September 27, 2024 - Norfolk Vision Now Coalition Holds Housing Crisis Forum
Norfolk, Va. - Community members are gathering for the launch of Norfolk Vision Now, a coalition made up of community members from New Virginia Majority, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, Sierra Club Chesapeake Bay Group, NAACP Norfolk Branch, Norfolk GAINS, GEAR Recovery, and the Women League of Voters of South Hampton Roads.
September 20, 2024 - NVM Statement on Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Decision to Not Approve Money for the RISE Program
Loudoun, VA. - New Virginia Majority is deeply disappointed by the failure of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on September 17 to approve $2 million for the RISE Loudoun Economic Mobility Pilot program, a guaranteed income program.
September 9, 2024 - New Virginia Majority Announces Norfolk Slate of Endorsements 2024
Norfolk, VA. - New Virginia Majority (NVM) announced endorsements for the 2024 Norfolk city council and school board races. Endorsements include Rodney Jordan for City Council Superward 7 and Ron White for School Board Superward 7.
September 5, 2024 - New Virginia Majority Endorses Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President
Richmond, VA. - Today, New Virginia Majority announced its endorsement of Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President.
August 20, 2024 - New Virginia Majority Announces Richmond Slate of Endorsements 2024
Richmond, VA. - New Virginia Majority (NVM) announced endorsements for the 2024 Richmond mayoral and city council races.
May 15, 2024 - New Virginia Majority Celebrates ARPA-funded Rent Relief Programs Launching in Loudoun County
Loudoun, VA. - For the past two years, New Virginia Majority (NVM) has worked with Loudoun County residents to ensure that federal ARPA funding will be used to help residents stay in their homes by providing rental assistance, eviction prevention and utility assistance, with nearly $6 million allocated for rental assistance.
May 9, 2024 - New Virginia Majority Announces Alexandria Slate of Endorsements
Alexandria, VA. - Today, New Virginia Majority (NVM) announced endorsements for the 2024 Alexandria mayoral and city council races.
February 26, 2024 - Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Passes House of Delegates
Earlier today, the House of Delegates passed the Paid Family and Medical Leave bill introduced by Senator Jennifer Boysko-this bill would provide paid leave for workers throughout Virginia, which has been long overdue. This is the first time a statewide family and leave bill has passed both the House and Senate-legislators realize that workers should not have to choose between earning their wages and taking extended time off to celebrate a new baby or to care of a sick child, parent, or even themselves.
February 24, 2024 - The City of Norfolk Installed the First Call Tower
Norfolk, VA. - In June, the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority approved a pilot program to install emergency call towers in the St. Paul's area following persistent efforts from dedicated residents and Norfolk organizers who have tirelessly advocated for these call towers since the fall of 2022.
November 18, 2023 - Residents Hold Vigil Due to Unfair Practices at the Residences at Brookside
Richmond, Va. - On November 18, 2023 at 5:30 p.m., residents of the Residences at Brookside and New Virginia Majority (NVM) organizers will hold a vigil at their complex, located at 1404 Barriedale Road in Richmond. Residents are protesting the challenging living conditions because of the unfair practices by the apartment management.
October 25, 2023 - Statement on Events Unfolding in Gaza and Our Call for a Ceasefire
We support the recent resolution proposed by Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Rashida Tlaib “urging the Biden Administration to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine, to send humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza, and to save as many lives as possible.”
October 5, 2023 - Loudoun Residents to Line Up Overnight for Housing Choice Vouchers
Leesburg, Va. - On October 5, 2023 at 1 a.m., New Virginia Majority (NVM) organizers will gather with Loudoun residents to line up overnight to obtain one of 300 available spots on the Housing Choice Voucher program waitlist, which will open that morning at 8:30 a.m. outside the Department of Housing and Community Development (106 Catoctin Circle SE).
September 27, 2023 - Organizers Launch People’s Platform for the Working-Class in Loudoun
Leesburg, VA - On September 27, 2023 at 7 p.m., New Virginia Majority (NVM) and organizers will launch the Loudoun People’s Platform in front of the Loudoun County Government Center (1 Harrison St. SE). The Loudon People’s Platform is a coalition of local organizations composed of SEIU Virginia 512, Loudoun Education Association, NAACP Loudoun Branch, Northern Virginia Labor Federation AFL-CIO, and ATU Local 689. Organizations have come together to build the power of working people and communities of color by advocating for workers rights, affordable housing, public education, racial justice, and voting rights.
