|
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release: Friday, September 16th, 2016 Contact: Sheley Secrest, Second Vice President of the Seattle King County NAACP, sheleysecrest@gmail.com, 253-468-1247 Mayor's Reversal on North Precinct a Victory for Community NAACP Wants Resources Redirected to Community Needs Seattle, WA--On Thursday evening, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray reversed his decision and put a hold on building the $149 million North Precinct police station. The Seattle King County NAACP released the following statement in response: "We are glad that the City of Seattle is no longer rushing through a plan to build a $149 million police bunker. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community, who made their voices heard and kept the conversation centered on communities of color. It took ongoing and sustained pressure for the Mayor and City Councilmembers to reverse their course, and we're thankful that elected officials finally heard us. We encourage the City to put those resources to better use for our community by building affordable housing and increasing educational opportunities. As our country and city continue to grapple with ongoing issues of police brutality and accountability, we have to start thinking more holistically about how to keep our communities safer. That starts by listening to community needs, building relationships, and addressing the underlying social conditions that perpetuate crime. None of those problems can be solved by funneling millions of dollars into a police bunker. If Seattle is serious about strengthening relations between the community and police, it's time to put their money where their mouth is." ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here:www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org
0 Comments
We are outraged by the senseless police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and saddened that the protest in Dallas was disrupted by violence while citizens were congregating to peacefully speak truth to power.
We ask everyone in Seattle to turn grief into action. Together we can end racial hatred and build a better world. Join us today by becoming a member of the Seattle King County NAACP. We invite you to our next membership meeting on Monday July 25th at 6:30 at 715 23rd Ave S., Seattle to be with community in these hard times. PRESS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 19th, 2016 Contact: Rachael DeCruz, communications@seattlekingcountynaacp.org, 508-451-9455 NAACP Hosts May Social Hour at Café con Leche Emphasizes Building Relationships Between Black and Latino Communities Seattle, WA--On Thursday, May 19th at 6:00pm, the Seattle King County NAACP will host their monthly social hour at Café con Leche, a Cuban restaurant in SoDo. It has been a pivotal year for United States and Cuban relations, with President Obama visiting Cuba and beginning discussions on repairing ties. In addition, Mexico is finally acknowledging their Afro-Mexican population and the interim President of Brazil--in a country that has historically oppressed black Brazilians--eliminated the ministry of women, racial equality, and human rights, and hired all white male Brazilians for his cabinet, in what is now being called a coup. As more national cultures accept and acknowledge their African ancestry and black Latinos, the NAACP is hosting this social hour at a Caribbean restaurant, specifically a Cuban restaurant, to strengthen relationships between the black and Latino community. In addition to delicious Cuban food, the event will include an opportunity to learn about the Caribbean's ties to the diaspora through song and dance provided by Seattle's own Caribbean groups Garinagu HounGua and Grupo Bayano, and free salsa lessons by MC El General. What: Seattle King County NAACP May Social Hour When: Thursday, May 19th from 6:00-8:00pm Where: Café con Leche, 2901 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA. Who: The event is open to all community members and elected officials Learn more about the NAACP's monthly Social Hours on our website. ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org PRESS ADVISORY For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 17th, 2016 Contact: Rachael DeCruz, communications@seattlekingcountynaacp.org, 508-451-9455 NAACP Hosts May Social Hour at Café con Leche Emphasizes Building Relationships Between Black and Latino Communities Seattle, WA--On Thursday, May 19th at 6:00pm, the Seattle King County NAACP will host their monthly social hour at Café con Leche, a Cuban restaurant in SoDo. It has been a pivotal year for United States and Cuban relations, with President Obama visiting Cuba and beginning discussions on repairing ties. In addition, Mexico is finally acknowledging their Afro-Mexican population and the interim President of Brazil--in a country that has historically oppressed black Brazilians--eliminated the ministry of women, racial equality, and human rights, and hired all white male Brazilians for his cabinet, in what is now being called a coup.
