PBA PREZ TO NAACP LEADER: WHAT ABOUT BLACK & BROWN CORRECTIONS OFFICERS?

(VINELAND, NJ) – PBA Local 231 President Victor Bermudez sent a letter to NAACP of Greater Vineland President Angelia Edwards challenging her to stand-up and speak out on behalf of black and brown corrections officers being targeted for layoff by the Cumberland County government.

In an impassioned plea, Victor Bermudez, president of PBA Local #231, issued a September 18 letter calling on Angelia Edwards, president of NAACP Chapter 2115 of Greater Vineland, to advocate for his members.

Bermudez directly raises how the county’s proposed layoff plan will impact his local, writing:

“Under this plan, 121 public employees will lose their jobs, 105 of which are correctional police officers. These numbers equate to 10% of the entire county workforce, and 70% of these employees are people of color. And once these jobs are gone? They’re never coming back.”

Bermudez and his membership feel that the Greater Vineland Chapter of the NAACP has been noticeably absent in this fight. Historically, the NAACP, the nation’s leading civil rights organization, has been on the frontlines fighting for black and brown citizens on matters of race, civil rights, discrimination, and employment.

“The question that’s on a lot of people’s minds right now: where is the NAACP when it comes to black and brown corrections officers,” said Bermudez. “Do we matter?”

Bermudez closed his letter with a clear ask:

“My request is for you to become our advocate…”