NAACP Springfield

Reminder:

Discover an important piece of American history at The Mother Road: The African American Experience on Historic Route 66.

This inspiring exhibit highlights the stories, resilience, and contributions of African Americans who helped shape Historic Route 66 and our community.

📍 Former Benton Avenue AME Church
830 N. Benton Ave., Springfield, MO

🗓 Wednesday–Saturday
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission is FREE.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich history and lasting legacy of African Americans along the Mother Road.

Bring your family, invite a friend, and experience this meaningful exhibit!
Open until the end of August!

Honored to join our community in celebrating the lives, leadership, and service of our local elected officials. It was a privilege to speak on the importance of voting rights, representation, and standing together in unity.

Our voices matter. Our votes matter. Together, we are stronger.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18vuqSSZ9e/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago was more than we could have imagined.

Throughout the week, we connected with NAACP members from across the country and witnessed the incredible power of our movement in action. Our Youth Council embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. They stepped outside of their comfort zones, built meaningful connections, asked thoughtful questions, attended inspiring plenary sessions, and gained valuable insight into the legislative priorities that will help shape our future.

They also had the opportunity to connect with youth leaders from across the nation and strengthen relationships with peers throughout Region IV, reminding them that they are part of something much bigger than themselves.

Beyond the convention, our youth explored the Obama Presidential Center, visited the University of Chicago, and enjoyed some of the best food Chicago has to offer. As an added bonus, they even had the opportunity to meet some of their favorite celebrities, creating memories they’ll never forget.

Most importantly, they return home inspired, energized, and excited to put what they’ve learned into action. They’re ready to bring new ideas back to our community, organize with purpose, and continue building a stronger Springfield through the work of the NAACP.

We are incredibly proud of each of them for representing our community so well. The future of the NAACP is bright, and we are grateful for every opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders.

Close to 100 people packed the Drew Lewis Foundation building to hear from local speakers from the NAACP, Springfield Tenants Unite, Missouri Jobs with Justice and more.

What followed was a grassroots effort to inform voters about the impacts of these two issues.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Liz Wertz, 417-699-0426
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action

Kai Sutton, 417-709-1145
President, Springfield NAACP

Springfield to Rally for John Lewis Day of Action and Statewide GOTV Effort Against Amendments 4 and 5

SPRINGFIELD, MO — On Saturday, July 18, 2026, as communities across the nation honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis through the John Lewis Day of Action, Springfield residents will join grassroots organizations, faith leaders, labor advocates, civil rights organizations, and community members for a statewide Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Day of Action ahead of Missouri's August 4 Primary Election.

Inspired by Congressman John Lewis' call to make "good trouble," this day of action will focus on civic engagement, voter education, and community organizing while encouraging Missourians to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Organizers will also encourage voters to vote NO on two statewide ballot measures they believe threaten democracy and working families.

Amendment 4 would make it significantly more difficult for citizen-led ballot initiatives to pass by replacing simple statewide majority rule with a requirement that measures receive a majority of votes in each of Missouri's eight congressional districts. Organizers say this change would allow a small percentage of voters to block measures supported by a statewide majority.

Amendment 5, according to organizers, would shift Missouri's tax structure by reducing or eliminating the state income tax while increasing reliance on sales taxes. They argue the proposal would place a greater financial burden on working families, reduce funding for public education and essential services, and disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Missourians.

WHAT
Springfield John Lewis Day of Action Rally & Press Conference
Statewide Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Day of Action Against Amendments 4 and 5

Hosted by:
Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, Springfield NAACP, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, League of Women Voters, Abortion Action Missouri, Missouri Workers Power, PROMO, Show Me Missouri, Springfield Tenants Unite and local faith leaders and pro-democracy community organizations.