As more national cultures accept and acknowledge their African ancestry and black Latinos, the NAACP is hosting this social hour at a Caribbean restaurant, specifically a Cuban restaurant, to strengthen relationships between the black and Latino community. In addition to delicious Cuban food, the event will include an opportunity to learn about the Caribbean's ties to the diaspora through song and dance provided by Seattle's own Caribbean groups Garinagu HounGua and Grupo Bayano, and free salsa lessons. What: Seattle King County NAACP May Social Hour When: Thursday, May 19th from 6:00-8:00pm Where: Café con Leche, 2901 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA. Who: The event is open to all community members and elected officials Learn more about the NAACP's monthly Social Hours on our website. ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE NEWS RELEASE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-109 Print Version April 27, 2016 Contact: NAACP NOAA Fisheries New collaboration gives local students inside view of marine science Note to editors: Meet students Thursday, April 28, after they return from their underwater research trip at 2 p.m. at Shilshole Marina at Golden Gardens Park. The Seattle King County chapter of the NAACP is joining the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries to provide opportunities for minority high school students to participate in underwater research on rockfish in Puget Sound. The students will board a research vessel along with WDFW-NOAA survey teams to explore the sea floor for rockfish and other marine life down to 1,000 feet below sea level using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The trips will provide the students first-hand insight into the marine science field and how biologists gather data on long-lived rockfish – some of them endangered species – to inform decisions on their protection and management. "This partnership will allow local African American students the chance to participate in hands-on, experiential learning," said Carolyn Riley-Payne, the Vice President of the Seattle King County NAACP and chair of the NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) program. "Our goal is to encourage more students of color to participate in STEM programs helping diversify the field and create opportunities for our community." The program will draw students from the local ACT-SO program, which is designed to promote and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. The students will accompany WDFW and NOAA Fisheries scientists on research trips utilizing the ROV, which sends live video to the surface so students and scientists can see what it sees in real time. "The science of undersea research is a rapidly expanding field, and we want to bring that world alive for these students," said Jim Unsworth, WDFW director. "Through this new collaboration with the NAACP, we hope to help build the next generation of scientists dedicated to this important work." NOAA Administrator Kathryn D. Sullivan has challenged NOAA agencies to address an underrepresentation of minorities in the natural resources and atmospheric research fields in part by pursuing outreach and education strategies to underserved communities. "Students today are the future of marine science, and we need their interest and their brainpower to help make sure that we're protecting and sustaining these species for years to come," said Will Stelle, Regional Administrator of NOAA Fisheries' West Coast Region. "We're excited to give these students a glimpse of what we do and why it's so interesting and important." The collaboration will start in 2016 with a few trips for students on rockfish research surveys. Students from NAACP's ACT-SO will be paired with mentors who will help guide their experiences. The agencies anticipate eventually expanding the program to include students from additional minority communities. For further information, contact:
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 6,2016 Contact: Rita Green, Seattle King County NAACP Education Chair Education@seattlekingcountynaacp.org 206-605-8339 Seattle NAACP and allies confront Seattle Public Schools over high-stakes testing Group presents School District with list of demands to address intimidation of students and parents Seattle, WA – On Wednesday, the Seattle King County NAACP and Seattle Opt Out met to confront Seattle Public Schools over high-stakes testing for Seattle students. The NAACP presented the School District with a list of demands to address the intimidation of students and parents who choose to opt out of high-stakes testing. Opting out of a high-stakes test is a right according to the state Office of Public Instruction and the Seattle School District. A group of parents and community leaders came together to draft the Seattle Opt Out Bill of Rights to ensure students’ assessment needs are respected including:
