website: https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/tirrAd· Twitter: @ReelAbilityHouVernita Harris, Co-Author Pinch-Dash-Done· Website: https://pinch-dash-done.com/· Facebook & Instagram: Pinch-Dash-DoneBeatrice Moore, Co-Author Pinch-Dash-Done· Website: https://pinch-dash-done.com/· Facebook & Instagram: Pinch-Dash-Done

BAYTOWN, Texas – Texas Rep. Al Green joined the NAACP Houston Branch and several of Houston’s elected officials in convening a press conference to demand the racially, insensitively named “Negrohead Lake” be renamed “Lake Henry Doyle” Monday morning. The Baytown lake, which was formerly named “Ni**er Lake” before it was changed in 1962, has caused officials to stand firm against its name that has caused much offense over the years. Officials are asking lawmakers to move swiftly in the renaming of the lake as a way to come against racism and social inequality. Officials said the lake is one of 33 landmarks in Texas with similar offensive names. He ended up going to TSU, where he studied at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Bledsoe continued.

HOUSTON – Houstonians who are struggling or facing eviction or foreclosure can sign up for housing assistance through the NAACP and Beyonce’s BeyGOOD foundation. The Houston native and her BeyGOOD foundation teamed up with the NAACP to provide 100 grants up to $5,000 each to families in need. The grant is part of Phase 2 of the BeyGOOD Impact Fund, where the nonprofit will provide $50,000 for those impacted by the housing crisis. To qualify for the assistance, you will be required to upload a copy of your most recent mortgage statement or rental delinquency notice along with your application. The deadline to submit your application is Thursday, Jan. 21.

The insurrection in Washington D.C. Wednesday has raised questions about how police reacted to the crowd that stormed the U.S. Capitol, with some critiquing law enforcement’s response as a double standard of justice. At issue is the question if rioters were Black, or of color, would the police have handled their response differently? Howard raised the question Thursday during a forum hosted by the Texas NAACP on day one of its statewide convention, which is being held virtually. Linder, Howard, and other leaders from Texas NAACP compared law enforcement’s response Wednesday to how it handled Black Lives Matter protesters over the summer. “I think a big part of my response to you is trust,” Randall said, in response to a question raised by Howard.

HOUSTON – Members of the NAACP Houston Branch and the Women’s Coalition for Women’s Empowerment gathered on the steps of Houston City Hall in response to a recent social media post by City Councilman Greg Travis. Councilman Greg Travis maintains his comment specifically was directed toward his thoughts on the former first lady’s performance in the unelected position. RELATED: Houston City Councilman Greg Travis faces backlash over Facebook comments“Everybody can have an opinion. She said his post disparaged Black women’s hard work. He has yet to acknowledge these women worked hard to reach their dreams and strive for a better life, said Robinson.

HOUSTON – The Houston Branch of the NAACP is hosting a virtual town hall on the COVID-19 vaccine. The town hall begins Tuesday and you can register for the event here. The NAACP’s Houston Branch is hoping to allay those fears by hosting this virtual town hall, connecting the community with medical experts who can answer questions and address concerns. “So you’ve got this institutional racism that exists and that harbors that mistrust,” said Roger Harris, a member of the NAACP Houston Branch’s executive committee. “The community can then be able to say, ‘well, I was at a virtual town hall meeting hosted by the NAACP and this is what I heard,” Harris said.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was motivated by race when it created a traffic plan designed to “suck the fun” out of Black Bike Week, a federal jury has found. But the same jury sided against the bikers, saying the city probably would have imposed the plan anyway. The Black bikers have been particularly frustrated by a 23-mile (37-kilometer) one-way no-exit traffic chute that funnels them out of town during the peak nights of Atlantic Beach Bikefest, otherwise known as Black Bike Week. The NAACP has tussled in court with the city, as well as local restaurants and a hotel, over their responses to the Black bikers for nearly two decades. That settlement expired in 2015, when the new traffic plan was established.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Motorcycle clubs roar into Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, each May for separate week-long rallies, one mostly white, the other mostly Black. White bikers rolling in days earlier for Harley Week each May are treated differently, Black bikers say. In opening arguments last week to five Black and four white jurors, an NAACP lawyer said Myrtle Beach during Bikefest is “like a city under martial law," The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported. The Atlantic Beach event soon sprawled into nearby towns, including Myrtle Beach, where most of the 35,000 residents are white. Myrtle Beach city and Chamber of Commerce officials refused to talk about the trial.

The security of our children,” exclaimed Harvey Wolff, a parent of two students enrolled in Pearland High School. Yet, despite what they allege were obvious intentions among the group, parents said the administration at Pearland High School didn’t act soon enough. KPRC 2 received a response from the school district Friday afternoon, confirming the clothing violated the dress code. “Per the Pearland ISD dress code, apparel or accessories which include cultural divisiveness and racial intolerance may not be worn. “That’s what started that whole dress code revolution, which is great," said Melissa Wilson, a parent.

