RECENT EXPERIENCES

Texas NAACP Advocacy Day

April 4, 2023, Texas NAACP hosted Advocacy Day with Texas Legislative Black Caucus at the Capitol in Austin, TX, where we partnered with other organizations to testify and stand against anti-DEI bills.

  • On April 4, 2023, the Texas NAACP held its annual Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Austin, TX. This year's event focused on fighting against anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bills introduced in the state legislature.

    A coalition of organizations, including the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, LULAC, and NAACP LDF attended the event. Together, they advocated for policies that promote equity and inclusion and spoke out against legislation that seeks to limit discussions of racism and discrimination.

    During the event, advocates testified before lawmakers and shared personal stories of how discrimination has impacted their lives. They also called on lawmakers to prioritize policies that address systemic racism and inequality.

    Despite the challenges of organizing during a pandemic, the Texas NAACP and its partners created a powerful and impactful event. They demonstrated the importance of community organizing and activism by coming together and standing up for marginalized communities.

Texas Tech Phenomenal Women Banquet

Ellie Mae Fisher holding award after being honored as Texas Tech Distinguished Woman

Women's Banquet was held on March 27, 2023, to recognize the achievements and contributions of outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the university and community.

  • On March 27, 2023, Texas Tech University held its annual Phenomenal Women's Banquet, a celebration of women who have made significant contributions to the university and the community. This year's event was particularly special for me, as I was chosen as a distinguished woman of Texas Tech.

    The Phenomenal Women's Banquet is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication. It is a celebration of the strength and resilience of women who have overcome challenges and made a positive impact on their communities.

    As a distinguished woman of Texas Tech, I was honored to be recognized alongside other outstanding women who have made significant contributions to the university and the community. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of so many accomplished and inspiring women, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share in this celebration of women's achievements.

    The Phenomenal Women's Banquet is an important reminder of the power of women's leadership and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who continue to break barriers and make a positive impact on the world around them.

    As we continue to face new challenges and obstacles, we must continue to lift up and support women in all areas of life. The Phenomenal Women's Banquet is a reminder that we are stronger when we come together and support one another, and I am proud to be a part of a community that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women.

Texas NAACP YCD Quarterly @ Baylor

January 28, 2023, Freedom Fighters gathered from across Texas at Baylor University for the Spring Quarterly Meeting.

  • As the First Vice President of the Texas NAACP Youth and College Division, I recently had the honor of attending our quarterly meeting. This meeting brought together student leaders from across the state to discuss issues affecting young people and to strategize ways to advance our collective mission of promoting social justice and equity.

    The meeting was a powerful reminder of the importance of youth activism and leadership in creating positive change. We had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and learn about the work that other chapters are doing to make a difference in their communities.

    One of the highlights of the meeting was a workshop on voter mobilization, which emphasized the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard in our democratic process. We also had the opportunity to connect with other student leaders and to build relationships that will be invaluable as we continue our work in the future.

    I am proud to be a part of a community of young people who are dedicated to making a difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this meeting and the knowledge and inspiration I gained from it. I look forward to continuing to create a more just and equitable society within our organization and beyond.

President’s Excellence in Diversity Reception

The President’s Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award Reception was held on April 15, 2022, to recognize the achievements and contributions of outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the university and community.

  • I was recently honored to be selected as a nominee for the President's Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award at my university's annual banquet. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university community.

    As someone who is deeply passionate about social justice and advocacy, being chosen as a nominee for this award was incredibly meaningful to me. It was an opportunity to reflect on the work that I have done to advance DEI and to think about the ways in which I can continue to push for progress in these areas.

    At the banquet, I had the opportunity to connect with other nominees and hear about the amazing work they are doing to promote DEI in various fields. It was inspiring to see the impact that these individuals are making and to be a part of a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Although I did not receive the award, being a nominee was a reminder of the importance of continuing to work towards creating a more just and equitable society. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been recognized and will continue to use my voice and platform to advocate for DEI.

2022 Selma March with TX NAACP YC & BVM

March 9, 2022, Texas NAACP YC marched with Black Voters Matter to Selma, Alabama.

  • On March 9, 2022, I joined a group of Texas NAACP Youth and College members with Black Voters Matter in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 57th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

    The Edmund Pettus Bridge was the site of a violent confrontation between civil rights activists and law enforcement on March 7, 1965, when marchers were met with tear gas and billy clubs. The events of that day, which became known as Bloody Sunday, galvanized the nation and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

    Marching with Black Voters Matter and Texas NAACP Youth and College members was a humbling and empowering experience. It was a reminder of the important work that still needs to be done to ensure that all voices are heard and all votes are counted.

    The march was also an opportunity to connect with activists and organizers nationwide and learn from their experiences and perspectives. It was a chance to unite with a shared commitment to justice and equality and to renew our dedication to the struggle for civil rights.

    As we look to the future, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to address systemic racism and inequality. The march in Selma was a powerful reminder that progress is possible when we stand together and speak out against injustice.

    The Texas NAACP Youth and College members who marched in Selma with Black Voters Matter showed that the fight for civil rights is far from over. They embody the spirit and legacy of those who marched before them and serve as a beacon of hope for the future.