Spotlight PR brings quality public relations assistance into reach for mission-driven causes as well as socially conscious entrepreneurs, celebrities and executives.

Tag: ohio naacp

Ohio NAACP Hosts Lobby Day at the Ohio Statehouse

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 28, 2024

The nation’s leading civil rights organization unveiled 2024 legislative priorities

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Conference of the NAACP hosted a Legislative Advocacy Day on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The one-day event was held at the Ohio Statehouse and included members of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP as well as other local voting rights advocates. The group of roughly 50 Ohio NAACP members then participated in a photo unveiling of former Ohio Senate Minority Leader Rhine McLin, who also served as mayor of Dayton.

“Today was a great day for the Ohio Conference of the NAACP,” said Tom Roberts, president of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP. “We met with several legislators and their staff and shared our policy priorities. We also discussed the importance of increasing Black civic participation and engagement ahead of the 2024 election cycle.” 

Top policy priorities discussed during state legislative meetings included:

  • Voting Rights
  • Economic Development
  • Police Accountability

“It was important for our members to see and engage legislative leaders. It was a delight to see

and celebrate the honorable Rhine McLin, who has given so much to our state and our fight for democracy,” Roberts continued.

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

 

###

Civil Rights Leaders: New Legislative Maps Dilute the Political Power of Black Voters

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Sept. 27, 2023

COLUMBUS – After the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted its 5th set of maps, civil rights leaders with the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, the Ohio Unity Coalition and the Ohio NAACP noted that the new maps diluted the political power of Black voters. They released the following statement:

“For over a year, communities of color have been living in state legislative and congressional districts separated from or combined with communities where they do not share common interests; nor have the issues of concern to these voters been addressed by the new legislator who should be representing them,” said Pierrette “Petee” Talley, petitioner and Executive Director, Ohio Unity Coalition. “By ignoring the racial impact of the new maps on these citizens, the Commission has done a grave disservice by not assuring that districts are drawn that do not disenfranchise some voters at the expense of others. This minimizes voters’ ability to elect candidates to represent their interests. We are better than this as a state, it’s time to trust citizens, not politicians.”

The new maps indicate a Republican-to-Democratic advantage of 61 to 38 in the Ohio House, and a 23 to 10 Republican advantage in the Ohio Senate.

“It is extremely frustrating that politicians are looking out for their own interests. Consequently, Black and Brown communities will end up with the short end of the stick,” said Jeniece L. Brock, Policy & Advocacy Director at the Ohio Organizing Collaborative. “These maps dilute the political power of underrepresented communities, and it is evident politicians cannot be trusted with the task of drawing fair districts. We need an independent commission absent of politicians and with an inclusive process that allows Ohioans to have fair and just representation.”

“This process was rushed and it was not representative of the needs and perspectives of communities of color, especially Black voters,” said Prentiss Haney, co-director of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

“Ohio voters have been fighting for fair and equitable maps for the last two years, and we won’t stop now,” said Tom Roberts, president of the Ohio NAACP. “Our work for fair maps and an inclusive democracy continues.”

###