As the Trump administration embarks on its second term, the "America First" agenda has begun dismantling the progress that Black, Brown, and immigrant communities have fought tirelessly to achieve. This new administration has already issued executive orders and policy directives that strike at the heart of civil rights, economic stability, and the safety of our communities. The dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, an aggressive immigration crackdown, and plans to weaken voter protections represent not just a challenge to marginalized communities—but a call to action for all of us.
As a candidate for president of the Columbus NAACP, I am committed to ensuring that our branch leads the charge to resist these policies, protect our people, and fight for justice. Once a new election date is set for the branch, the new administration must be prepared to hit the ground running—time is of the essence, and every second is critical. Together, we will stand firm, united with our New American brothers and sisters with whom we share a common enemy, and serve as a model of resistance and revolutionary action for other cities across this nation.
Strengthening Voting Rights Protections
The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy, yet it is under attack through voter suppression tactics and restrictive laws. To safeguard this fundamental right, the Columbus NAACP will establish a Voting Rights Task Force with a robust, multi-pronged approach:
Monitoring and Documentation: Collaborating with civil rights organizations, we will track and document voter suppression efforts, pursuing accountability through advocacy and litigation.
Voter Education Campaigns: We will develop multilingual resources and host workshops to inform the public about their voting rights and how to respond to suppression attempts.
Voter Registration Initiatives: Special emphasis will be placed on registering young voters, returning citizens, and immigrants eligible to vote through community drives in churches, schools, and neighborhood centers. There are many people who do not see the power in their vote and therefore do not take the time to vote. We have to not only help them understand the power of the vote, but mobilize people in a way that invigorates our communities and changes what the electorate looks like.
Transportation and Accessibility: To remove barriers, we will coordinate free transportation to polling locations and provide guidance on early voting and absentee ballots.
Policy Advocacy: We will work with state and local leaders to oppose restrictive voting laws and champion reforms like automatic voter registration and extended early voting hours.
Mobilizing Against DEI Rollbacks
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are vital tools for dismantling systemic inequities. The rollback of DEI programs threatens progress in education, employment, and public services. To counteract these actions, the Columbus NAACP will:
Form Community Partnerships: Partnering with businesses, nonprofits, and universities, we will strengthen DEI initiatives and amplify efforts to create inclusive environments, while operating strategically to proactively avoid legal challenges.
Launch Public Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting success stories, we will demonstrate how DEI initiatives benefit both marginalized communities and the broader public.
Advocate for Policy Change: We will work with local officials to safeguard DEI practices and embed equity goals into municipal and educational operations.
Provide Training and Development: Offering workshops, we will empower organizations to adopt and sustain DEI strategies independently and partner with them in doing so.
Pursue Litigation: Working with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, and other legal advocacy groups to hold those undermining DEI accountable, deterring further erosion of these vital programs and supporting both short and long-term legal strategies to protect and advance DEI initiatives.
Building Unity Across Communities
The interconnected struggles of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities require a united response. The Columbus NAACP will recognize that solidarity is our greatest strength. To foster unity, we will:
Host Community Forums and Think Tanks: Regular forums and think tanks will serve as spaces for dialogue, fostering trust and mutual understanding while identifying shared goals and actionable steps toward those shared goals.
Build Coalitions: Partnering with organizations advocating for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, environmental justice, and more, we will amplify our collective voice.
Lead Joint Advocacy Campaigns: Tackling issues like housing inequality and healthcare access, we will demonstrate how our struggles intersect and require shared solutions.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity: Through our programing we will not only celebrate and advance Black culture, we will strengthen bonds and dismantle barriers between communities.
Activate Rapid Response Networks: In moments of crisis, we will provide immediate support through our legal redress committe to those targeted by discrimination or injustice, ensuring no one stands alone.
Advocating for Immigrant Justice
The fight for civil rights must include standing shoulder to shoulder with immigrant communities, who are particularly vulnerable under the Trump administration’s policies. Black and Brown immigrants face heightened risks of detention, deportation, and family separation, and their struggles are deeply tied to our own. Dr. King’s timeless words remind us: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Guided by this principle, the Columbus NAACP will:
Build Partnerships with Advocacy Organizations: By collaborating with local and national immigrant rights groups and advocates, we will provide legal aid, host "Know Your Rights" workshops, and establish rapid response teams for immigration crises.
Amplify Voices: Through storytelling campaigns and public events, we will highlight the contributions and challenges of immigrant communities, ensuring their voices are supported in the fight for justice - which makes our collective voice that much more powerful.
Create Safe Spaces: We will establish and support existing resource hubs where immigrants can access legal and housing assistance while fostering connections with other communities.
Advocate for Policies: Working with local officials, we will push for protections like sanctuary city measures, language access services, and educational opportunities for undocumented students.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
The Columbus NAACP has a unique opportunity to lead the charge against these harmful policies and serve as a blueprint for resistance across the country. By taking a stand now, we will inspire other cities to rise with us, demonstrating the power of unity, resilience, and bold leadership.
To our immigrant community: We see you. We stand with you. Your fight is our fight. To every person impacted by this administration’s regressive policies: We will not be silenced, we will not back down, and we will not allow injustice to take root in our city.
Let this be the moment where we draw the line and declare, with one unified voice, that we will fight for every member of our community. Together, we will spark a revolution that will echo across this nation.
In solidarity—and with integrity,
Sean Walton, Jr.
Candidate for President, Columbus NAACP
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