RE: Greater Hartford NAACP Applauds Passage of Landmark Early Childhood Civil Rights Resolution at 117th NAACP National Convention Press Release

[Secretary Greater Hartford NAACP]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 27, 2026

Press Contact: Corrie Betts, President

Email: pres...@greaterhartfordnaacp.org

Phone Number: 860-543-5829

 

Greater Hartford NAACP Applauds Passage of Landmark Early Childhood Civil Rights Resolution at 117th NAACP National Convention

 

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Greater Hartford Branch NAACP proudly announces the adoption of a landmark amendment at the 117th NAACP National Convention that strengthens the Association’s commitment to educational equity by recognizing universal access to high-quality early childhood education and care from birth to age five as a fundamental civil rights priority.

Introduced by Corrie L. Betts, President of the Greater Hartford Branch NAACP, the amendment expands the NAACP’s vision for educational justice by affirming that the fight for equal opportunity must begin long before a child enters kindergarten.

“The fight for civil rights does not begin at the schoolhouse door—it begins at birth,” said Betts. “By adopting this resolution, the NAACP has reaffirmed that access to high-quality early childhood education and care is a civil rights issue. If we are serious about closing achievement gaps, reducing poverty, and creating equal opportunity, then we must invest in our children during the most critical years of their development. This resolution is not simply about education—it is about justice, equity, and fulfilling the promise of America for every child.”

Research continues to demonstrate that the first five years of life are the most critical period of brain development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, health, economic mobility, and civic engagement. Yet too many children—particularly Black children and those living in historically underserved communities—continue to face barriers to accessing quality early learning opportunities.

The Greater Hartford Branch NAACP believes this action represents an important step in expanding the modern civil rights agenda by recognizing that educational equity begins at birth, not in kindergarten.

The Branch now calls upon elected officials, school districts, community organizations, philanthropic partners, and business leaders throughout Connecticut to work together to expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care for every family.

“The adoption of this resolution is not the end of the conversation,” Betts added. “It is the beginning of a movement. We intend to bring this work home to Hartford, to Connecticut, and to communities across this nation because every child deserves an equal start in life.”

The Greater Hartford Branch NAACP remains committed to advancing policies that eliminate barriers to opportunity, strengthen families, and ensure every child has the resources necessary to reach their full potential.

 

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	Greater Hartford Branch NAACP   P.O. Box 1012, Hartford, CT 06143  (860) 253-2750 |  secr...@greaterhartfordnaacp.org http://www.greaterhartfordnaacp.org/       Become A Member, Renew or Upgrade here.