Celebrating 50 years since Dockum; Reflections on the 50th Anniversary Commemoration

I waited a couple days before writing this post; partly out of exhaustion, and partly out of a desire to sit back and appreciate what had just taken place. On Saturday, August 9th, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Dockum Sit-in, and despite the many challenges the celebration was everything we'd hoped it would be... 9 of the original sit-in participants along with Ms. Rosie Hughes, who served as the Youth Council advisor, were on hand for the day's festivities.

The morning was set to begin with an 11:00am March to the Chester I Lewis Park for speeches and presentations. But after two consecutive weeks of beautiful weather, we all rose on the morning of the 9th to the sound of thunder and lightning. Before 7am, we were all frantically calling each other, praying and considering contingency plans... By 8am the news media had gotten into the fray with repeated calls asking what we'd do... We decided to have everyone come to the Kansas African American Museum as previously scheduled, and if the weather didn't allow, we'd simply hold the presentations there.

And despite the rain, by 10:00am a few hundred people had crammed into the small facility, filling the exhibition halls as well as the upper balconies. One by one, people began to approach me asking that we please continue the march, regardless of the weather; everyone wanted the opportunity to show their appreciation for the sacrifices of the honorees by sacrificing a little themselves... As my friend Maryon Habtemarium said to me, "after all they did for us, all we have to do is get wet".
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Lavonta, Kenya, Elaine, and I quickly touched bases and confirmed that we had each sensed that the general consensus was that we should go forward with the planned march. But by that time, some of the media outlets had reported that the march had been cancelled and the stage and musicians who were scheduled had already been pulled back. But I asked the growing crowd if they wanted to march and I was met with a roar that left no doubt; we were marching to that park no matter what.
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So we decided that we'd hold the presentations inside the museum, and once finished, we'd hit the street. Reverend Gill Ford and Stephanie Brown, representing the National Office addressed the honorees and the crowd, and spoke to the significance and the legacy of the Dockum Sit-in. Dr. Ron Walters, who was the youth council President in 1958, addressed his fellow honorees and the crowd and spoke at length about the Sit-in, it's genesis, and it's meaning. The Mayor, who had been out of town the previous night, sent word that somehow he would make it back for the ceremony. And just as Dr. Walters was wrapping up, the Mayor came in wet from the rain, but still ready to speak. He offered an apology to the Sit-in participants for the indignities that they'd suffered and along with Councilwoman Lavonta Williams and Councilwoman Sharon Fearey, presented each of them with a Key to the City.
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After the presentations had concluded, we all headed outside for the March. And just as we were lining up to march, the rain stopped... We marched down to the site of the old Dockum store and continued over to Chester I Lewis Park. As we made our way down Broadway, the procession grew to more than 500 people stretching a full city block. We were joined by people from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and Colorado. And while there was no microphone or stage there in the park (due to the earlier rains) we celebrated anyway, with additional words of encouragement and commemoration from Dr. Ron Walters, Mayor Carl Brewer, Congressman Todd Tiahrt, Senator Donald Betts, and Pastor Mark Smith.
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After the march, we held a 5:00 reception for the Dockum Sit-In participants followed by a City-Wide Gospel Concert that was simply unbelievable! (Video from the event will be available soon) Local Gospel greats such as Betty Clark Johnson, Terri Bradshaw, Chosen, Moses Grasham, Steven Jones, Kim McLaurion, the Tabernacle Mass Choir and many others performed current Gospel numbers and even some old gospel songs from the 1958 time period.

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I'll post more pictures from the evening Gospel concert in the coming days. But I have to say, one of my favorite moments from the celebration came near it's close, when I was able for the very first time to stand at the podium along with the current President of the Wichita NAACP Youth council; my Daughter Amani Myles... The other President Myles addressed the honorees on behalf of the current Youth Council and made a pledge that they would work as a group to get the story of the Dockum Sit-In recorded in the textbooks. I'll keep you all posted on that effort.

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The 50th anniversary commemoration ceremonies were completed this morning when the Wichita City Council issued a proclamation naming August 11th, Dockum Sit-in recognition day.

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Despite the rain, despite the media reports that the March had been cancelled, and despite the last minute changes that the rain required, I am truly thankful that we were still able to move forward and stage a great event and memorable ceremony in honor of our nearly forgotten heroes...

