TJ Harvey ~ Guest Writer
The University of Lynchburg is pushing ahead with plans to implement a campus chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This effort is being spearheaded by Dr. Robert L. Canida II, vice president for Inclusive Excellence, Desmond Mosby, student employment coordinator, and Davion Washington, Student Government Association president.
“The next step is first to have 25 paid members. We need 25 applications in order to move forward with chartering on campus. Mr. Washington is inviting people to join the chapter, and that my office is willing to pay for some members to be chartered as well,” said Canida.
Some events the NAACP would bring to campus would include community service projects, forums and guest speakers around the topic of racial justice.
“We would do community service, and forums that will learn the vision of the NAACP. We would help boost efforts for racial equality, racial advancement, equity and inclusion by bringing in guest speakers… Also, we would do a lot of work with the Lynchburg city branch and connect/network with them,” said Washington.
The hope is that an NAACP charter on campus will energise the community, add to the university’s diversity and inclusion commitments and bring a sense of to the University of Lynchburg.
Dr. Canida said, “I would love to see as many students who believe in justice who believe in rights for all people, and who believe in all marginalized groups should join because once we charter we will be the first collegiate charter in Lynchburg”.
To understand more about the NAACP and the vision for a campus chapter, check out a video from the first interest meeting : https://media.lynchburg.edu/player/?5fad756d97177
