Trayvon’s Law

Cross-posted from NAACP

In light of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the overwhelming national awareness around numerous issues surrounding this case, the NAACP has developed a set of policy principles called “Trayvon’s Law” which embody legislative responses that will greatly reduce the likelihood of another tragedy like the killing of Trayvon Martin. The principles of Trayvon’s Law are:

• Ending racial profiling;
• Repealing stand your ground type laws;
• Creating law enforcement accountability through effective police oversight;
• Improving training and best practices for community watch groups; and
• Mandating law enforcement data collection on homicide cases involving people of color.

In addition, state advocates can include policies that aim to dismantle the school to prison pipeline – which are critical to keeping youth safe and in schools.

Click here for full the description of Trayvon’s Law.

NAACP President & CEO, Benjamin Todd Jealous, hopes this law will ignite a network of nationwide advocates:

"The killing of Trayvon Martin is a heartbreaking tragedy, but his death is must not be in vain. Trayvon's Law will serve as the foundation for community advocates as they work to remove laws that contributed to his death and create new laws that with prevent future tragedies."

read more

#NoGunsAllowed Town Hall

by Philip Johnson

In the midst of the BET Experience a prelude to the BET Awards rap superstars, elected officials, and activist all came together to say “No Guns Allowed”. This town hall meeting put on in conjunction with the Young Voters League and the NAACP Youth & College division held a full house of both young and old people who are committed to stopping gun violence. Dealing with issues from politics to the realities that young people face in urban environments the panelist provided a constant stream of different viewpoints that many could relate to in regards to why and how we could stop gun violence.

With many highpoints during the event such as when panelists such as director of the award winning “Fruitvale Station” shared his inspiration behind writing the screenplay and current parole and activist in Philadelphia shared his story and his commitment to be a changing the streets of Philadelphia. The highlight of the event came when panelist rap superstar T.I. and Congresswoman Maxine Waters exchanged dialogue. This discussion both encouraged young people to vote but also to use their voice to apply pressure to their elected officials. At the same time it highlighted some of the apathy that young people of color may feel because of laws targeted at them and none to stop those who commit mass shootings and don’t resemble us.

With rap stars pledging to be a continuous voice, elected officials to pushing legislation and community activist to continue their work in the streets the meetings wrapped up with everyone making a pledge to be proactive in their communities. While we may be a long way from stopping all gun violence we can make a difference one event at a time. Simply saying “No Guns Allowed” today can make this difference.

We Have Nothing to Lose But Our Chains!

Less than 24 hours after George Zimmerman's acquittal, members of the NAACP Youth & College Division had to oficially kick-off the 104th convention of the NAACP. The following chant became the new charge for the Youth & College Division as we unite to fight for justice for Trayvon Martin:

It is our duty to fight.

It is our duty to win.

We must love each other and protect each other.

We have nothing to lose but our chains.

#JusticeForTrayvon: A Call to Action

#NAACP104: “We Shall Not Be Moved”

#NoGunsAllowed: Disarming Violence in Our Communities

Sammie Dow, Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, joins Snoop Lion to speak out against gun violence, along with BET and the League of Young Voters Education Fund to increase the peace in urban communities nationwide. Join the movement by using hashtag #NoGunsAllowed on social media today.

The partnership goes live on June 29, 2013, during BET Awards weekend in Los Angeles, CA. The League of Young Voters Education Fund, Snoop Lion and BET will host "No Guns Allowed: Disarming Violence in Our Community," a roundtable dialogue on the impact of gun violence in urban communities. The League of Young Voters also enlisted the NAACP Youth & College Division and Casey Family Programs to join the cause and sponsor the event.