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Dockum Sit-In Celebration UPDATE

Planned March changes due to rain

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Due to the rain, there has been a change in plans regarding the scheduled March to the Chester I Lewis park. In lieu of the March, we will still gather at the Kansas African American Museum at 10:00am, and we will and hold a presentation inside the Museum.

The 7PM Gospel Celebration at Tabernacle Baptist Church will continue as planned!!!

US House of Representatives passes legislation apologizing for slavery and Jim Crow "Separate but Equal" eras

On Tuesday, July 29 2008 the United States House of Representatives passed, by a unanimous vote, H. Res. 194, a resolution which formally apologized for the enslavement and racial segregation of African Americans. This resolution was significant for several reasons, including the fact that it addressed not only slavery but the "separate but equal" Jim Crow era as well.

This legislation is an important first step in recognizing a very important aspect of American's history and recommitting ourselves to bringing about an end to the disparities and injustices that continue to plague our Nation as a result of the dehumanization of an entire race. In passing this resolution, the House of Representatives has sent a message to all of the American people and others that the most powerful nation in the world is willing to look honestly at some of the most shameful parts of its history, accept responsibility, and apologize for its actions.

The NAACP Washington Bureau has been in negotiations with Senator Tom Harkin (Iowa) to author a companion resolution in the Senate; we are hoping it will be introduced in the near future. The NAACP also strongly supports H.R. 40, legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (MI) to take the next step toward healing our Nation by addressing and seeking remedy for the lingering effects if this deplorable institution.

The full text of the resolution follows:

Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans.

Whereas millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and the 13 American colonies from 1619 through 1865;

Whereas slavery in America resembled no other form of involuntary servitude known in history, as Africans were captured and sold at auction like inanimate objects or animals;

Whereas Africans forced into slavery were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized, and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage;

Whereas enslaved families were torn apart after having been sold separately from one another;

Whereas the system of slavery and the visceral racism against persons of African descent upon which it depended became entrenched in the Nation's social fabric;

Whereas slavery was not officially abolished until the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865 after the end of the Civil War, which was fought over the slavery issue;

Whereas after emancipation from 246 years of slavery, African-Americans soon saw the fleeting political, social, and economic gains they made during Reconstruction eviscerated by virulent racism, lynchings, disenfranchisement, Black Codes, and racial segregation laws that imposed a rigid system of officially sanctioned racial segregation in virtually all areas of life;

Whereas the system of de jure racial segregation known as `Jim Crow,' which arose in certain parts of the Nation following the Civil War to create separate and unequal societies for whites and African-Americans, was a direct result of the racism against persons of African descent engendered by slavery;

Whereas the system of Jim Crow laws officially existed into the 1960's--a century after the official end of slavery in America--until Congress took action to end it, but the vestiges of Jim Crow continue to this day;

Whereas African-Americans continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow--long after both systems were formally abolished--through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity and liberty, the frustration of careers and professional lives, and the long-term loss of income and opportunity;

Whereas the story of the enslavement and de jure segregation of African-Americans and the dehumanizing atrocities committed against them should not be purged from or minimized in the telling of American history;

Whereas on July 8, 2003, during a trip to Goree Island, Senegal, a former slave port, President George W. Bush acknowledged slavery's continuing legacy in American life and the need to confront that legacy when he stated that slavery `was . . . one of the greatest crimes of history . . . The racial bigotry fed by slavery did not end with slavery or with segregation. And many of the issues that still trouble America have roots in the bitter experience of other times. But however long the journey, our destiny is set: liberty and justice for all.';

Whereas President Bill Clinton also acknowledged the deep-seated problems caused by the continuing legacy of racism against African-Americans that began with slavery when he initiated a national dialogue about race;

Whereas a genuine apology is an important and necessary first step in the process of racial reconciliation;

Whereas an apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the wrongs committed can speed racial healing and reconciliation and help Americans confront the ghosts of their past;

Whereas the legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia has recently taken the lead in adopting a resolution officially expressing appropriate remorse for slavery and other State legislatures are considering similar resolutions; and

Whereas it is important for this country, which legally recognized slavery through its Constitution and its laws, to make a formal apology for slavery and for its successor, Jim Crow, so that it can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all of its citizens:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow;

(2) apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow; and

(3) expresses its commitment to rectify the lingering consequences of the misdeeds committed against African-Americans under slavery and Jim Crow and to stop the occurrence of human rights violations in the future."
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What do YOU think? 'Long Overdue'?... Nice but insufficient?... Unnecessary?... Irrelevant?... Click the "Comments" button below and share your thoughts?