PEARLAND – A Pearland councilmember Woody Owens is sharing his response to controversial posts he shared on his Facebook page. That bigotry, hatred, those dog whistles are just unacceptable.”The Brazoria County NAACP alerted KPRC 2 of the posts and sent them in. The screenshots showed Owens' shared posts, which were mostly memes. During the interview, Owens shared the sentiments of the Confederacy during the Civil War era. Owens maintains they have shared posts, not commenting on right or wrong.

HOUSTON – NAACP Houston Vice President James Dixon II called the “shameful decision" by the Kentucky grand jury in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor a “deplorable misrepresentation” of the criminal justice system. "No one is being held responsible for the death for Breonna Taylor in this indictment. “Arrest the system, which refuse to arrest the killers of Breonna Taylor,” he said. The justice system failed Breonna Taylor and, as such, failed us. Our efforts to realize justice for Breonna Taylor should be redirected to bring attention to the faulty and burdensome justice system that compromises our society’s moral and humane fabric.

HOUSTON With November right around the corner, several organizations turned a parking lot at Texas Southern University into a voter registration drive-thru on Saturday. The importance of voter registration has been pushed for years. This is the biggest election that we will be a part of, University of Houston student Tyrone Carrier said. At the University of Houston, the students efforts focused on bringing awareness to social justiceThe focus at the University of Houston foIt was a different scene at the University of Houston. Student-athletes registered to vote and then marched around the campus to raise awareness of the injustices happening across the country.

HOUSTON Three Houston business owners are among the first recipients of a new grant from Beyonce and the NAACP. The Houston native's BeyGOOD Foundation partnered with the civil rights group to create the Black-owned Small Business Impact Fund which awards $10,000 grants to Black-owned business owners in select cities. Each of the women told KPRC 2 they are grateful for the funding that will help keep them going during the crisis. Things are picking up and Mathis says she will use the grant money to help open a second location. Applications for the next round of BeyGOOD and NAACP grants begins in September.

NEW YORK Tyler Perry has won awards from the NAACP and BET. Now he's getting a big one from the Television Academy: He and his foundation are the recipients of the 2020 Governors Award. Tyler Perry has changed the face of television and inspired a new generation of content creators. He pioneered a new brand of storytelling that engages people of color both in front of and behind the camera, and his shows have resonated with a global audience, said Governors Award selection committee Chair Eva Basler in a statement. The award honors an individual or organization in the television arts and sciences whose achievement is so exceptional and universal in nature that it goes beyond the scope of annual Emmy Awards recognition.Previous recipients of the Governors Award include Star Trek, American Idol, Masterpiece Theater and Comic Relief.

PEARLAND, Texas – The NAACP of Brazoria County has called on the Pearland Independent School District to give special needs teacher, Holly Hardwicke Kanipes, 57, diversity training before she gets back in the classroom. Kanipes is under fire for a Facebook post, which has since been deleted, that said “White slaves were treated worse than any other race in the US. You won’t.”Many people quickly commented, telling Kanipes she should not be a teacher. Parent Dara Hooker-Williams said she was disappointed with the post but says this can be a teaching moment. This is a personnel matter and the district will work with the employee on training with our district Culturally Responsive Council.”The NAACP has filed a grievance with the school, the school district has ten days to respond.

HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, NAACP Houston, and Mi Familia Vota to announce an initiative to increase voter participation in Harris County. The initiative will include a series of billboards across the county that highlight a memorial of the late Congressman Mickey Leland, which was recently installed in Hermann Park.

From embracing stay-at-home orders to stop the spread of Covid-19, we've come to see armed protesters storm state capitols to end the lockdown. Throughout the 20th century — and even today — as Black people moved into previously segregated neighborhoods, the existing white residents moved out in large numbers. African Americans, who comprise 13% of the US population, make up nearly 28% of Covid-19 cases. Five days later, on April 13, a small but furious group of protesters, virtually all white, some wearing MAGA hats, gathered outside the Ohio statehouse to demand Gov. We could make this another instance of white flight -- from public health realities, from collective responsibility, from the recognition that the pandemic imperils people of all colors and communities.

HOUSTON – The NAACP is doing its part to help survivors of Harvey's floods. On Saturday, the organization announced the opening of a disaster support command center to help those in need. "We have people who have short-term relief, but a lot of people have long-term problems and so there's a gap after the short-term relief has left, people have nowhere to go. Douglas was joined by Texas State Conference President Gary Bledsoe and other community leaders to announce the opening of the disaster command center. But short-term aid gives way to long-term help, and that's what organizers said the command center will help steer people through.