September 11, 2023 - Uber and Lyft Drivers Protest At Airports in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland
Arlington, VA - Uber and Lyft drivers, in collaboration with the Asian American Pacific Islander Civic Engagement (ACE) Collaborative, will protest at airports across the region. During the protest, participating drivers will be at Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to encourage other drivers to turn off their app and not work for the day. Drivers and supporters in the area and in other parts of the country will use the hashtag #shutdownUberLyft.
June 16, 2023 - Uber and Lyft Drivers Join Forces with ACE to Protest Increasingly Unfair Policies
Arlington, VA. - On June 20, 2023, at 2:30 p.m, Uber and Lyft drivers, in collaboration with the Asian American Pacific Islander Civic Engagement (ACE) Collaborative, will hold a press conference to protest the declining wages, the lack of transparency around pay calculations, and the arbitrary deactivations at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Terminal 2, North Terrace. After the press conference, drivers will caravan through Washington, D.C.
June 15, 2023 - New Virginia Majority Members Support Norfolk Board of Commissioners Vote for Call Towers in St. Paul’s Redevelopment Area
Norfolk, VA - Today the Board of Commissioners of The Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority (NRHA) has taken a step in the right direction and voted for the initiation of a pilot program, initiating the installation of call towers in the St. Paul’s redevelopment area. Members of New Virginia Majority and the local community have been lobbying for the call towers because it is a viable solution to over-policing in the community, improving lighting, eliminating the neighborhood fear of being singled out as the person who calls the police in an emergency, and allows access to services for those who do not have access to phones.
April 10, 2023 - Returning Citizens, Del. Don Scott, Sen. Mamie Locke, Community Organizers to Hold Restoration of Rights Press Conference in Richmond
Richmond, VA. – On April 11, 2023 at 12 p.m, New Virginia Majority, Virginia NAACP, League of Women Voters of Virginia, Virginia Organizing, ACLU of Virginia, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Delegate Don Scott, and Senator Mamie Locke will hold a press conference at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square at the intersection of Ninth and Franklin Streets to speak against the current rights restoration process of the current administration.
August 15, 2022 - Southwood Apartments Tenants to March and Protest Pending Eviction Notices
Richmond, VA - Tenants of Southwood Apartments will march throughout the apartment complex to protest against pending eviction notices at 1:30 p.m. The march will begin at 1730 Clarkson Street and end at the Southwood Apartments leasing office, where they will submit their demands.
May 11, 2022 - Predicted Displacement of Arlington Tenants within Next Year in Highly Diverse Barcroft Apartments
Arlington, VA - Asian American Pacific Islander Civic Engagement Collaborative (ACE) organizers and tenants from Barcroft Apartments will hold a press conference and rally at Doctor's Run Park, 1301 S. George Mason Drive. During the press conference, tenants will share their experiences trying to prepare for skyrocketing rental costs, and organizers will reveal the results of a recently completed survey conducted by organizers and Marymount University predicting tenant displacement of low-income residents.
April 29, 2022 - Leesburg Community Holds Vigil for Affordable Housing
Leesburg, VA - Leesburg families and New Virginia Majority (NVM) organizers will hold a vigil honoring the working class community at the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St SE. In April, the county approved over $18 million in funding for affordable housing and though this is a tremendous milestone, many more measures need to take place to prevent the displacement of the county’s working class and essential workers.
April 22, 2022 - Community Members to Protest to Demand Repairs from Southwood Apartments
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority (NVM) organizers will gather and protest with Southwood Apartments tenants at 1200 Southwood Pkwy, the Southwood leasing office. This protest comes after the Richmond Times-Dispatch released a 19-minute documentary and article that documented the horrific living conditions of many tenants of Southwood Apartments in December 2021.
April 11, 2022 - Community Members to Search for $5 Million at Norfolk City Hall
Norfolk, VA - Members and supporters of New Virginia Majority (NVM) will hold an Easter egg hunt in front of City Hall, and look for $5 million dollars to be used from ARPA funding to fix the decrepit conditions of public housing in the St. Paul’s neighborhood.
February 24, 2022 - Leesburg Families March for Housing Justice During County Budget Public Hearing
Leesburg, VA - Leesburg families will march from Shenandoah Square at 950 Edwards Ferry Rd NE in Leesburg toward the Loudoun County Government Center at 1 Harrison St SE to demand elected officials take housing justice action during the Board of Supervisors budget public hearing.
February 18, 2022 - Community Members to Hold Restoration of Rights March and Rally
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority organizers will hold a Restoration of Rights Rally. The car rally and march toward the Capitol will begin at New Life Deliverance Tabernacle on 900 Decatur Street.
