Press Releases & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026
Statement from NAACRO President Betty Williams
The National African American Civil Rights Organization (NAACRO) strongly and
unequivocally condemns the recent social media posting attributed to President Donald J. Trump
depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in a degrading and
dehumanizing manner.
This imagery is disgraceful. It is beneath the dignity of any individual who has held—or seeks to
hold—the highest office in the United States. Such conduct reflects a profound lack of
leadership, respect, and character, and it undermines the basic standards of decency and civility
that our nation must uphold.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama served this country with honor and
distinction. Attempts to demean them through degrading and racially charged imagery are not
only offensive, but harmful. They normalize disrespect, deepen division, and contribute to a
climate where dehumanization is treated as acceptable political discourse.
NAACRO publicly denounces this act in the strongest terms.
Action and Accountability
NAACRO calls on the public not only to reject this behavior—but to respond with purpose.
• Use your voice. Speak out against hate, racism, and dehumanization wherever it appears.
• Use your vote. This November, exercise your constitutional right to vote. Voting is one of the
most powerful tools we have to demand leadership that reflects dignity, respect, and
accountability.
Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for change. NAACRO urges all eligible voters
to confirm their voter registration status, understand their voting options—including early voting,
vote-by-mail, and Election Day polling—and make a plan to vote this November. Voters should
rely on official state and local election resources for accurate information, verify deadlines, and
encourage others in their households and communities to participate. An informed and engaged
electorate is essential to preserving democracy, advancing civil rights, and ensuring that
leadership reflects the values of respect, dignity, and accountability.
• Use your power. Encourage family, friends, and community members to register, stay
informed, and participate in the democratic process.
Change does not happen through silence or outrage alone—it happens through action. Our votes
shape our future.
Leadership is not measured by cruelty or provocation. Leadership is measured by integrity,
responsibility, and respect for humanity.
NAACRO remains steadfast in its mission to protect civil rights, confront racism in all its forms,
and hold those in positions of power accountable when their actions undermine our democracy
and shared values.
— Betty Williams
President
National African American Civil Rights Organization (NAACRO)
__________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2025
National African American Civil Rights Organization (NAACRO) Strongly Condemns
Smithsonian Institution’s Removal of African American Artifacts
Sacramento, CA — April 28, 2025
The National African American Civil Rights Organization (NAACRO) stands outraged and deeply disappointed by the Smithsonian Institution's recent decision to remove African American artifacts from its museum collections. This action represents a shameful erasure of Black history and culture, and a profound betrayal of the trust placed in the Smithsonian by the African American community and the American public at large.
The Smithsonian Institution, founded with the mission of increasing and diffusing knowledge, has a solemn responsibility to represent the full, complex history of this nation. By removing these artifacts, they are not only disregarding the profound contributions and sacrifices of
African Americans but actively participating in the ongoing marginalization of Black voices in the historical record.
We view this decision as an insult to the countless individuals whose struggles, achievements, and legacies these artifacts represent. Museums should serve as custodians of truth and memory—not instruments of selective amnesia.
NAACRO calls upon all people of conscience to stand with us in condemning this disgraceful act. Effective immediately, we urge individuals, organizations, and institutions to withhold financial contributions, support, and attendance from the Smithsonian Institution until they demonstrate a sincere commitment to fully preserving and honoring African American history within their collections.
Furthermore, we demand:
- A full, public explanation and accounting of the removal of these artifacts.
- The immediate reinstatement of all removed items.
- The establishment of a permanent oversight committee, with significant African
American representation, to ensure transparency and accountability within the
Smithsonian’s handling of African American history.
History cannot be rewritten to suit contemporary whims. Our stories will not be silent, and our heritage will not be erased.
We are watching. We are remembering. We will act.
Media Contact:
National African American Civil Rights Organization (NAACRO)
Email: info@naacro.org
Phone: (202) 555-0198
Website: www.naacro.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2025
For more information Contact:
Lou Walker
Lwalker.nan@gmail.com
661-523-2099
avnan.org
naacro.org
CALL TO ACTION: SHOW UP FOR KHAILA & IRIS!
Press Conference & Court Hearing – March 17 | San Diego, CASan Diego, CA –
The legal system has once again failed to protect a Black mother and child, criminalizing Khaila Crum instead of shielding her and her daughter, Iris Crum, from harm. On February 26, Khaila was taken into custody in San Diego Family Court on a Tennessee warrant—a move pushed by the Crum family’s attorney, who pressured the prosecutor to reopen a case after the California charges were dismissed and about a matter that should have been closed. Now, she is facing extradition to Tennessee, a state that has already failed Iris and refused to hold her abusers accountable.Despite Khaila’s wrongful detainment, neither the courts nor the custodial family know Iris’s whereabouts or medical condition. Where is Iris? Who is ensuring her safety?
The state has stripped Khaila of her right to protect her child, and instead of investigating the abuse and fraud upon the court, they are railroading a Black mother into a legal battle designed to break her. During Women’s History Month, we must resist the state’s ongoing attack on African women! This fight is bigger than Khaila and Iris. The state’s attack on Black motherhood is a direct assault on our families, our autonomy, and our right to protect our children. We must stand up and demand justice!We demand: Immediate release of Khaila Crum and a halt to her extradition!Full transparency on Iris’s whereabouts and well-being!Accountability for the fraudulent legal actions used to criminalize Khaila and separate her from her child!SHOW UP & SPEAK OUT!
Press Conference: March 17 | 7:30 AM | San Diego Central CourthouseCourt Hearing: March 17 | 8:30 AM | San Diego Central Courthouse1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
This campaign is supported by:
The African National Women's Organization
NAN Western Region
NAN Antelope Valley
NAN OC
NAN Middle Tennessee Chapters
NAACRO (National African American Civil Rights Organization)
Together, we demand justice, accountability, and freedom for Khaila and Iris! We cannot allow another Black mother to be stolen by a broken system.
#WhereIsIrisCrum #JusticeForKhaila
#ProtectBlackMothers #StopStateViolence #WomensHistoryMonth
WhereIsIrisCrum.com
