NAACP takes concerns to lawmakers

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Tags:

general assembly, local/state

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Members of the North Carolina NAACP and the Historic Thousands on Jones Street coalition marched through Raleigh Wednesday - taking their concerns to state lawmakers.

The group knocked on lawmaker's doors at the General Assembly to talk about their 14-point list that includes what they consider to be a fair budget and protecting the Racial Justice Act.

The group has butted heads with some lawmakers in the past. NC NAACP President Dr. William Barber has been arrested at the legislature during a protest where he demanded a meeting with the speaker of the house.

But Barber said Wednesday they must be heard.

"We are not trespassing in our house. We are trying to ensure that those in our house are working for the benefit of all North Carolinians, not just a privileged, well paid, well connected, and able to have their own lobbyists," said Barber.

Barber said the HK on J has seen the effects of budget cuts on disabled veterans, the poor, the unemployed, and children. The group said it is also concerned about education - funding and racially diverse schools.