May 1, 2026
As we enter the month of May, I extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for the energy, care, and commitment you continue to bring to our work. The momentum we built in April carries forward, and it is clear that our branch remains deeply rooted in both advocacy and community-centered healing.
In April, we engaged in meaningful action and dialogue that strengthened our collective impact. Our participation in the Annual CA/HILegislative Advocacy Day at the Capitol on April 20th ensured that the voices of our community were represented in critical policy conversations. We met with members of the assembly and senate to draw them to our CA/HI Priority Legislative bills : SB1420 (Richardson) Vote by Mail Ballots and Early Voting, AB1537 (Bryan) Peace Officers: Secondary Employment, and AB2383 (Zbur) Electricity: Large Energy Use Facilities. I encourage each and every member to take a look at these bills and you can follow the progress from the CA/HI State website: cahinaacp.org/california-hawaii-state-conference-naacp-bill-positions/.
We also created space for restoration and connection through Eco Plant Therapy on April 25th, reminding us that environmental justice and personal wellness are deeply intertwined. Unfortunately, the May session will not be offered and we ask that you join us in keeping Roz and their family in your thoughts and prayers.
Additionally, our Branch continues to offer Advocacy and support to community members. We may not be able to take on all cases, but our Legal Redress team tries to find additional pathways and resources to support our community members. Visit our website to review how to File a Discrimination Complaint; this is essential in guiding community members through the advocacy pipeline. We cannot take any complaints via the phone or in person.
May invites us to continue this balance of action, education, and restoration. We begin the month in solidarity with the May Day Activation on May 1, 2026, standing alongside workers and communities advocating for dignity, fair wages, and justice. We joined over 800 community members who marched from Southwest Community Park to Juilliard Park. Immediately following, our Community Closet Shop on May 2nd provided essential clothing to community members while reinforcing our commitment to mutual aid and economic support. The Community Closet is also available during Office Hours on Monday and Wednesday from 11 AM to 3 PM or by appointment (email: naacp.srsc1074b@gmail.com).
To honor excellence, culture, and the next generation of leaders we will be hosting ‘The Debut’ on May 17th to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. We will recognize Black graduating seniors and present them with a Kente stole—a powerful symbol of heritage, achievement, and pride to be worn on graduation day.
We are also proud to uplift and celebrate leadership and entrepreneurship through the Meet the Doula Event on May 23rd from 12 PM to 4 PM highlighting birthing resources, resilience, and excellence within our community. This event is critical as we continue to build pathways birthing justice, economic empowerment and generational growth. These moments are not separate from our advocacy—they are essential to sustaining it.
Across all of our programming, from advocacy, education, wellness gatherings, from economic empowerment to community care, we are intentionally creating a holistic approach to justice. We recognize that true progress requires not only policy change, but also spaces where our community can feel supported, restored, and inspired.
I encourage each of you to stay engaged, attend events, invite others, join a committee, and continue contributing your voice and vision. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected branch—one that honors our legacy while boldly shaping the future. Stay updated through the newsletter, website, and through social media (@naacpsonoma).
Although June is a few weeks away, we look forward to the Freedom Fund Dinner on June 18th – ticket and sponsorship information is available on our website. Additionally, we will launch our Summer Justice Institute for 7th – 12th graders. More details to follow.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership.
In Service and Solidarity,
Kirstyne A. Lange
President, NAACP Santa Rosa – Sonoma County Branch