NAACP Announces MOU with the African American Mayors Association to Advance Civil Rights and Strengthen Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chyna Fields, [email protected]

Kuae Noel Kelch, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the NAACP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) to collaborate and fulfill the mission of both organizations. The signing took place at the AAMA evening reception during the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Winter meeting. This partnership brings together a shared commitment to advancing civil rights, eliminating racial discrimination, and expanding civic, educational, and economic opportunities for Black communities across America.

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that collaboration is essential to building power, protecting civil rights, and strengthening communities," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "By working together, we are investing in policy solutions, leadership pipelines, and civic engagement strategies that create lasting change."

The MOU outlines the following priorities for the NAACP and AAMA to advance collaboratively:

• To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens;

• To achieve equality of rights and eliminate racial prejudice among the citizens of the United States.

• To remove barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.

• To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights;

• To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination.

• To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful actions to secure their exercise.

• To educate persons about civic, economic, and educational programs that strengthen and build communities.

"AAMA is proud to join forces with the NAACP to continue the fight for civil rights, end racial discrimination and empower our citizens and elected officials, said AAMA President and Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II, also a life member of the NAACP. "AAMA mayors across the country are on the frontlines fighting for justice and finding ways to strengthen their communities. Our values have always been closely aligned, and our collective efforts are much needed, especially now."

As part of this partnership, AAMA will align with the NAACP's non-partisan policy advocacy priorities. This includes coordinated efforts designed to inform and engage member mayors and organizational leaders. The NAACP will collaborate with AAMA leaders and members to participate in issue-based discussions and support collective advocacy.

The MOU also emphasizes leadership development and membership engagement, creating pathways for the next generation of Black leaders. Key components include:

• Establishing introductions and pathways for young Black leaders to engage with and join municipal governments;

• Expanding access to scholarships and fellowship programs that support leadership development and civic engagement; and

• A membership commitment under which every member of AAMA will become a lifetime member of the NAACP.

"It's imperative that we share information with each other and continue having important conversations about the issues that deeply impact our communities," said AAMA CEO Phyllis Dickerson. "We also need to focus on our leaders of tomorrow, building a strong pipeline for them to develop leadership skills and remain active and engaged in civic life."

The NAACP and AAMA are collectively energized and prepared to begin implementing the joint initiatives. There will be a direct focus on policy education, leadership development, and coordinated advocacy efforts that advance equity and justice nationwide.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP but now operates as a completely separate entity.

About AAMA

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.