Tech Tags: Slavery+apology, House+of+Representatives NAACP HR40

Crucial NAACP-supported House Foreclosure Relief Bill passes the House; Senate to act by Saturday July 26th

ISSUE UPDATE
DATE: July 25, 2008
TO: Concerned Parties
FROM: Hilary O. Shelton, Director, Washington Bureau

OMNIBUS BILL WOULD PROVIDE $300 BILLION TO HELP AVOID FORECLOSURES, ESTABLISH A TRUST FUND TO PROVIDE LOW-INCOME HOUSING, PROVIDE $4 BILLION TO STATES & LOCALITIES TO DEAL WITH FORECLOSED PROPERTIES

THE ISSUE: On Wednesday, July 23, 2008 the U.S. House of Representatives passed, by a margin of 272 yeas to 152 nays, an omnibus housing bill that is intended to address a myriad of housing needs throughout the Nation for years to come. Specifically the bill, H.R. 3221, the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008" takes a number of crucial steps in the right direction to address a housing and financial crisis that is of profound concern to the NAACP communities nationwide.

Key aspects of H.R. 3221 include:

• Nearly $4 billion in Community Development Block Grants for communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed properties in hard-hit areas, and return affordable housing to those who need it most, while reducing urban blight, safety hazards, and drains on limited local resources in the process;
• The creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide affordable rental housing for people who need it the most;
• A new nationwide licensing and registration system for loan originators that will greatly improve the oversight of a brokerage system that, in many cases, has been a major contributor to the scourge of predatory lending tactics; and
• Expanded authority for the Federal Housing Administration to help borrowers refinance into more affordable loans.
  

As is the case with any omnibus legislation on such a complex issue, many difficult compromises and decisions were made in the name of moving forward. On the whole, however, the NAACP believes that the bill will do far more good than harm. Our primary concern with H.R. 3221 is in what it does not include: reforms that level the playing field between borrowers and lenders. Sadly, this legislation does not address the fact that lenders currently hold all of the cards when dealing with struggling homeowners. Specifically, the NAACP currently supports legislation (H.R. 5670) to require that mortgage servicers work with borrowers to try to avoid foreclosure, as well as a bill (H.R. 6076) to impose a cooling out period to allow homeowners time to try to modify their mortgages and stay in their homes and legislation (H.R. 3609) allowing the courts to try to mediate a modification. Such mandatory foreclosure prevention policies remain absolutely vital to resolving our nation's foreclosure crisis.

So now we must congratulate our elected representatives on the legislation about to become law, but also urge them to go further and to pass legislation to level the playing field between borrowers and lenders...
Thank you all for your attention to this urgent matter!!!

Click HERE to find contact information for YOUR Representatives

Tech Tags: Housing Mortgage+crisis H.R.3221 H.R.5670 H.R.6076 H.R.3609

From the Convention: The complete list of all Resolutions considered at the 2008 NAACP Convention

Here is the complete list of all resolutions considered at the 2008 NAACP Annual Convention.

Note: Some resolutions were abbreiveated or excerpted for brevity

The Resolution process begins with a local unit (or branch) who drafts a proposed policy or resolution. That resolution must be approved by the general membership of that unit. The proposed resolution is then brought before the State Conference for ratification. Once ratified by the State Conference at it's quarterly meeting, the proposed resolution is then forwarded to the National Resolution committee where it is reviewed and prepared for the annual resolution session.


Within the resolution session, all registered voting delegates to the convention are able to stand up and speak to each proposed policy or initiative. After debate, each is brought to a vote and if successful, it becomes binding NAACP policy.


1. NAACP Centennial Commemoration by Local, State, and National Governmental Authorities Resolved: That all units of the NAACP shall petition their local, state, and national elected and appointed officials to issue proclamations dated February 12, 2009, honoring the NAACP and its work, and commemorating the NAACP's 100th anniversary.

2. Strengthening the African American Family
Resolved: That the NAACP in coalition with the faith community and other grassroots organizations lead a public campaign highlighting the need for promoting individual and collective community responsibilities along with public policies to assist African American families that alleviate the impact of criminal activity, inadequate health care and insufficient educational support on the African American community. And that the NAACP advocate through its units and promote activities that will strengthen and fortify the African American family structure.

3. Supporting continued sovereignty and Federal recognition of the Shinnecock Tribal Nation and the Unkechaug Tribal Nation
Resolved: That the NAACP will continue to support and advocate for all legitimate claims for Native American federal recognition in general, including the Shinnecock and Unkechang Nations and the protections for Native American burial grounds.

