Recently, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Yonkers Branch President Frank E. Coleman, learned of a social media post that began circulating on the personal Facebook page of a local political candidate. The post announced a Women’s History Month event that was sponsored by the branch nearly a decade ago and those who may not have read the post in its entirety may not have realized that it was not a recent event.
It is necessary to address the any/all misinformation that may be disseminated during this political season and we mirror the sentiments of our National President and Chief Executive Officer, Derrick Johnson during the last election cycle, “We want to clarify that the NAACP is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates for political office at any level”.
The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest non-partisan civil rights organization, and its mission is fighting for and advancing communities of color towards an equitable existence. The Yonkers branch will continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to the residents of our great city and to hold our elected officials accountable. Our primary focus is to ensure that our communities are engaged in the happenings in and around the City of Yonkers, so that they make informed, conversant decisions at the ballot box.
The Yonkers Branch, its members and affiliates are aware that the NAACP’s bylaws prohibit endorsements and would not violate the rules that govern our prestigious organization. Individuals are encouraged to remain civically engaged and participate in the election processes. We support voter education and registration and speak out against any forms of suppression and disenfranchisement.
With the start of the petition process beginning, we are requesting that those who are seeking political office refrain from naming the organization in any/all personal political efforts and campaign literature. As we get closer to the start of this election period, following a time when misinformation had become an “accepted norm in political discourse”, we need to be committed to acts of honor and integrity.
Visit www.naacp.org to become a member, donate or to learn more about the organizations “Game Changers”. Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram: @yonkers.naacp.unit.2188, Twitter: @Unit2188, and Facebook:@YonkersNAACP.
Editor’s Note: The comments above clarify a Facebook post involving one of the candidates for Westchester County Legislator in the 16th District.