January 21, 2022 - New Virginia Majority Announces Leesburg Mobile Park Residents Are Able to Stay in Their Homes
November 19, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Statement on House of Representatives Passing Build Back Better Act
Richmond, VA - Today, New Virginia Majority announced a second round of endorsements for the 2021 electoral cycle, including House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (House District 41), Del. Candi King (House District 2), Del. Wendy Gooditis (House District 10), Del. Danica Roem (House District 13), Del. Elizabeth Guzman (House District 31), Del. Mark Sickles (House District 43), Del. Paul Krizek (House District 44), Del. Lashrecse Aird (House District 63), Del. Jeff Bourne (House District 71), Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg (House District 72), Del. Jay Jones (House District 89), Del. Mike Mullin (House District 93), and Del. Shelly Simonds (House District 94) as they seek reelection in the House of Delegates.
July 20, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Announces Slate of Endorsements
Richmond, VA - Today, New Virginia Majority announced a first round of endorsements for the 2021 electoral cycle, including endorsements for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and House of Delegates. Endorsements include Terry McAuliffe for governor, Hala Ayala for lieutenant governor, Mark Herring for attorney general. The endorsements for the House of Delegates are Alex Askew (House District 85), Dan Helmer (House District 40), Rodney Willett (House District 73), Kelly Convirs Fowler (House District 21), and Kathy Tran (House District 42), and the challengers that are endorsed are Michelle Maldonado (House District 50), Briana Sewell (House District 51), Katie Sponsler (House District 66), and Debra Gardner (House District 27).
June 08, 2021 - Ramin Fatehi Primary Victory
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority congratulates Ramin Fatehi on his victory tonight in the Democratic primary for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney. We have seen how Commonwealth's Attorneys serve a crucial role in reducing Virginia's dependence on incarceration and minimizing racial disparities in the criminal legal system. Ramin Fatehi is best positioned to serve justice, improve transparency, and make our community safer as a Commonwealth’s Attorney.
April 20, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Verdict in Derek Chauvin Trial
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the verdict in Derick Chauvin Trial: Earlier today, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd, and this moment is full of mixed emotions -- relief, anger, and sadness, to name a few. While the verdict delivers accountability, a racist criminal and policing system remains intact. George Floyd should still be alive today. His life should not have been taken from him in the first place, nor the lives of countless Black people who have died at the hands of police.
March 16, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Applauds Governor Northam's Efforts Toward Voting Rights Restoration
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority Applauds Governor Northam’s Efforts Towards Voting Rights Restoration. The right to vote and to choose our leaders is a fundamental foundation of this country, and today we applaud Governor Ralph Northam for making strides to ensure that more people who have been caught up in our criminal legal system are eligible to have their rights restored. Today, an additional 69,000 formerly incarcerated Virginians are now eligible to vote.
February 11, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Endorses Jennifer McClellan for Governor of Virginia
Richmond, VA - Today New Virginia Majority announced its endorsement of Jennifer McClellan for Governor of Virginia. Virginia is leading the South, and the nation, on many fronts, including the expansion of voting rights, significant changes to our criminal legal system, and ensuring all Virginians can live free from discrimination. However, there are still strides that need to be made. Health care, education, racial equity, climate justice, a global pandemic, and more hang in the balance. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to choose a candidate that will continue to move on issues that will help all Virginians.
February 4, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Right-To-Vote Legislation
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Right-To-Vote Legislation: To choose our leaders and to have a say in the decisions that impact our lives is the cornerstone of our democracy and this country. Currently, in the General Assembly, there are two options that are moving forward to establish a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for the formerly incarcerated. We are pleased to continue the conversation about SJ 272 and HJ 555 as we now take the first step in the multi-year process to change Virginia’s constitution. The time is now to make sure that one's mistakes, compounded by a flawed criminal legal system, don't take away their fundamental right to vote.
January 13, 2021 - New Virginia Majority Supports House Omnibus Bill HB1888 for Greater Access to Voting in Virginia
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority supports Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg’s omnibus bill HB1888. The bill ensures permanent solutions for Virginians to have greater access to voting and combines several bills from the special legislative session last summer, including the creation of drop-off locations for absentee ballots and providing an opportunity for voters to fix any issues with their absentee ballots to ensure their votes get counted.