4. Honoring John Roberts "JR" Clifford
Resolved: That civil Rights Pioneer John Roberts "JR" Clifford will be honored along with others as the NAACP moves towards it centennial celebration

5. Promoting non-discriminatory adoption and usage of broadband Internet & information technologies
Resolved: That the NAACP shall object to any corporate or governmental policies that increase costs, impede deployment, discourage adoption and usage, limit consumer access, reduce local commentary, or State oversight or that of public utilities commissions, public hearings, or other forums for citizen input and reduce affordability of broadband technologies AND that the NAACP will call upon its members to educate themselves and others on the importance of adoption and usage of broadband technologies.

6. Release of William Mayo
Resolved: That Local and State units as well as the National office, will advocate for Federal Legislation that would provide for an automatic retrial when testimony offer at a jury trial that leads to a conviction is later recanted AND that NAACP units will assist the Cincinnati Branch as requested in calling for the release of Johnathan Mayo and Troy Davis from their wrongful incarcerations.

7. Jury Panels
Resolved: That units of the NAACP will recommend and advocate to State and Local officials to reevaluate and restructure Jury selection procedures to increase non-white representation in jury pools.

8. Abolition of Life Sentences for Juvenile defendants
Resolved: That NAACP Units should call upon their respective legislatures to abolish life sentences for juvenile defendants

9. NAACP Opposes the transfer of Youth to the Adult Criminal Justice System
Resolved: That the NAACP will work to end the excessive practice of youth being tried in the adult criminal justice system and to insure that young people are appropriately adjudicated in ways that enhance community rehabilitation, safety and stability, AND that the NAACP shall strongly oppose any policies, statutes, or laws that increase the number of youth transferred into the adult criminal justice system or the number of youth held in adult prisons or jails.

10. Hangman's Nooses as a Hate Crime
Resolved: That the NAACP shall adopt a position of zero tolerance in opposing the conduct of anyone who uses the hangman's noose to intimidate, threaten, or assault....

11. Privatizing and Outsourcing Manufacturing jobs in prisons is contributing to low wages.
Resolved: that NAACP units will advocate before Local, State, and Federal policy making bodies to adopt regulations that will require prisons and private contractors to pay a living wage, and that the money earned by prisoners shall be divided equally between an amount paid to the prisoners during their incarceration, a victims assistance fund, child support payments, and a trust fund to be made available to the prisoner upon release AND that units will advocate for legislation requiring Companies that utilize and benefit from prison labor to offer the same or commensurate health care and other benefits to inmates and their family members that said companies offer to their other employees.

12. Educational Improvements
Resolved: That the NAACP will reaffirm its efforts to advocate for the increased collection of and transparency in accountability data so that the public and the school systems become more aware of the race, origin, and class dimensions related to the allocation of various qualities of educational services AND that the NAACP should enter into litigation against any governmental agencies that refuse to provide proper educational opportunities.

13. Support of remedial Education for youth who are over the age of 18 and not in High School
Resolved: That NAACP units shall actively advocate for the continued funding of programs designed to ensure that remedial educational opportunities are available for persons over 18, who are lacking basic literacy and math skills.

14. Oppose Wal-mart and Other Retailers Unfair Labor Practices
Resolved: That the NAACP will challenge Wal-Mart and other retailers to overcome any of their practices that are inconsistent with the highest standards of Labor and Civil Rights, to ensure equal opportunity and equal pay for Women, people of color and other minorities, and work with local communities to effectively address Wal-Mart's and other retailers negative impact on issues like the environment and local businesses, and establish a "Buy American" program that annually increases the percentage of "Made in America" goods purchased by Wal-Mart and Other retailers to help protect American Jobs.

15. Workplace Bullying
Resolved: That NAACP Units at all levels will seek legislation at all appropriate levels to deem workplace bullying illegal.

16. An Act to Re-Affirm Resolutions previously adopted on Environmental Racism and to further oppose the planning and location of Level 4 Bio-Safety Laboratories and Hazardous facilities designated for densely populated areas.
Resolved: That the NAACP Re-Affirms all previous policies on Environmental racism (1993, 1996, 2000, & 2001) and that NAACP State and Local units should work with community organizations and citizens to prevent level 4 bio-safety laboratories and hazardous facilities from being placed within densely populated areas and shall advocate for legislation to prohibit the same.

