Roanoke Branch NAACP

10/12/2026

10/10/2026

St. John AME Church is hosting their Friends and Family Weekend Oct 17th-Oct 18th.

Come be a part of an enlightened and thought provoking conversation as we explore the 13th and 14th Amendments historical significance and impact on the Black community, and the connections between our history, civil rights, and mental health in our community.
Guest Speaker: Tanisha Nash
Oct 17th
10am-12:30pm
See you there!

10/03/2026

PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO VOTE

Dr. Brenda Hale proudly represented the Roanoke Branch NAACP at a local event in support of the Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment.

“Look at the progress we have made and been able to accomplish because our communities were a part of the Democratic process”.

The proposed amendment on the November 3, 2026 ballot would establish the right to vote as a fundamental right in Virginia and provide for the automatic restoration of voting rights to individuals upon release from incarceration following a felony conviction.

For the NAACP, civic engagement is rooted in ensuring that eligible citizens understand their rights, have access to the ballot, and have their voices heard.

Currently, state law allows the governor to restore felons' voting rights on a case-by-case basis.

10/02/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our friends at SWVA Pride for continuing to be such an incredible community partner and for creating spaces where people can show up, connect, celebrate, and simply be themselves. ❤️🏳️‍🌈

This year marked the second year that the LGBTQ Committee of the Roanoke Branch NAACP has participated in this event, and once again, we were reminded of what community partnership can look like when we create space for one another.

We had the opportunity to connect with our community around the importance of voting, civic engagement, and making sure our voices are heard. Every conversation matters. Every voice matters. And every opportunity to remind our community of the power we have together matters.

This year also brought something especially meaningful. The Roanoke Branch NAACP, in partnership with The Black Brilliance Team, came together to kick off Our Stories Matter, a storytelling experience that will officially launch in February in celebration of Black History Month.

Because our stories deserve to be heard.
Our history deserves to be remembered.
Our experiences deserve to be honored.
And our voices deserve a place in the story of our community.

This is what community looks like. Showing up, building relationships, creating opportunities, and making sure that the people and stories that have too often been overlooked are seen, heard, and valued.

Thank you, SWVA Pride, for welcoming us, partnering with us, and continuing to help create spaces where all of us can belong.

We’re just getting started. ❤️🏳️‍🌈✊🏾

Our Voices. Our Stories. Our History.
Our Stories Matter.

09/27/2026

🌟 YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: NAZIER IS MAKING MOVES! 🌟

Big dreams, bold ideas, and the determination to turn them into reality! Meet Nazier, a member of the Roanoke Branch NAACP Youth Council, Chair of Community Coordination, and ACT-SO participant in the field of Entrepreneurship.

Nazier isn’t just talking about entrepreneurship. He’s putting in the work to build his business, develop his brand, and get his products in front of the community!

This weekend, Nazier had the opportunity to showcase his business at Southwest Virginia PRIDE. That opportunity came through Judge James Dowdy, who recognized the potential in Nazier’s business concept and stepped up to offer mentorship and a space for him to continue developing his business skills, marketing his products, and growing as a young entrepreneur.

And Nazier showed up ready to represent!

We couldn’t be prouder of this young man! His willingness to put himself and his business out there, embrace new opportunities, and continue learning is exactly what we love to see from our youth.

Nazier, keep dreaming BIG! Keep learning, keep creating, keep building your business, and keep stepping into rooms that will open doors you haven’t even imagined yet. Every opportunity is a chance to grow, make connections, and get one step closer to your vision.

The Roanoke Branch NAACP is EXTREMELY proud of you! We see your ambition, we celebrate your accomplishments, and we look forward to watching your business grow.

Special thanks to Judge James Dowdy for recognizing Nazier’s potential and investing in his entrepreneurial journey.

Keep making moves, Nazier! This is just the beginning! 👏🏾💛

09/16/2026

Hispanic Heritage Month | September 15 to October 15 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇩🇴🇸🇻🇨🇺

Different cultures. Different stories. One community.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, traditions, contributions, and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities across our nation.

The Roanoke Branch NAACP proudly stands in solidarity with our Hispanic and Latino neighbors, recognizing that the pursuit of justice, equity, dignity, and opportunity is stronger when every voice and every story has a place.

From community leaders and entrepreneurs to educators, artists, advocates, families, and young people, Hispanic and Latino communities continue to shape the fabric of Roanoke and communities across the country.

We also recognize the diversity within the Hispanic and Latino experience, including Afro Latino communities whose histories, cultures, and contributions are an important part of this story.

This month, we do more than celebrate culture.

We celebrate people.
We honor history.
We amplify voices.
We stand together.

💛🖤 The Roanoke Branch NAACP
People • Power • Progress

09/13/2026

On behalf of the Roanoke Branch NAACP, The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., we extend our sincere appreciation to the Roanoke City Council Candidates who participated in our candidate forum.
We thank our moderator, the NAACP Youth Council members who assisted and most importantly, the community members who showed up!

Forums like these provide an opportunity for voters to hear directly from those seeking to serve our community and reinforce the importance of being informed and engaged in the electoral process.

When organizations come together with a shared commitment to civic engagement, education, and empowerment, our entire community benefits. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this forum a success!

09/12/2026

Happening TODAY!! We hope to see you there!!

Join us for a Roanoke City Council Candidate Forum on:

Saturday, September 12th
1:00 PM at the Claude Moore Complex
109 N. Henry St.
Roanoke, VA 24016

Come hear directly from the candidates and learn more about their priorities for the city of Roanoke.

Democracy works best when WE THE PEOPLE are informed, engaged, and involved!

Save the date and bring a friend!