October 13, 2020 - Voting Rights Organizations File Lawsuit to Extend Virginia’s Voter Registration After Statewide Voting System Failure
Alexandria, VA– Tonight, a coalition of voting rights groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against the Virginia Department of Elections, Commissioner Cristopher Piper, and the State Board of Elections to extend Virginia’s voter registration deadline after the Commonwealth’s voting systems went down earlier today, the last day that Virginians can register to vote.
October 7, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Endorses Candidates for Richmond City Council
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority has decided to endorse two candidates for Richmond City Council: Amy Wentz for the 8th District and Stephanie Lynch for the 5th District.
September 29, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Presidential Endorsement
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement in advance of the first presidential debate: New Virginia Majority is announcing the endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket for President and Vice President.
September 15, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Endorses Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond City Mayor
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority has decided to endorse Alexsis Rodgers in the upcoming Richmond mayoral race on November 3. Rodgers is a champion for equity in schools, healthcare, and housing, and she has a vision that includes all Richmonders. Additionally, her experience in crafting policy and advocacy that champions working Virginians, women, and people and color are reasons why the organization decided to enthusiastically support her candidacy.
June 30, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Temporary Restraining Order Against Richmond Police Department Denial
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority and Virginia Student Power Network issued the following statement on Temporary Restraining Order Against Richmond Police Department Denial:
June 26, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Statement on the Virginia Student Power Network (VSPN) Lawsuit
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Virginia Student Power (VSPN) Lawsuit: New Virginia Majority stands in solidarity with Virginia Student Power Network (VSPN) with the lawsuit filed today on their behalf against the City of Richmond, the Richmond Police Department (RPD), and the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP) for violating their constitutional right to free speech and assembly.
June 25, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Response to Governor Northam's Rent Relief Program
June 18, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Response to Supreme Court Ruling on DACA
Richmond, VA - Today the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a 5-to-4 vote. The court’s opinion said that the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to rescind DACA was “arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.”
June 01, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Response to Protests in Virginia and Beyond
Richmond, VA - Across the state, people woke up to scenes of cars on fire, citizens being doused with tear gas and pepper spray, and buses full of people who have been detained but have been waiting for processing for hours. These bleak images on the news aren’t grainy black-and-white footage from cameras in 1964 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in Selma or Montgomery. This is what is happening to citizens in the streets of Richmond in 2020.
May 8, 2020 - Coronavirus Hot Spot in Alexandria Endangers Entire Community At-Large
Alexandria, VA - Tenants and Workers United (TWU) along with New Virginia Majority (NVM) will call on Governor Northam via Zoom to provide 10,000 tests over the next ten days to begin to accurately assess and address the spread of the virus, housing solutions to safely isolate, and the medical needs of the Arlandria neighborhood in Alexandria.
April 22, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Response to Driver Privilege Cards Passage
Richmond, VA - For too long, undocumented Virginians have been denied access to driving privileges in the state and have not been able to participate in their communities while being free from fear.
April 15, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Issues Statement on Minimum Wage Delay
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Minimum Wage Delay: While New Virginia Majority supports this modest and long overdue raise for working families, we are deeply disappointed in Governor Northam’s actions.
April 13, 2020 - New Virginia Response to Loudon County Emergency Food & Rental Assistance Fund
Richmond, VA - Last week the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed $150,000 in funding for Emergency Food Assistance and $200,000 in funding for a Rental Assistance Program. Many families are facing sudden unemployment or reduced wages, which has caused difficulty in meeting monthly financial obligations, and both of these actions will directly help those most in need of assistance.
April 8, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Response to Delayed Elections and Primaries
Richmond, VA - Governor Ralph Northam today announced a proposal to move local elections scheduled for May to November, and for the June primaries to be delayed until June 23. In light of the social distancing measures that are essential to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Virginia, we support the governor’s proposal and his decision to put the health and safety of voters first.
January 29, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Supports Voting Rights Bills Advancing Through the General Assembly
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority (NVM) has been fighting for the right of all Virginians to be able to vote, and this week Virginia is taking several steps to lead the way on the expansion of voting rights.
January 17, 2020 - New Virginia Majority Statement on the Postponement of Monday's Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy Day
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Postponement of Monday's Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy Day: Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our members.
January 19, 2020 - New lawsuit alleges St. Paul's redevelopment plan is illegally forcing out residents
Norfolk, VA - A new federal Fair Housing Act lawsuit filed this week alleges that the city of Norfolk and the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, with approval and financing from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, have embarked on a redevelopment plan that forces every resident of several public housing developments in the St. Paul’s Quadrant out of their homes.