17. Health Disparities
Resolved: That the NAACP will identify at least one county in each region where health disparities are most disproportionate among African Americans, poor people, and senior citizens and develop an advocacy, educational, and legal strategy to improved selected element of the system that are responsible for the disparity AND NAACP units at all levels will advocate to federal, state, and local governmental agencies and partner with different organizations or health care systems to establish and maintain programs that will bring information to teens, adults, ad families for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

18. The Impact of Autism
Resolved: The NAACP will lobby for increased Governmental spending for research on the causes and cure of Autism.

19. The NAACP supports efforts to further disaggregate Heathcare data by Race and Ethnicity
Resolved: That the NAACP supports efforts to ensure the accurate collection and reporting of data by heath care providers, programs, and plans about patients and the care they receive; broken down by race and ethnicity.

20. Support for Public Housing Residents
Resolved: That the National Office of the NAACP will encourage and support a Federal Policy that provides for "one for one" replacement of public housing units that are razed or demolished AND that NAACP units at all levels should monitor and pursue actions to ensure that the residents of Public Housing are afforded the full social, political, educational, and economic opportunities available for all residents throughout the nation.

21. Bylaws change - Advisors for Youth & College Chapters (Article V, Sections 10b, 12a, 12e, and 13)
Resolved: That all Faculty advisors, High School Chapter advisors, Youth Council advisors, and Junior Youth Council advisors shall serve as Ex-Officio members of their respective chapter or councils without voting rights.

22. Bylaws change - Disposition of records; Youth Units (Article VI, Section 3e, f, & g)
Resolved: Language added to the section which reads - All minutes and other official records are the property of the Youth Unit and shall be promptly transferred to the newly elected and qualified officers within 30 days after the election. Non-compliance with terms herein shall be considered conduct that is inimical to the best interests of the NAACP, meriting disciplinary action pursuant to Article X.

23. Bylaws change - Executive Committee in the Bylaws for Units (Article VIII, Section 1b)
Resolved: Language changed within the section - All references to Youth Councils replaced with references to Youth Units

24. Bylaws change - Youth Works committee (Article VIII, Section 51k)
Resolved: Language changed within the section - All references to Youth Councils replaced with references to Youth Units

25. Representation of behavior Not in the best interest of the association
Resolved: That the NAACP shall codify guidelines to become an appendage of the constitution and bylaws to highlight the penalties for infractions of the code of the NAACP

26. Peace Resolution
Resolved: that the NAACP actively engage , using its NGO status in the pursuit for peace and stability in Darfur AND that the NAACP request that the President of the United States advocate for peace and an end to the Human Rights abuses in China, Darfur, and Burma

27. Minority Business Participation in Government Contracts
Resolved: that the NAACP call upon Congress, the SBA, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and all Federal Local ad State Agencies to: 1) promote the use of MBE's in Federal, State, and Local contract and sub-contracts; 2) provide more oversight and monitoring of contracts for compliance in using MBE and small disadvantaged businesses; 3) call for the enforcement of existing laws and penalties on agencies and prime contractors that fail to comply; and 4) that the federal government be precluded from suspending these requirements based upon exigent circumstances

28. Calling for the NAACP to begin mobilization efforts for Census 2010
Resolved: That each State/State Area conference designate a Census 2010 committee to assist units in their jurisdiction to ensure that information and resources are properly deployed AND that the NAACP will advocate to the US Congress and the US Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census that for the purposes of the 2010 census, that all prisoners be enumerated as residents of the census tract wherein they were domiciled at the time of their arrest and/or conviction

29. Supporting Legislation to create a Department of Peace and Non-Violence
Resolved: That the NAACP expresses its support for the enactment of H.R.808, to create a United States Department of Peace and Non-Violence.

30. NAACP calls for passage of New Federal Legislation to Regulate International Vulture Funds and prevent further Exploitation of poor and underdeveloped nations
-Point of Information- a Vulture fund is a financial organization that profits by buying up poor country debt in default on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar, then attempting to charge up to ten times the purchase price by suing the impoverished country in US or European courts.
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports forthcoming legislation and grassroots efforts to limit vulture fund profits and decrease the incentive to purchase/litigate on sovereign debt and increase transparency through mandatory filing in US/UK for purchases of foreign debt AND the NAACP strongly supports forthcoming legislation and grassroots efforts that will establish an international bankruptcy framework, binding on all creditors, which would force vultures to comply with debt cancellation and/or debt restructuring efforts.

