Data from states with 'stand your ground' laws raise questions about how notions of self-defense are evolving and whether, under such laws, race-based fears are more likely to influence juries. Read more here.

The question of whether the court ruling that ordered the Austin City Council to put the CodeNext petition ordinance on November’s ballot would affect campaign rhetoric was answered within hours.... Read more here.

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin knew it had a painting on its hands that required sensitivity: a 30-foot-wide panorama by the Houston-based artist Vincent Valdez that imagined a modern-day Ku Klux Klan gathering... Read more here.

Austin NAACP President Nelson Linder says, “Now there's been some increase in diversity, more bands, hip hop, more kinds of music now. But as far as the economic impact and more importantly the social impact... no we're not benefiting overall because it's primarily business focused." Read more here.

"Current state law allows Texans to use lethal force out of fear or prejudice with deadly consequences, state Rep. Garnet Coleman said Thursday. The Houston Democrat will try again to tighten the rules."  Read more here.

In the last NAACP meeting, we discussed the Travis County Health Initiatives and A Symposium to Remember - two of the priorities supported and sponsored by the NAACP Austin Branch. Here's a little more information about each:


Health Initiative for Eastern Travis County
The NAACP has maintained a central role in health awareness for several years.  Recent developments remind us of our potential and the long-awaited need for meaningful resources and the opportunity to impact prioritization and delivery of these essentials to the Eastern Travis County community. Other organizations have undertaken health initiatives; it is the goal of NAACP Austin to collaborate with like-minded community-oriented organizations whose objectives only serve and prioritize the needs of these communities of focus. 
  
A Symposium to Remember
The symposium is an event that Shannon Jones, former Austin Public Health Director, initiated as an opportunity for the community to reflect upon the events of 1968.  The social and political climate and the public policies that lead up to and that have since followed, continue to impact minority communities in significant ways, both affirmative and devastating.  Those whose contributions and sacrifice gave rise to opportunity, recognition of long-neglected communities, and hope for better continues. The symposium recognizes the history, the hope, accomplishments, and impacts of the policies that can irreparably blight a community if unattended.  The symposium will be an informative and enlightening opportunity for us to remember and advance without apology.   

The meetings to discuss and plan these two projects are listed here, and the date for A Symposium to Remember will be posted here soon. We hope to see you there!

The Trump administration says the rules are not legal and violate the Supreme Court's precedent on Affirmative Action. Read more here.

Did you enjoy the Austin NAACP banquet last year? Do you wish you went last year, but couldn't? Well, the date for the 2018 Annual Dewitty/Overton Freedom Fund Banquet has been set for December 1, 2018 at 6:00pm at the Hyatt Regency Town Lake. 

The purpose and goal of this year's program is to address the significance of the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and also examine the state of housing in Austin and America today. Access to housing is perhaps the greatest single indicator of equity and progress in America, and the City of Austin has an important history regarding fair housing laws. Accordingly, the program's keynote speaker will address the banquet's theme: "50 Years of the Fair Housing Act and its impact in Austin."

Also in attendance at this banquet will be the prestigious DeWitty/Overton Honoree, the Captain Louie White Honoree, the Founders Award, and community service awards. We will also feature our award-winning ACT-SO program and Youth Council, and hear a musical presentation and special remarks from our Branch President Nelson Linder.

The Austin NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet is an annual event designed to benefit the work of the Branch. The Austin Branch, like the 2000 branches around the nation, is operated on a volunteer basis to bring assistance to communities all across the state. 

In consideration of your contribution to underwrite this affair, the Austin Branch will provide the following:

1. Platinum Sponsorship 
$10,000 - sponsorship includes three reserved VIP tables, with seating for ten per table, with premier location and prominent acknowledgment in all events.

2. Gold Sponsorship 
$5,000.00 - sponsorship includes two reserved tables for ten, with premier location and acknowledgement in event programs and advertising.
 
3. Silver Sponsorship 
$2,500.00 - sponsorship includes two reserved tables for ten, with prominent location and  acknowledgement in event program and advertising.
 
4. Bronze Sponsorship 
$1,000 - sponsorship includes one reserved table with seating for ten and acknowledgement in event program and advertising.
 
Tickets
Individual tickets are $75.00 each and tables for ten are $750.00.
 
To contribute or learn more about this event, you may contact Branch President Nelson Linder at (512) 476-6239 or lindernelson@aol.com, or Communications Chair Shirley Terry at (512) 423-4354.
 
We are excited about this opportunity to affect public policy in the City of Austin and hope to see you at our Annual Freedom Fund Banquet!