November 5, 2019 - Fueled by People of Color, Women, and Young Voters, Virginia Flips House and Senate
Richmond, VA - Tonight, voters across Virginia made one thing clear: real power in the state comes from its people. With a remarkable turnout for an off-off election year, Virginians elected a majority of Democrats to the General Assembly. For the first time since 1993, Democrats govern all three legislative bodies.
November 2, 2019 - New Virginia Majority and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Settle Voter Registration Lawsuit Against Fairfax County Registrar's Office
Richmond, VA - Today New Virginia Majority and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law favorably settled a lawsuit filed against Fairfax County to seek to reinstate roughly 170 voter-registration applications rejected from students at George Mason University in order to allow them to vote in the upcoming election on November 5.
September 16, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Announces Additional 2019 Virginia Elections Endorsements
Richmond, VA - In an additional round of endorsements, New Virginia Majority is enthusiastically supporting the following candidates for the 2019 Virginia elections -- individuals who bring the honest and diligent representation their districts deserve.
August 19, 2019 - New Virginia Majority announces 2019 Virginia Election Endorsements
Richmond, VA - In their first round of endorsements, New Virginia Majority has endorsed the following candidates for the 2019 Virginia State Elections -- individuals we believe are best positioned to push the commonwealth forward with an agenda for the issues facing our community, including racial justice, democracy, wages, redistricting, driver's licenses for all, access to health care and so much more.
August 5, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Mass Shootings Across the Country
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Mass Shootings Across the Country: We mourn with the families and communities of those murdered in El Paso, Dayton, Chicago, and in communities affected by daily gun violence across the country.
July 17, 2019 - Report: Amazon's HQ2 will displace 10,000 LatinX and Working-Class VA residents
Alexandria, VA - A new report released today shows that Amazon’s plan to locate their HQ2 in Crystal City brought a 17% increase in area housing sales prices in a matter of months. The report predicts that this will displace up to 10,000 LatinX and working-class residents in northern Virginia. The Arlandria Neighborhood will be the most impacted by Amazon’s new Headquarters.
June 11, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on Victories
Richmond, VA - We congratulate all three of our endorsed candidates on their victories tonight. New Virginia Majority endorsed Parisa Dehghani-Tafti for Arlington and Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney, Steve Descano for Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Ghazala Hashmi for State Senate District 10. We are proud to have backed candidates that raised the bar for what it means to be a progressive Democrat in Virginia.
May 15, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Announces Endorsement of Ghazala Hashmi for Virginia's 10th Senate District
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority (NVM) proudly endorses Dr. Ghazala Hashmi for Virginia State Senate District 10 (SD10). Ghazala spent 17 years as a professor and administrator in the Virginia Community College System and nearly 30 years living in Chesterfield. She is a fierce advocate for increasing access to quality, affordable public education and health care and continuously shows up for students and working families.
April 3, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Passage of Budget Amendment Package
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement: Our state budget is a moral document that lays bare our priorities and underscores who and what we value. The General Assembly has adopted a budget package that includes an additional $4 million for affordable housing and an end to driver’s license suspensions due to unpaid court fines and fees. Over 600,000 Virginians will no longer have to worry about whether they can get to work, school, or other activities just because they can’t afford to pay fines and fees.
March 22, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Announces Commonwealth's Attorney Endorsement of Parisa Dehghani-Tafti and Steve Descano
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority (NVM)proudly endorses Parisa Dehghani-TaftiforCommonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls ChurchandSteve Descano for Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney.
February 7, 2019 - New Virginia Majority condemns Attorney General Mark Herring performance of Blackface, calls for a renewed commitment to racial justice
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority is disappointed to learn that Attorney General Mark Herring has engaged in the hurtful, racist performance of blackface. As Virginia commemorates the 400th year when enslaved Africans were first brought to Jamestown, it is especially painful to Black people who elected him and view him as a champion.
February 1, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Board Calls for Governor Northam's Immediate Resignation
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority’s Board of Directors tonight voted to call for Gov. Ralph Northam’s immediate resignation. The racist photo on the Governor’s medical school yearbook page reminds us of what we know: the constancy of the Jim Crow era is alive and well in Virginia.
February 1, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Today's the Virginian-Pilot Report
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement: New Virginia Majority strongly condemns the grotesque display of racism and bigotry reported today in The Virginian-Pilot showing a picture of two men, one in blackface and one in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood, on the medical school yearbook page belonging to Gov. Ralph Northam.