31. NAACP Support for Present and Future Green jobs appropriations and policies
Resolved: That the NAACP shall advocate for the present and continued funding for the Green Jobs act and for the inclusion of African Americans and other people of color's rightful place in the emerging new green energy sectors and sustainable economies.

32. NAACP Supports applying the decision by the US Sentencing Commission to reduce Mandatory sentences for people convicted of Crack Cocaine possesion retroactively
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports making the May 2007 amendment by the US Sentencing Commission retroactive to those currenttly incarcerated for Crack Cocaine convictions AND that the NAACP reiterates its strong support for one-to-one sentencing ranges for crack and powder cocaine sentences.

33. NAACP supports Reauthorization of the Juvenile Justce Delinquency and Prevention Act
Resolved: That the NAACP supports the updating of the JJDPA to decrease over-reliance on detention, detention of statuts offenders, promote effective community-based alternatives to detention and incarceration, and reduce racial disparities in the justive system.

34. NAACP supports a new look at the Federal Budget in FY 2009
Resolved: That the NAACP supports a shift in the current federal budget away from defense and military spending and will continue to fight for increased federal support and funding for public education, affordable housing, health care access and quality initiative, crime preventioin, job training and creation, small business promotion, the protection of our basic civil rights and liberties, energy assistance, the protection of workers rights, and continued assistance for those devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

35. NAACP calls for federal action to End the Home Foreclosure Crisis
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports strong anti-predatory lending legislation that establishes higher standards for loan originators and provides stronger penalties and remedies for lenders who break the law, as well as ensuring that any final federal product is the minimumm and that states be allowed to continue to be more aggressive in eliminating predatory lending.

36. Support of Veterans Unity with the Community
Resolved: That the NAACP identify resources, services, and programs in the community that will help assist and educate veterens with Health care, dental care, education, mental health and PTSD, enterprenueship, employment, housing and homeownership, issues unique to female veterens, homeless veterans, formerly incarcerated veterens, and information and access to VA benefits.

37. Quality Military Healthcare
Resolved: That the NAACP calls upon Congress to enact legislation to restructure the healthcare delivery system for active duty military personnel, veterens, and their families, to gurantee access to existing VA facilities and private sector healthcare providers for both physical and mental healthcare needs, including necessary medications.

38. NAACP supports Proposed Popular Vote initiative
Resolved: That the NAACP supports National "Popular Vote" legislation AND that the NAACP supports a Constitutional amendment abolishing the Electoral College.

39. Emergency Resolution - NAACP continues to suport laws to prevent Gun violence and increase gun safety
-Point of Information- Emergency Resolutions may be brought to the floor as written or approved by the President or Chair without having gone through the normal resolution process
Resolved: That the NAACP continues to support safe, sane, and sensible gunn safety legislative initiatives which would make it harder for people with questionable motives and or diminished mental capacity to obtain firearms, either through legal or illegal means AND the NAACP supports an renewal of the assualt weapons ban with a provision that makes it permenant.

40. Emergency Resolution - The NAACP continues to oppose the Dealth Penalty and supports the creation of a commission to investigate the current disparities plaguing the Federal Death Penatly Sentencing Process
Resolved: That the NAACP supports teh communiting of Mr. Troy Anthony Davis' death sentence in light of the new and compelling information regarding the crime of which he is accused AND the NAACP reiterates its continuing opposition to the death penalty at the State and Federal level AND the NAACP strongly supports legislation to be introduced by Senator Russ Feingold (WI) The National Commission on Capitol Punishment Act of 2008

41. The NAACP supports efforts to stop and reverse the dramatic increase in fuel prices; and supports long term, aggressive energy policy
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports comprehensive public, private, domestic, and multi-national strategies to address the immediate problems being faced by Americans, and disproportionately low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, and small business owners, most notably comercial truckers as a result of higher fuel costs.

42. NAACP Condemns the Islamaphobic, mean spirited, tasteless, and racially offensive July 21st 2008 New Yorker Magazine Cover
Resolved: That the NAACP decries the July 21st 2008 New Yorker magazine cover as tasteless, mean spirited, Islamaphobic, and racially offensive AND calls on every American who is similarly offended to contact the New Yorker magazine either by email at themail@newyorker.com or by post at The Mail, the New Yorker, 4 Times Square, New York NY 10036.

