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By NAACP

WASHINGTON – Ahead of President Biden’s final State of the Union address before elections in November, the nation’s largest civil rights organization has unveiled their Black Policy Agenda: State of The Union Edition. The agenda, which is first-of-a-kind for the organization, encapsulates the issues that are top-of-mind for Black America, outlines the Biden Administration’s progress thus far, and what must be done to fulfill promises made to Black America on the 2020 campaign trail.

NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, who will attend Thursday night’s address, released the following statement:

“Ahead of the 2024 election, the NAACP’s number one priority is to educate, engage, and prepare the Black electorate to mobilize. Let’s be clear – democracy cannot work without the Black vote. But Black voters refuse to remain tone deaf to the reality of actions, or lack thereof on behalf of any politician. We appreciate the Biden Administration’s continued efforts to include our community in all important conversations. I look forward to hearing from the Commander in Chief on how his administration plans to continue fulfilling their commitments to our community. It’s up to all of us to ensure that Democracy works, for everybody.”

The full agenda can be found here and on the NAACP website, in addition to the Association’s legislative policy agenda released late last year during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (CBC-ALC). This is the first year that the Association has publicly released its key policy priorities directed towards the federal government. 

“Approaching elections with a clear understanding of policy positions and progress is a crucial tool for educating, and engaging Black voters,” said Patrice Willoughby, NAACP SVP of Global Policy & Impact. “The NAACP’s ongoing work to engage with, and advise all Presidential Administrations on the most pressing issues facing our community is paramount to advancing our broader mission. We look forward to the continued opportunity to hold our elected officials accountable to their promises, celebrate their progress, and continue promoting equity for everybody.”

Ahead of the 2024 elections, NAACP is working to recruit 300,000 volunteers to support their GOTV mobilization efforts. Additionally, the organization is prioritizing data collection, targeted education, and engagement within 26 states that have the highest concentration of Black voters.

For more information on NAACP’s work to get out the Black vote, visit naacp.org/vote. 

  black agenda, NAACP, state of the union