25 years of North Carolina Black Alliance impact front and center during Black History Month

The Wake County Board of Commissioners recognized North Carolina Black Alliance with a proclamation at the Wake County Justice Center on Feb. 16, 2026.

RALEIGH, N.C. — What North Carolina Black Alliance (NCBA) has done in its 25 years, particularly its work to correct environmental injustices, was singled out this month when the Wake County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation both recognizing Black History Month and saluting the organization for its fight to make things right for Black people.  

“Addressing environmental injustice is essential to Wake County’s vision to provide excellent public service through collaborative, inclusive and sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of our community and aligns with the county’s core values of accountability, equity and nurturing health and wellness,” Commissioner Shinica Thomas read. “North Carolina Black Alliance has long centered environmental justice as a core priority.”

Leading much of NCBA’s work in environmental justice has been Jovita Lee, Ed.D., the organization’s deputy director, who received the proclamation along with NCBA leader Marcus Bass and NCBA Wake County organizer Alicia Roberts; as well as Brad Thompson, a founding NCBA member and former Raleigh mayor pro tempore.

The proclamation during Black History month provided an opportunity to showcase the approach to Black uplift NCBA takes every day.

“This is a great place to live, a great place to work, and this soil, this land has been worked by African Americans for centuries,” Bass said. “It has been all of us collectively that have made Wake County as vibrant as it is.”  

North Carolina Black Alliance (NCBA) leader Marcus Bass (left) stands with Brad Thompson, a founding member and former executive director of the organization, at the Wake County Justice Center on Feb. 16, 2026. The Wake County Board of Commissioners recognized NCBA with  a proclamation.