NAACP Defends Democracy and Mobilizes Members at March on Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

WASHINGTON - On Friday, the NAACP and its members gathered on the National Mall for the 63rd anniversary of the historic March on Washington. Leadership from the NAACP, partnering alongside national civil rights groups, delivered a powerful call to action. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to protect voting rights, dismantle systemic barriers, and build Black political and economic power nationwide.

As aggressive rollbacks against civil rights, voting access, and representation ensue, the NAACP emphasized that standing on the shoulders of giants means taking up their fight with urgency.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared the following remarks:

"We stand here today, recognizing as many who came 63 years later, that the march is only the gathering point for the work. We must leave here, not celebrating this moment, but energized and inspired to turn out the vote in November.

"We recognize that when we vote we win. We recognize that the Black vote is the moral compass of this nation. We recognize that there are those who will try to divide us by putting labels on us.

"But if we stay focused on our mission, based on our history, and looking towards the future, we will win."

The NAACP's presence at the March on Washington marks a key component of the final, critical stretch leading to November elections. The Association highlighted its national strategy to safeguard Black voters:

• Litigating in over 20 voting rights cases across the country to dismantle unconstitutional gerrymandering, fight voter suppression laws, and defend full access to the ballot box against disenfranchisement.
• Executing a dynamic multi-million GOTV campaign dedicated to field operations, community education, youth voter registration, and driving unprecedented turnout in every corner of the nation.

"I refuse to believe that this storm is the end of our story," said Tylik McMillan, National Director of the Youth and College Division. "I believe that the power belongs to the people, not a president, not a political party, not a billionaire, not a corporation but We The People. We are not waiting for history to save us. We are the storytellers, a new democracy. So when they ask what this generation did when democracy was under attack, let the record show, we showed up."

The NAACP registered voters and confirmed voter registration status on-site at the March on Washington as part of our ongoing GOTV efforts. We remain committed to protecting the democracy that generations bled to build. To learn more about the NAACP's voting rights initiatives, visit naacp.org.

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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.