Featured Speakers
Sam Schwarz – Show Me Missouri
Jeb Venable – Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action & IBEW
Jakob Fenner – Springfield Tenants Unite
Duan Gavel – Springfield NAACP

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2026 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Drew Lewis Foundation 1126 N. Broadway Avenue Springfield, MO 65802

“The best way to honor John Lewis is to protect the freedom to vote through education, participation, and action. We must all make our voices heard this August!” — Denise Lieberman, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition

Following the rally and press conference, volunteers will participate in a community canvass to educate voters about the upcoming August Primary Election and encourage voter participation.

Simultaneous Day of Action rallies and canvasses will also take place in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and St. Charles.

BACKGROUND
John Lewis dedicated his life to protecting voting rights and expanding democracy. From marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to serving in Congress for more than three decades, Lewis reminded Americans that "democracy is not a state; it is an act." His call to create "good trouble" continues to inspire communities across the country to organize, educate, and advocate for justice.
In that spirit, organizations across Missouri are joining together for the John Lewis Day of Action to encourage civic participation and ensure every eligible voter has the information they need before casting their ballot on August 4.

“John Lewis inspired us to never stop building a more just democracy. That’s the work we continue together today.” — Liz Wertz, Organizer, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action

As Missouri's primary election approaches, community leaders are mobilizing voters through education, conversation, and grassroots outreach. The statewide effort reflects a shared commitment to protecting democracy, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every Missourian has an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their families and futures.

“Good trouble is more than a moment, it’s a commitment to justice. John Lewis showed us that ordinary people, united by purpose, can create extraordinary change.” — Kai Sutton, President, NAACP Springfield

The Springfield rally serves as both a tribute to Congressman John Lewis' enduring legacy and a call to action for residents to become informed, engaged, and active participants in shaping Missouri's future.

This rally is in partnership with:

Missouri Voter Protection Coalition
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action
PROMO Missouri
Springfield Tenants Unite
NAACP Springfield
League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri
Show Up Missouri
Abortion Action Missouri
Missouri Workers Power

And so many powerful organizers and organizations.

Together, we can do more!
This is what community looks like!

Sign Up:

SPRINGFIELD MO Good Trouble Lives On GOTV · John Lewis Actions Join organizations including Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, Abortion Action Missouri, Missouri Workers Center, Show Up Missouri, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri and the Springfield NAACP to help get out the vote for the August 4 elections,....

📢📢📢📢📢

This weekend, we come together to honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis by taking action in the spirit of “Good Trouble.”

John Lewis taught us that “Good Trouble” means coming together through peaceful, nonviolent action to challenge injustice and strengthen our democracy. Now it’s our turn to continue that legacy.

Join the Springfield NAACP and our community partners Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action Missouri Voter Protection Coalition PROMO Missouri Springfield Tenants Unite, Missouri Workers Center, Abortion Action Missouri, Show Up Missouri on Saturday, July 18, at 12:00 PM at The Fairbanks 1126 N. Broadway Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 for a community rally focused on voter education.

We’ll provide information about Amendment 4 and Amendment 5, two measures that every Missouri voter will see on the August 4th ballot, so you can make an informed decision when you vote.

If interested in joining volunteers after the rally and head out to knock doors and talk to voters in Springfield about the impacts of Amendment 4 and Amendment 5.

Can you join us? RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/987446/

(Community Event)

Join in for a day of community, fellowship, and celebration as we come together to honor Black excellence and strengthen our community!

This year’s event will recognize our local Black elected officials while encouraging every eligible voter to make their voice heard in the upcoming elections.

Civic engagement starts with informed, active communities, and we invite you to be part of it.

📅 Saturday, July 25
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Teamsters Local #245
1850 E. Division Street, Springfield, MO

Come enjoy:
🍽️ Food
🎶 Music
🎉 Family Fun
🤝 Fellowship

For more information, to volunteer, donate, or reserve a table, contact Patricia Burton at (417) 894-2795.

We hope to see you there! ❤️🖤💚

Join us as we celebrate community, wellness, and unity at this year’s Park Day Parade!

📅 Saturday, August 1
🕦 Meet-Up Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Meet at Webster & Sherman

Walk with us!

Bring your family, friends, and walking shoes as we represent together in the parade. We hope to see you there!