Personal Statement – President Theodis Pace
As President of the Illinois State Conference NAACP, I fully support the NAACP’s national launch of the “DRY ICE” campaign, calling on the United States Senate to block all federal funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This campaign speaks directly to what too many of our communities are experiencing fear, instability, and harm created by policies and practices that have been weaponized against vulnerable people, particularly Black and immigrant families.
In partnership with a strong coalition of civil rights organizations, we are demanding accountability from an agency that has demonstrated documented patterns of violence, racial profiling, lack of transparency, and violations of constitutional rights. No agency operating in our democracy should be permitted to function without meaningful oversight, due process, and respect for equal protection under the law.
Our nation must never sacrifice humanity for enforcement. Public safety must never come at the expense of civil rights. Justice must never be selective. We believe in a system that protects human dignity, honors the Constitution, and upholds fairness for all people regardless of race, status, or zip code.
This moment calls for moral courage and responsible leadership. Congress must act decisively to hold ICE accountable and redirect our national priorities toward policies rooted in justice, accountability, and compassion. Our communities deserve nothing less.
— Theodis Pace
President, Illinois State Conference NAACP
The NAACP Heads to Chicago in 2026
The NAACP, in partnership with Choose Chicago and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, hosted Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and other state officials and dignitaries to announce the two-year partnership to bring the 117th NAACP National Convention to Chicago in 2026.
The press conference will focus on the road to one of the nation’s largest civil and human rights gatherings and discuss the racial equity, civic engagement, supportive policies, and institutional work we will undertake to get there.
Save The Date
Illinois State Conference of Branches
89th Annual Convention
Illinois u.s. senate
candidate forum
Theme: “We the People”
We the People these timeless words are more than the opening of our Constitution; they are a call to action, a declaration that power in this nation begins and ends with us.
As members of the NAACP, we understand that “We the People” means all the people — regardless of race, faith, or background. It speaks to our duty to ensure that democracy works for everyone, not just for a few. Our mission has always been rooted in justice, equality, and the unwavering belief that collective action can move mountains.
At a time when voting rights are under attack, when our schools face inequities, and when communities struggle for fairness and opportunity, the words We the People remind us of our shared responsibility. They call us to organize, to speak truth to power, and to stand together for the values that define this nation.
Let us continue to press forward informed, united, and determined to protect what so many before us fought to achieve. The NAACP Illinois State Conference remains committed to defending democracy, advancing equity, and ensuring that every person’s voice is heard and respected.
Because when We the People rise together change happens.
Theodis Pace, President,
NAACP Illinois State Conference
YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT
Illinois State NAACP Conference Strongly Urges ALL Illinois Citizens
to Get Out and Vote in this Upcoming Election.
If You are Not Clear as to whether you are “Registered to Vote” or would like to
“Register to Vote” Click on the Button shown above.
This link will take you to the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Safeguarding the rights of Black Americans and other minorities
#NAACPIL #FierceUrgencyOfNow #ObamaFoundation #CivilRights #SocialJustice #NAACP
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
NAACP President Derrick Johnson Condemns Trump
Administration’s Roll Back of DEI Programs
STAND WITH US! One Illinois, One NAACP
From police brutality to COVID-19 to voter suppression, Black communities are under attack. We work to disrupt inequality, dismantle racism, and accelerate change in key areas including criminal justice, health care, education, climate, and the economy. When it comes to civil rights and social justice, we have the unique ability to secure more wins than anyone else.
President
NAACP Illinois State Conference
1908 race riot
national monument
