“If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected – those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! – and listens to their testimony.” James Baldwin

What’s Next?

SAVE THE DATE!

Monday, May 5th, 2025 @ 7:00 PM Mountain Time

We’d like to gather together one more time and address the actions and concerns that led the Executive Committee to take the decision to dissolve the Branch rather than let it be co-opted and silenced by the City of Boulder. For discussion:

Why did the city double down on hiring our current police chief?
Why did the city feel comfortable inserting itself in the leadership of a non-governmental agency advocating for justice and equality within Boulder County?
Why did the NAACP National Organization fail to support the largest and most active unit within the CO MT WY State Conference, possible the Region?

A bit of background and context in preparation for this and other NAACP related meeting you may attend.

In a nutshell – National NAACP sided with City of Boulder officials to stop NAACP Boulder County from speaking out about our objection to the police chief hire. To that end, NAACP National actively

withheld the Branch’s elections
sought to remove Branch leadership through suspensions
took away the Branch’s right and obligation to speak out about the police chief; the police department and the city manager
tried to impose an “administrator”
insisted on being added as signatory to the Branch’s bank account, etc.

Finally, on March 17th, 2025, Erika Cain and Steve Ricard held a virtual meeting with the Executive Committee to bully the Branch into submission. Erika Cain and Steve Ricard’s tone and tenor were disrespectful and devoid of any human decency or due process, making it absolutely clear that the Branch had no rights that the National Association were going to hear or consider. Steve Ricard stated that as far as the ‘brand’ was concerned “you’re either in or you’re out”… we chose “OUT” and filed to dissolve the Branch with the Colorado Secretary of State.

Agenda:

Intro
Dialogue / Conversation
Q&A
Summary
Moving Forward / Next Steps
Adjourn

NOTE: A link to the meeting will be sent early Monday morning, per usual. Keep an eye out for it in your inbox and be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away.

After taking April off to sit with our anger, sadness, and ultimately, disappointment in both the National Association and City of Boulder leaders, we hope you will attend this important general body meeting and final call to action.

In Service and with Gratitude,
Former NAACP Boulder County Executive Committee Members