10/16/2026
NAACP Greater Waterbury Branch • Unit 2015B
October 16, 2026
Re: Respectful Treatment of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes
To Our Community:
The NAACP Greater Waterbury Branch expresses serious concern regarding a social media post reporting that Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was described as “sounding like a hood girl.”
We reject this derogatory characterization. Such language carries racial and gender stereotypes that demean Black women and diminish their voices, accomplishments, and leadership. Congresswoman Hayes deserves to be addressed by her name and title and treated with the dignity afforded to every public servant.
Disagreement with an elected official’s policies or public statements is part of our democracy. Personal insults and racially demeaning labels undermine meaningful discussion and have no place in respectful public discourse.
Our position is rooted in civil rights and human dignity. African Americans, like all people, deserve to be recognized as individuals and addressed with respect—not reduced to stereotypes or disparaging names.
We call on those responsible for making or circulating derogatory remarks to recognize their harm, take responsibility, and help restore a standard of respectful dialogue.
The NAACP Greater Waterbury Branch remains committed to challenging discrimination and defending the dignity of our community. We can disagree while honoring one another’s humanity.
Respectfully,
Wendy Tyson-Wood
President
NAACP Greater Waterbury Branch
Unit 2015B