Tech Tags: NAACP, Youth, Environmental, Popular+Vote, Green+Technologies, Bylaws, Veteran, Health+Disparities, Healthcare, Family, Vulture+Funds, Education, Public+Housing, Labor, Walmart, Civil+Rights

From the NAACP Convention: Senators Obama and McCain's addresses to the NAACP Delegates

I decided to hold this post until I had heard the addresses from both Senators Obama and McCain. Senator Obama addressed the convention on Monday night drawing approximately 4,500 delegates into the main ballroom of the Duke Energy Center. He spoke eloquently to a number of his campaign themes, most of which were in line with the issues and initiatives of the NAACP. Senator Obama also spoke to issues such as Health Care accessibility, police accountability, breaking the cycle of inter-generational urban poverty, predatory lending, rebuilding the public education system, the need for high quality after school programs, the need for green technologies, the continuing work of ending discrimination creating level playing fields throughout America, and specifically the persistent wage discrimination where African American women are paid on average 62 cents for every dollar earned by a white male counterpart.

But the Senator dealt most emphatically with the subjects of responsibility and accountability. He even jokingly referred to those who "may say that I've been too tough on folks about this responsibility stuff", and then went on to say, "But I'm not going to stop talking about it". He was interrupted at that point by a thunderous applause that filled the room; one of many such moment during his speech. And while it will likely be reported that he merely "told the NAACP that the Black community must accept a greater responsibility for the conditions of the inner cities", he very certainly didn't stop there. He spoke about the need for Government, the Private Sector, and the Community to all accept a greater responsibility for addressing the problems of society and that we should all be more accountable for doing so. All in all, it was a well delivered and a well received speech before a packed house.

Scarcely an hour ago, John McCain finished his speech to the NAACP convention. And while the crowd was not quite as large as had been Obama's, his speech was well delivered and graciously received. Senator McCain spent the majority of his speech dealing specifically with the subject of education. He talked at length about the state of the current educational system. When he focused on these broad themes, his message found wide acceptance throughout the audience. He also spoke with some specificity about his support for school choice and school vouchers. These specific policy initiatives met with a more cool reception, but clearly he had anticipated that and he dealt with the differences quite well. He also spoke to his plans for increased drilling and adopting green technologies. I must admit, while I had heard about his humor, I was still quite surprised at how effectively and naturally he was able to interject humor into his address. It was one of the more personable speeches I've heard him deliver. Unfortunately, he spoke to very few of the priority issues of the NAACP. I think he missed a great opportunity to speak emphatically to his plans for dealing with the foreclosure crisis, health care, predatory lending, etc etc...

McCain did surprise the audience in that while we had been told that neither Senator Obama or McCain would be able to stick around for questions or answers, McCain walked away from the podium and picked up a wireless mic for a brief question and answer session. McCain was asked about Judicial Appointments, providing full funding for NCLB, providing funding for programs like Head-Start, plans to address the shortcomings of FEMA, and why he neglected to fill out the NAACP candidate questionnaire. He agreed to fill out the questionnaire and provided very strong responses.

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The question and answer session was a bonifide 'feather in the cap' of McCain, which was nearly scuttled by the candidates selection of questioners. When the question and answer session started, people moved up the aisles for the opportunity to ask the Senator a question. Since this question and answer session was not planned, there were only two hand mics readily available. The second person to reach a hand mic was Mr. Bob Zellner from the East Long Island Branch. Mr. Zellner, who happens to be white, intended to ask Senator McCain a 'softball' question; "Does your recent appearance in Selma signal and end to the Southern Strategy?" However, for whatever reason, Senator McCain chose not to allow Mr. Zellner to ask his question. In fact, the Senator actually cut Mr. Zellner off twice as he had started asking his question. I understand that perhaps Senator McCain believed that this being the NAACP, it was important that he hear from Black voters. But it is also important that Senator McCain and others understand that the NAACP is not an all black organization, and we must never be guilty of committing the very acts we organize to fight against. Bob is a member and a registered voting delegate, as such, he should have been allowed to ask his question...

That said though, I think I can speak for all when I say that we all greatly appreciated the willingness of Senators Obama and McCain to come before our convention and to speak. Both spoke passionately to their plans and proposals in enough depth to highlight the differences in their positions. And while clearly, Senator Obama seemed to have a greater grasp of the issues of concern for the Organization, I applaud Senator McCain's willingness to come to the convention and put his issues on the table. Both speeches were great, and on behalf of the organization, I'd like to personally say thank to each of the Candidates for their time and candor...