January 14, 2019 - $15 Minimum Wage increase advances out of committee
Richmond, VA - We are encouraged that SB 1200, sponsored by Senator Rosalyn Dance, advanced out of committee today. SB 1200 would increase Virginia’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2021.
January 14, 2019 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Advancement of Anti-Sanctuary Legislation SB1156
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Advancement of Anti-Sanctuary Legislation: Today SB 1156, an anti-immigrant bill sponsored by Sen. Richard Black, advanced out of committee. Anti-immigrant legislation such as SB 1156 poses a risk to public safety and enshrines discrimination. At a time when many Virginians are struggling, our elected representatives must focus on authentic justice for working families — good jobs, quality public schools, and affordable housing.
November 30, 2018 - New Virginia Majority Endorses Jennifer Boysko for State Senate
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority (NVM) proudly endorses Jennifer Boysko in the special election for the 33rd State Senate seat to replace outgoing State Senator Jennifer Wexton. Jennifer Boysko is a longtime ally of NVM and a proven advocate for working families, public education, transportation access, and voting rights. We believe Boysko will continue to strengthen our communities and push Virginia forward with her progressive agenda in the State Senate just as she has in the House of Delegates.
November 6, 2018 - New Virginia Majority Statement On Record Turnout In 2018 Midterm Election
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Record Turnout in the 2018 Midterm Election: A critical mass of Virginians harnessed their political power in record midterm turnout. Tonight is a victory because our communities turned out to vote in huge numbers to make our voices heard loud and clear. In Virginia, the turnout rate was 3.31 percent higher than in our last midterm election. As the Commonwealth’s largest people of color-led civic engagement organization, New Virginia Majority works to achieve transformative justice that improves the lives of communities of color in Virginia.
September 27, 2018 - New Virginia Majority Introduced New Map To "Unpack" Black Voters In House Districts
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority (NVM) introduced an alternative redistricting map to maximize minority voting power. Earlier this year, a federal panel made up of district and appellate judges ruled that the House violated the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause by prioritizing race and packing black communities into districts to dilute their voting power.
July 10, 2018 - Alexandria Sheriff Moves to Reduce Collaboration with ICE, But More Is Needed: Alexandria Jail Must Sever Ties with ICE
Alexandria, VA - Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne’s recent commitment to reduce collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a positive step forward, but more changes are needed in order to live up to the City’s Statement on Inclusiveness.
May 30, 2018 - New Virginia Majority Statement On Medicaid Expansion
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Medicaid Expansion: Today, Virginia voted to accept federal dollars to expand Medicaid, giving nearly 400,000 Virginians access to affordable, life-saving healthcare. This victory belongs to each and every mother, grandmother, student, home healthcare worker, and community member who has been pushing for Medicaid expansion for over six legislative sessions.
May 21, 2018 - New Virginia Majority Announces Alexandria City Council Endorsements
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority has endorsed the following candidates for Alexandria City Council -- candidates we believe are best positioned to push the city forward with an agenda that includes the issues that we care about most, such as affordable housing, quality public schools, healthcare, and more.
January 25, 2018 - Richmond Police Department Agrees To Publicly Release Policing Data In Response to Pressure From Community
Richmond, VA - After many months of grassroots organizing by New Virginia Majority along with coalition partners Legal Aid Justice Center, Advancement Project, and Southerners on New Ground (SONG), the Richmond Police Department (RPD) has agreed to publicly release police data each month starting on February 1.
November 15, 2017 - Residents Call for Police Accountability at Community Forum
Richmond, VA - Approximately 50 community members gathered at Richmond Public Library Main Branch in support of the police accountability campaign. The community is calling for a city-wide Civilian Review Board with subpoena power to investigate violations of the police code of conduct and to build trust and transparency between the community and law enforcement.
November 8, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on the 2017 General Election Results
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the 2017 General Election Results: This is the new majority. The results of tonight’s historic election -- 3 statewide races and at least 15 House of Delegates seats -- represent an undeniable rejection of Trump and Trumpism and the emergence of a new majority that will transform this state and country in the decades to come.
October 31, 2017 - Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative Issues Statement on Governor McAuliffe's Announcement to Create An Environmental Justice Advisory Council
Richmond, VA - Today, Governor McAuliffe announced through Executive Order 73 the creation of an Environmental Justice Advisory Council. By taking this important action today, the governor is recognizing that many Virginians are harmed disproportionately by environmental impacts in their communities.
