The Muskegon Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is seeking "independent investigations" from the U.S. attorney general and U.S. Department of Justice.

Julius Johnson, 23, was shot and killed Sept. 23 during a confrontation with a Muskegon police officer.

The Rev. William Anderson, president of the local NAACP, said the investigation is slow going. In what has been released thus far, he said it appears there are discrepancies.

"There are a lot of questions left unanswered," he said. "The police department seems to not be in haste to answer questions.

"We've been down this path so many times before, and we're asking for a thorough investigation by someone who is not connected to the Muskegon Police Department," Anderson said.

The NAACP was contacted the morning of the shooting by the family, "and we have been involved ever since," he said.

[Read more]

It's time to stop the funerals!

The cold-blooded murder of Chicago high school student Derrion Albert by a mob of youngsters has shocked the nation. Like many Americans, I felt horror watching the video of this 16-year-old’s killing. Today, I feel angry. I am horrified at the nature of this crime. I am infuriated that so many witnesses watched this murder without intervening. I am outraged that some perpetrators remain at large, protected by individuals in the community that will not fully cooperate with the police. I am disgusted that today—less than a week after the killing—children must continue to walk the same fearful path home from school, risking their lives to gain an education. 

[Read more]

How You Can Help:

Read the Washington Post coverage of the event, or check out the NAACP’s Op-Ed on the shooting.

Sign our petition demanding a full investigation into the shooting by the Department of Justice, and legislation to mandate federal standards for the use of force by police officers, and

Sign on to our Facebook page for the latest news, photos and action opportunities from the Rockford rally.

Click here for more photos from the event.

Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT) 1st Annual Awards Banquet was created to celebrate the courageous conversations, commitment and collaboration of ALPACT and highlight the distinguished public service of each individual organization.  United States Attorney General Eric Holder is the keynote speaker and honoree.  TV news anchor Huel Perkins will serve as the emcee.  

Theme:                  “Building Police and Community Trust Together”
Date:                     Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time:                6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
Location:               Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center

ALPACT is a community-based coalition that examines issues affecting police and community relations and the discriminatory enforcement of laws, such as racial profiling, police discretion and use of force, recruitment and training, citizen complaint processes, community partnering and police leadership and management of disciplinary practices; to develop recommendations and best practices designed to enhance the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  ALPACT is comprised of both law enforcement agencies and community organizations.  

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Michigan State Conference is very proud to be an active member of the ALPACT coalition and involved in the planning of this historic event.  

2009-2010 ALPACT Co-Chairs are Nabih Ayad of the Michigan American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and Andy Arena of the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

For tickets and/or additional information, call the ALPACT office at 313-477-7579 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To register online, click here.

Jeanette Henagan, president of the Lenawee County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has been selected as the 2009 Michigan State Conference NAACP Branch President of the Year. 

Henagan received the award Saturday at the state NAACP conference banquet in Lansing during its 73^rd Annual Convention & Civil Rights Conference, “BOLD Dreams, BIG Victories.”

“I was surprised and honored when I was notified,” Henagan said. “There are quite a few branches, larger branches, that have many wonderful candidates for this award. I was humbled by the announcement.” 

The Lenawee County branch of the NAACP raises money for scholarships and supports various community groups, Henagan said, and organizes an annual Juneteenth celebration to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865.

Yvonne White, Michigan’s NAACP president, said Henagan leads by example and she appreciates her hard work and team-building efforts.  “Jeanette has always been outstanding in terms of her leadership,” White said. “She has been a tremendous leader, not only in Lenawee County, but at the state and national levels.

 
[Read more]