“In a year where the Washington State legislature is struggling to find resources to fund education”, Seattle King County NAACP Education Chair, Rita Green says “the money the districts spend on high-stakes testing should be put into the classroom”. Parent Carolyn Leith said, “I’m opting my daughters out of SBAC testing because these tests are robbing our children of valuable class time. My children are developing many skills – such as collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving – that can’t be measured by this test.” ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org PRESS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: Tuesday April 5, 2016 Contact: Rita Green, Seattle King County NAACP Education Chair Education@seattlekingcountynaacp.org 206-605-8339 Seattle NAACP and allies confront Seattle Public Schools over high-stakes testing requirements of students Seattle, WA – On Wednesday, April 6th at 4:00pm the Seattle King County NAACP and Seattle Opt Out will meet to confront Seattle Public Schools over high-stakes testing for Seattle students. The NAACP will present the School District with a list of demands to address the intimidation of students and parents who choose to opt out of high-stakes testing. What: Press Conference When: April 6th at 4:00pm Where: Seattle Public Schools: 2445 3rd Ave S, Seattle WA 98134 Who: Seattle NAACP leaders, parents, students, and education leaders ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 Contact: Rachael DeCruz, communications@seattlekingcountynaacp.org, 508-451-9455 Seattle King County NAACP Stands Firm That Police Killing of Che Taylor Was Murder Call on Chief O'Toole and Mayor Murray to Answer to Community Seattle, WA--Yesterday afternoon, Seattle Police Department released additional evidence regarding the police killing of Che Taylor. In response, the Seattle King County NAACP released the following statement: "The Seattle King County NAACP stands by our assertion that the police killing of Che Taylor was murder. Under the consent decree with the Department of Justice, Seattle Police Department is required to keep the community updated regarding their investigation. However, the additional information shared yesterday raises more questions than answers--failing to provide the family and community with any tangible information regarding the investigation. While the community continues to grieve our brother that was gunned down in the street, we have yet to see anything that convinces us he had a gun on him at the time of the shooting. Yesterday's findings were nothing more than a smoke screen--allowing SPD to appear in compliance with DOJ orders, while they continue to cover up the discrepancies in their version of the story. None of the statements made by the female witness were definitive--in fact she noted more than once that her view was obscured because she was in the back seat. All this additional evidence highlights is that the fact finding process is flawed. The Force Investigation Team that questioned the witnesses have a history of asking leading questions (as cited here, pg. 22), and the released audio footage only confirms that fact. Both within Seattle Police Department, and police departments across the country, there is a well-established pattern of excessive use of force against people of color. The question becomes what are we going to do to break that cycle? It is time for the officer involved in the shooting to be fired and charged with murder. We put this responsibility squarely on the shoulders of Chief O'Toole and Mayor Murray--and are calling on them to hold a City Council briefing to explain to the community what happened. The NAACP remains disgusted by the mainstream media's one-sided portrayal of Che Taylor. The unnecessary level of specificity that media outlets have gone into about his history only serves to demonize him and perpetuate a narrative that he somehow deserved to be murdered. He was a human being, whose life was unjustly taken. The community remains united in our quest for answers and justice." ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org PRESS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 Media Contact: Rachael DeCruz, communications@seattlekingcountynaacp.org, 508-451-9455 Seattle King County NAACP Responds to Police Killing of Che Taylor Hold Press Conference to Outline Next Steps Seattle, WA--On Tuesday, February 23rd at 4:00pm, the Seattle King County NAACP will hold a press conference to respond to the police killing of Che Taylor. The Taylor family will join the local NAACP as they announce their next steps and react toSunday's shooting. When: Tuesday, February 23rd at 4:00pm Where: Seattle King County NAACP Office, 715 23rd Ave S, Seattle, WA. 98144 Who: Speakers at the press conference include local NAACP officers, the Taylor family, and community members ### Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org PRESS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 17th Contact: Claude Burfect, burfe2@gmail.com, 206-719-0728 Seattle King County NAACP Demands South Seattle College Address Discrimination on Campus Press Conference to Reveal Toxic Campus Culture Seattle, WA--On Friday, February 19th, at 12:00pm, the Seattle King County NAACP will join with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), and South Seattle College employees to expose the harassment, discrimination, and bullying taking place on South Seattle College campus. Both the administration and the Human Resources Department have been alerted of our concerns, but have chosen to be complacent about their toxic campus culture. While this press conference will be tailored to incidents at South Seattle College, the NAACP sees this as just one example of institutional racism playing out in our communities. We see similar trends and acts of discrimination taking place across our city--we're calling for a holistic solution to ensure that all institutions are held accountable to the communities they serve. What: Press conference When: Friday, February 19th at 12:00pm Where: 6000 16th Ave. SW (on the northeast side of the street directly in front of the neon signs at the front entrance) Who: Local NAACP leaders and employees of South Seattle College. Speakers include:
|
Media Inquires:
|
RSS Feed