June 1, 2026
Greetings Freedom Fighters and Friends,
As we gather for our June Membership Meeting, I am proud to reflect on a remarkable month of community engagement, advocacy, celebration, and service. May was filled with opportunities to strengthen our relationships, honor our students, support families, and advance the mission of the NAACP throughout Sonoma County.
May Program Highlights
We began the month standing in solidarity with workers, immigrants, and advocates during the May Day Activation on May 1st, reaffirming our commitment to economic justice, worker protections, and civil rights for all.
On May 2nd our Community Closet Shop served families and community members by providing access to clothing and essential items. This effort demonstrated the power of mutual aid and community care while helping reduce barriers faced by many local residents. The addition to a Farmacy Cart at the H.IV.E. will expand this reach.
We continued educating and empowering our members through our NAACP 101 Workshop, ensuring our community remains informed about civil rights protections, local policy developments, and opportunities for engagement.
On May 23rd, the branch partnered with community stakeholders through the Doula Collaborative, advancing conversations around maternal health equity, birth justice, and culturally responsive support services for Black families and communities of color.
Celebrating Our Graduates
One of the greatest joys of May was celebrating the accomplishments of our students. On May 17th, the branch hosted our inaugural Black High School Graduation Celebration, honoring Black graduating seniors from across Sonoma County. It was a powerful reminder of the brilliance, resilience, and promise represented in our young people. Over the past four years, we would drive to all the high schools across the county, but given the economy and now having a space, it made the most sense to bring everyone together at the H.I.V.E..
We were also honored to participate in the Raza Graduation Celebration on May 21st, where we celebrated Latino student achievement and strengthened our commitment to solidarity across communities.A special highlight was the opportunity to meet and hear from civil rights icon Dolores Huerta. Her lifelong dedication to justice, labor rights, and community organizing served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change is built through collective action and sustained advocacy. On May 22nd, I joined Sonoma State University’s Black Graduation Celebration, recognizing graduating students and their academic achievements while celebrating the importance of representation and community support in higher education.
I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the many families within our branch whose children, grandchildren, siblings, and loved ones graduated this year. Your support, sacrifice, and encouragement helped make these accomplishments possible.
Looking Ahead to June
June promises to be one of our busiest and most exciting months of the year.
June 1 – Monthly Membership Meeting- We begin the month by gathering as a branch to discuss our ongoing work, celebrate accomplishments, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. June 2 – Statewide Primary Election – The NAACP continues to encourage all eligible voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Voting remains one of the most important tools we have to influence policies that impact our communities.
June 14 – Youth Meet & Greet – Our Youth Council will host a countywide Youth Meet & Greet, bringing together students from middle schools and high schools throughout Sonoma County. This event will connect student leaders from ASBs, BSUs, MEChA organizations, AAPI groups, and allied student organizations to build relationships, share resources, and explore opportunities for civic engagement.
June 18 – Freedom Fund Dinner – We are excited to host our annual Freedom Fund Dinner, our signature fundraising event celebrating leadership, service, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice. We look forward to recognizing community champions and raising critical resources to support our programs.
June 19 – Juneteenth Celebrations Juneteenth is a time to commemorate freedom, resilience, and the enduring contributions of Black Americans. This year, we are proud to participate in multiple celebrations, including our family-friendly Juneteenth community event Brew and a special theatrical presentation of Ain’t Too Proud to Beg. We encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate Black culture, history, and excellence.Stay tuned for more information about the various events.
June 22–26 – Youth Social Justice Institute
Our Youth Social Justice Institute returns this summer, providing students in grades 7–12 with an immersive week-long experience exploring civil rights history, contemporary social justice movements, leadership development, and community engagement. This program represents an important investment in the next generation of advocates and changemakers.
Pride Month
June is also Pride Month, and our branch proudly recognizes and celebrates the contributions, leadership, and resilience of LGBTQ+ community members. The NAACP remains committed to advancing equity and protecting the civil rights of all people. We stand firmly in support of dignity, inclusion, and belonging for every member of our community.
As we move into the summer months, I am encouraged by the momentum we continue to build together. Whether through advocacy, youth engagement, educational programming, community celebrations, or direct service, our branch remains committed to advancing justice while creating spaces for connection, healing, and joy.
Thank you to our members, volunteers, community partners, sponsors, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we continue to honor the legacy of those who came before us while preparing the next generation to lead.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership.
In Service and Solidarity,
Kirstyne A. Lange
President, NAACP Santa Rosa – Sonoma County Branch
