Today, as part of Juneteenth Freedom Week, the NAACP Virginia State Conference, alongside committed partners, has launched Freedom Summer VA 2.0, a vital initiative that pays homage to the courageous civil rights advocates of 1964 who journeyed to Mississippi to empower voters. This program emphasizes the importance of every voice in our democracy, particularly through voter registration, and aims to inspire civic engagement within communities. Through various activities and outreach efforts, including dedicated voter registration drives, Freedom Summer VA seeks to continue the legacy of advocacy and ensure that all citizens are heard and represented.
Joining Rev. Cozy Bailey, Sr. NAACP Virginia State Conference President, today were Gaylene Kanoyton, Region Vice President, and Political Action Chair, Jayveon Tucker, Youth & College Division Vice President, Melanie Campbell, President and CEO for the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation; Joan Porte, President, League of Women Voters of Virginia; Jade Harris, Project Director with Rural Ground Game, and Dr. Wes Belamy, National Board Member of 100 Black Men, Incorporated.
In light of recent developments, including the Supreme Court’s decision to weaken the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the Supreme Court of Virginia’s reversal of the redistricting referendum supported by 1.6 million voters, the NAACP Virginia State Conference is committed to promoting education, voter registration, and mobilization. The NAACP Virginia State Conference will also promote the three amendments on the ballot, ensuring voters are informed and prepared to make their voices heard in the November midterm elections.
“The forces of oppression and suppression are actively removing our rights, from the courts to the redistricting process. But with one exception, we still have the right to vote, and we intend to protect it. Freedom Summer VA is our answer to this moment,” stated Rev. Cozy Bailey, President, NAACP Virginia State Conference. “We must participate in this democracy in a way we haven’t before, and we will not stop until every voice in Virginia is heard.”
“It’s more important than ever for us to reach marginalized communities and ensure they know their power. The attacks on our voting rights are real, but so is our resolve. We have to make our voices heard — in the voting booth, in our communities, and at every level of government. Freedom Summer VA is how we fight back.” stated Gaylene Kanoyton, Political Action Chair, NAACP Virginia State Conference.
“During the original Freedom Summer, organizers intentionally focused on and included rural communities, devoting time and effort to organize everywhere,” said Jade Harris, Project Director with Rural Ground Game. “We’re grateful to be part of the work honoring that legacy by bringing small town and rural communities together for events, voter registration drives, and mobilization to get out the vote for leaders who will fight to restore and strengthen our voting rights.”
The voices and votes of our youth will be prominent during Freedom Summer VA. “The Youth and College Division will support this initiative wherever we are needed. We will work to ensure that accurate information reaches youth communities, that young adults understand available resources, and that they are equipped with the knowledge necessary to become lifelong civic leaders. This initiative is also about investing in the future. Young adults are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today,” stated Jayveon Tucker, NAACP Virginia State Conference Youth and College Division Vice President. Joan Porte, President of the League of Voters of Virginia, added, “This is an important initiative and a reminder to high schools in Virginia that they are required to provide time and materials to all students eligible to register to vote.”
Freedom Summer VA will focus on educating, registering, and mobilizing voters in low-turnout areas of Virginia in Congressional Districts 1, 2, 5, and 6. There will also be a heavy emphasis on voting yes on the three constitutional amendments: Restoration of Rights, Marriage Equality, and Reproductive Freedom. Branches, Youth Councils, and College Chapters, in collaboration with our partners, will host registration drives and town halls.
Key dates for Freedom Summer VA are July 25-26 Registration Drives across the Commonwealth; August 6, 2026, the 61st Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, and the Weekend of Action, August 8 – 9, 2026.
The NAACP Virginia State Conference is committed to increasing Black political power and voter turnout for the midterms