October 15, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Gillespie Ad Attacking the Rights Restoration Process
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Gillespie Ad Attacking the Rights Restoration Process: Ed Gillespie’s recent ad attacking the current rights restoration process is more of the same fear-mongering that has defined his campaign.
September 15, 2017 - Community Searches for Norfolk Southern CEO James Squires
Norfolk, VA - Lamberts Point community will continue their “search” for Norfolk Southern CEO James Squires in an effort to meet with him and discuss the coal dust that is harming predominantly Black communities in Lambert’s Point.
September 12, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Announces 2017 Endorsements
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority has endorsed a slate of candidates who we believe are best positioned to push the state forward with an agenda that is inclusive of all Virginians, no matter who they are and where they live.
September 06, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on DACA Lawsuit
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the DACA Lawsuit: New Virginia Majority on the announcement by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring today that the state will take legal action challenging the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA for 800,000 immigrant youth.
August 25, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Recent Attempts to End DACA
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Recent Attempts to End DACA: New Virginia Majority is outraged by the recent report that the Trump administration is considering rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
July 21, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Stands With AG to Defend DACA
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority stands with Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and 19 other attorneys general across the U.S. who have called on the President to maintain and defend the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
June 21, 2017 - New Virginia Majority, Formerly Incarcerated Community Members and Community Leaders Demand Quality Jobs At VCU
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority, formerly incarcerated community members, and community leaders gathered outside of Shafer Dining Hall at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to launch a campaign to demand livable wages and job opportunities for formerly incarcerated people in Richmond.
June 07, 2017 - New Virginia Majority's Statement on Push for Richmond Education Compact
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Push for Richmond Education Compact: New Virginia Majority (NVM) is encouraged by recent clarification that the Richmond Education Compact is not an attempt to privatize Richmond City Public Schools, nor is it modeled after other pro-charter school compacts in other cities.
May 11, 2017 - Lambert's Point Community Calls Out Norfolk Southern At Annual Shareholders Meeting to "stop killing us"
Norfolk, VA - Members of the Lambert’s Point community directly affected by toxic coal dust from Norfolk Southern’s rail cars and rotary dumpers, rallied and chanted outside of the Hilton Norfolk The Main Hotel.
May 04, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on GOP Vote to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on GOP Vote to Repeal the Affordable Care Act: “To know that I am being denied health insurance by elected officials playing politics with my life and the lives of 400,000 other Virginians who are trapped in the gap infuriates me,” said community member Keith Oliver, who has incurred over half a million dollars in medical bills due to lack of health insurance.
May 01, 2017 - Local Workers Celebrate International Workers' Day in Alexandria
Alexandria, VA - In Alexandria, local workers joined Tenants and Workers United (TWU) and its sister organization New Virginia Majority (NVM) for a cultural event and community cookout in celebration of International Workers Day, a day set aside to honor workers and the labor movement.
April 21, 2017 - "We Have A Right To Clean Air": Lambert's Point Community Demands Meeting with Norfolk Southern
Norfolk, VA - Residents from historically black Lambert’s Point neighborhood gathered to share stories about the health impacts of Norfolk Southern’s harmful coal dust and their plans to take action.
April 05, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Vote Against Medicaid Expansion
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Vote Against Medicaid Expansion: Today, House Republicans voted against Governor McAuliffe's proposed budget amendment to expand Medicaid. Once again, House Republicans have chosen petty politics over the lives of over 400,000 Virginians who will go without access to affordable healthcare.
March 27, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Medicaid Expansion Budget Amendment
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Medicaid Expansion Budget Amendment: We applaud today’s announcement by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe about plans to expand Medicaid eligibility for Virginians. Medicaid funds healthcare for low-income people and has popular bipartisan support in the Commonwealth and across the country.
March 26, 2017 - Increased Climate of Harassment Prompts Groups to Launch "Hate Free Virginia" Campaign
Alexandria, VA - A group of women convened in Alexandria to launch “Hate Free Virginia” and lift up the urgent safety and security needs of the communities being harassed with hate speech or under attack at the hands of law-enforcement agencies, white supremacy groups, and more.
February 17, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Defeat of Senator Norment's Voter Suppression Bill SJ223
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Defeat of Senator Norment's Voter Suppression Bill SJ223: Virginians won an important victory today as Senator Tommy Norment’s bill, SJ223, an attempt to write voter suppression into Virginia’s constitution, was defeated in committee.
February 07, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Applauds Governor McAuliffe's Actions to Protect Virginians
Richmond, VA - We applaud Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s announcement today to veto “anti-sanctuary” bills that would have prevented localities from exercising reasonable and appropriate discretion in how they interact with immigrants and immigrant detainees.
