PRESS RELEASE
Windham / Willimantic NAACP
A candidate debate recently was held on WINY featuring incumbent State Representative Ann Dauphinais and her challenger, Christine Rosati Randall. During this debate, the official position of the NAACP seems to have been misrepresented by Representative Dauphinais regarding statements we have made and potential endorsements.
As a tax-exempt non-profit, the NAACP does not officially endorse any candidate. We endorse issues. While we are happy to work with, and support people working towards racial equality, in no way do we officially endorse any candidates. Our mission includes lobbying all candidates to promote our issues, and opening discussions with those who oppose us. We operate independently of political parties, however, and take great care to distance ourselves from the inner workings of any party.
The impression was also given that Norwich branch President Sheila Hayes made a statement supporting police activity in Connecticut. While she did issue a statement supporting recent reforms, this in no way implied a free pass for all police in Connecticut. As branch president, she was speaking of a specific action in her area, nothing else.
The NAACP encourages all media, candidates, and members of the public to defer to group leadership when mentioning us, rather than making claims about who and what we stand for. Scot X. Esdaile is our state president. Any comments regarding the state chapter and our stances should be referred to him. No one not specifically authorized to speak for the group should not be making public statements about our values.
Our values and stances are public. We invite the media and public to engage directly with the NAACP regarding statements about current events and politics. Those who do not represent us are asked to defer to our organization, rather than making assumptions about what our purpose is.
Nothing about us, without us!
THE MISSION OF THE NAACP IS TO ENSURE THE POLITICAL, EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC EQUALITY OF RIGHTS OF ALL PERSONS AND TO ELIMINATE RACE-BASED DISCRIMINATION, AND WE’VE BEEN DOING IT SINCE 1909.
Interested in Joining? Contact: Leah Ralls (President) / naacp2016b@gmail.com / 860-
Willimantic, CT