Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP since 2017, will speak Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the University of Mary Washington.
His words will reflect on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s enduring legacy in the United States.
Johnson has spent decades advocating also for fairness, equality and the underserved, just as King did. In connecting with the UMW community next week, he will focus on the importance of serving our neighbor, contributing to the community and building and protecting democracy in America.
Co-sponsored by Mary Washington’s NAACP College Chapter and Germanna Community College, Johnson will speak at 7 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Johnson’s speech is the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration of King’s life and work at UMW. The event is free and open to the public.
“We all have a mutual obligation to support our neighbor and recognize that our collective uniqueness is our strength,” said Johnson. “Our uniqueness is our genius, and we should celebrate that genius.”
Johnson’s career has been dedicated to addressing inequality, championing justice for marginalized communities and looking out for one another. The NAACP has reinvigorated its mission, and launched impactful campaigns addressing inequities in healthcare, voting rights and technology.
In 2018, Johnson launched his “Log Out” campaign, a call on Facebook to address disinformation targeting Black Americans. In 2020, the “We Are Done Dying” campaign highlighted racial disparities in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Johnson established a cabinet-level position focused on racial justice.
Johnson is excited to share his enthusiasm with UMW students and the community next Wednesday.
“I always enjoy talking to students. In this moment we need to build the bench of more critical thinkers, and what better way to do so than to engage with students.”
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Rebecca Barnabi