January 31, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Applauds Virginia Legal Action Against Donald Trump
Richmond, VA - We applaud the recent announcement by Attorney General Mark Herring that the Commonwealth of Virginia is joining the lawsuit against Donald Trump for his unlawful and unconstitutional executive order banning entry into the United States to people from certain countries.
January 19, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Marks Day of Action with Hundreds Marching to the Capitol to Lobby for Civil Rights
Richmond, VA - More than 300 Virginians convened in Richmond for New Virginia Majority’s Day of Action 2017. The group marched to the General Assembly Building to lobby legislators for protection and justice for immigrants, affordable education, rights restoration for returning citizens-- and more.
January 10, 2017 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Governor Terry McAuliffe's Plan to Improve Ethics Reform and Expand Voter Access
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Governor Terry McAuliffe's Plan to Improve Ethics Reform and Expand Voter Access: New Virginia Majority applauds Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s good government agenda for the 2017 legislative session which seeks to strengthen Virginia’s ethics rules and expand and protect voter access for people across the Commonwealth.
October 20, 2016 - New Virginia Majority Applauds Order to Extend Voter Registration Deadline
Richmond, VA - “We’re pleased with today’s order to extend Virginia’s voter registration deadline to ensure every eligible Virginian who wants to register to vote is able,” said New Virginia Majority Co-Executive Director Tram Nguyen.
September 27, 2016 - New Virginia Majority and Portsmouth Residents Demand Urgent Action on City Flood Plan.
Portsmouth, VA - New Virginia Majority organizers and Portsmouth residents to gather on the front steps of the Portsmouth City Hall Building in advance of the Portsmouth City Council meeting, to announce their ongoing campaign to address the dangerous lack of storm drains in the community, adjacent to the Elizabeth River.
September 24, 2016 - New Virginia Majority, Progressive Groups to Host Mayoral Forum on Criminal Justice Reform Saturday
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority, Richmond Branch NAACP, and Kinfolks Community Inc. will host a mayoral candidates forum on criminal justice reform called, "Creating Opportunities and Increasing Safety in Our Communities,” at Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch. Confirmed attendees: Jon Baliles, Jack Berry, Bobby Junes, Joe Morrissey, Michelle Mosby, Levar Stoney, Bruce Tyler, and Lawrence Williams, Sr.
September 15, 2016 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Latest Restoration of Rights Process
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Supreme Court Decision to Uphold the Latest Restoration of Rights Process: Today, it was announced that Gov. Terry McAuliffe will not be held in contempt for continued efforts to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated Virginians. After the Supreme Court of Virginia (SCOVA) struck down Gov. McAuliffe’s April executive order he vowed to prioritize restoration, issuing approximately 13,000 individual orders.
September 15, 2016 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Delegate Marcus B. Simon's Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Delegate Marcus B. Simon's Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Virginia continues to face challenges from an enduring legacy of depriving certain people of their right to vote. New Virginia Majority supports Del. Simon’s (D-Fairfax) proposed constitutional amendment, which recognizes the rights of all citizens to participate in our democracy.
September 1, 2016 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Senator Norment's Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on Senator Norment's Proposed Constitutional Amendment: This is not the time for Republicans to pick and choose which voting-age adults get to have a voice, and which do not.
August 22, 2016 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Restoration of Rights Announcement
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Restoration of Rights Announcement: Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced a way forward for people to get their voting rights restored. We applaud today’s news that 13,000 formerly incarcerated people in Virginia who were registered to vote after the April restoration order -- only to have that canceled by the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision last month -- will once again have their rights restored through this process.
July 22, 2016 - New Virginia Majority Statement on Supreme Court Decision Blocking Voting Rights Restoration
Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the Restoration of Rights Announcement: By invalidating the executive order granting restoration of voting rights to formerly incarcerated people, the Virginia Supreme Court has sadly decided to continue denying democratic participation to 206,000 Virginians – over half of whom are African American.
June 22, 2016 - Arlington County Board Unanimously Votes to Support Temporary Licenses for Immigrant Drivers
Richmond, VA - Arlington County Board considered whether or not to support state legislation permitting licenses for immigrant drivers. The Arlington Chapter of New Virginia Majority has been meeting with County representatives for the last year seeking support for this legislation. The Arlington County Board meeting was held at 3 PM at 2200 Clarendon Blvd. in Arlington. The board voted 4-0 to unanimously support the measure.