The Anchorage Branch of the NAACP elected a new president last week – Kevin McGee.
McGee said the NAACP is focused on more than just the rights of African-Americans; it is building relationships with other community organizations to stand up for the rights for all Alaskans.
“We work better as a team within the entire community helping address each others’ issues to see if they can improve for the benefit of everybody,” he said during a phone interview.
The election of Donald Trump has emboldened hate groups, McGee said, and puts people’s civil rights at risk.
“Why are we allowing this country to turn itself — to do a 180 degree turn — and act like there is nothing wrong with this?” he said.
Protecting people’s civil rights includes focusing on environmental justice issues as well, he said, because communities of color are often the most impacted by climate change and pollution. The NAACP is working with state and community groups to develop green energy options in Anchorage. They’re also working with the school district to improve math and reading scores.
Anne Hillman is the healthy communities editor at Alaska Public Media and a host of Hometown, Alaska. Reach her atahillman@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Annehere.
