NAACP NYS Recap | May 2026

It is my honor to serve as President of the NAACP New York State Conference, a collective of dedicated branches and leaders working every day to protect civil rights and advance justice across our state.

From Buffalo to Brooklyn, our branches remain on the front lines, advocating for policies that protect our communities, defending the right to vote, and ensuring that equity remains at the center of our work. We are not just responding to the moment. We are building the power needed to shape what comes next.

This past month, we launched Black New York Forward, a multi-year effort to organize, connect, and mobilize Black communities across New York State. We also launched the NAACP NYS Freedom School in Brooklyn, in partnership with Inspiring Minds NYC, Breaking the Cycle Consulting Services, and the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College. This program reflects our continued commitment to investing in youth leadership and creating spaces where our history and future are both affirmed.

At the same time, we continue to speak out and take action in response to ongoing threats to voting rights and civil liberties. Our work is rooted in the belief that progress requires both vigilance and collective action.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we will continue to organize, build, and lead with purpose.

L. Joy Williams
President
NAACP New York State Conference

Over the past month, the NAACP New York State Conference:

Voting Rights Under Attack (May 1, 2026): Following the latest Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act, we spoke out and are continuing to take action to protect Black voters across New York. Watch our latest update →
April Monthly Briefing (April 26, 2026): We brought together leaders and community members to break down what’s happening right now in the fight for voting rights and where we go from here. These conversations are how we stay informed and organized. Watch the recap →
Black New York Forward Launch (April 28, 2026): We officially launched a multi-year campaign to build, organize, and exercise collective power across Black communities in New York State. This is about infrastructure, connection, and winning for our communities. Watch the launch →
Freedom School Launch (April 18, 2026): We launched the NAACP NYS Freedom School in Brooklyn, investing in the next generation of leaders through culturally affirming education and civic engagement. This work is critical to building long-term power in our communities.
Democracy During Detention Act: Our advocacy continues in Albany as the Democracy During Detention Act moves through committee. This legislation is critical to ensuring that incarcerated individuals maintain access to their right to vote.
East Ramapo School District: We remain actively engaged in the fight for equity and accountability in the East Ramapo School District, continuing to advocate for resources and protections for students and families.

You can share your branch updates by completing the form here.

Protecting Voting Rights

Recent actions by the Supreme Court represent a direct threat to the Voting Rights Act and the protections it provides to Black voters.

The NAACP New York State Conference is actively working to protect access to the ballot and ensure that Black communities are not silenced or excluded from the democratic process.

This moment requires vigilance, advocacy, and collective action across our state.

Hear directly from our President L. Joy Williams on what this means and what we’re doing next →

The NAACP New York State Conference continues to advocate for civil rights and equity across New York, and our work is regularly featured in media outlets across the state.

Politico
Why Democrats’ New York gerrymander won’t be as aggressive as the GOP’s efforts
Read →

BK Reader
NYC Opens New Deed Theft Prevention Office
Read →

Our Time Press
At Long Last, “Freedom” Comes to Brooklyn
Read →

Amsterdam News
NAACP NY to launch Freedom Schools in Brooklyn starting April 18
Read →