Tech Tags: McCain Obama NAACP Election+08 NAACP+Convention

We're off to Cincinnati for the NAACP National Convention

I'm headed out to catch my flight to Cincinnati... I will be attending the NAACP National Convention and I will be blogging live from the event. We are expecting between and 10 thousand participants this year. Check back often to get information and insights from the conference. I am also taking my video camera and will attempt to video the presentations from Senators Obama and McCain and from the Youth Act-So competitions. If I am able to pull it off, I will post the videos here in the coming days...

Tech Tags: NAACP National+Convention Obama McCain Cincinnati

The Deadline is Midnight tonight to submit YOUR questions to the Presidential candidates

Tonight at midnight is the deadline to submit your questions for the NAACP Presidential Forum. If you haven't done so, you can click here to find out how. We're getting lots of great responses, and the top 10 questions will be made available to the campaigns later this week as well as displayed on our website.

The 99th Annual NAACP Convention kicks off in Cincinnati this weekend, so we'll be in touch soon with more details on the Convention and the Presidential Forum.

Sincerely,
Julian Bond

Chairman

Senators Obama & McCain to address the NAACP Convention in Cincinnati

One of the most important missions of the NAACP is to ensure that every voter has access to the information necessary to make educated decisions. That's why I'm so pleased to tell you that both Barack Obama and John McCain will be joining us for the Presidential Forum at this year's 99th Annual NAACP Convention in Cincinnati.

Both Senators will address the Convention directly, giving us all the opportunity to hear first hand how each would handle issues critical to our community as President. Unfortunately, the format agreed to by the campaigns doesn't allow for questions after the speech, but that won't stop us from letting the campaigns know what's on our minds.

You can tell Obama and McCain what's on your mind by answering the NAACP Critical Issues poll. The results of the poll will be highlighted on our website at naacp.org, and we'll be sure that the campaigns get the results too.

Senator Obama will speak on July 15th, and Senator McCain on July 16th, and both speeches will be available on our website following the day's events. But, in the meantime you can brush up on where both candidates stand by clicking here.

In preparation for the Forum we've posted the 2007 Congressional Scorecard showing how both McCain and Obama voted on issues important to the NAACP and our constituents. You can even view the Compiled Congressional Scorecard to see how these two candidates have voted on NAACP issues over their careers.

And, of course, each cycle the NAACP distributes its Presidential Questionnaire to all the campaigns. Click here to view Obama's answers to the 2008 Questionnaire.

The McCain campaign has refused to answer the 2008 Questionnaire. But fortunately, we do still have McCain's 2000 Questionnaire on file. Of course there's still time for the campaign to have a change of heart, and if they do we'll post the answers right away.

And don't forget to answer the Critical Issues Poll. With your help we'll make sure every voter is an informed voter.

Sincerely,
Julian Bond
Chairman

Tech Tags: Election+08, Obama, McCain, NAACP, Candidates, Politics, Current+Events

Join us in Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Dockum Sit-in

In the Summer of 1958, two dozen young people from the Wichita NAACP Youth council staged what would become the first successful student-led sit-in of the Civil Rights Movement. On August 11th, 1958, they desegregated all of the Rexall Drug Stores throughout the State of Kansas. Their efforts validated a method of protest, which was replicated by other NAACP branches around the country and later by groups such as the SCLC, and led to the establishment of equal accommodations around the nation...

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On August 9th, 2008 - Join with the members of the 1958 Wichita NAACP Youth Council, the 2008 Wichita NAACP Youth Council, the NAACP National Office, and the Wichita Branch as we March to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dockum Sit-in

The March will begin at 10:30am on August 9th, in front of the Kansas African American Museum.

We will march by the site of the Historic sit-in and then continue over for a rally and celebration in Chester I Lewis Reflection Park.

Celebration Speakers will include: NAACP Chief of Field Operations- Rev Nelson Rivers &

Dr. Ron Walters: President of the 1958 NAACP Youth Council. Currently Dr. Walters holds positions as "Distinguished Leadership Scholar" and Director of the African American Leadership Institute in the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership, and Full Professor in the Department of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland.

The Following is excerpted from "Dissent in Wichita" By Professor Gretchen Eick. Reprinted with permission by author

That weekend, Chester Lewis called a mass meeting at New Hope Baptist Church for Sunday afternoon, August 10. Many of Wichita's African Americans had come to the city from the South, seeking jobs and bringing with them a collective memory of white terror. For them, the action the students were taking was very frightening, especially after the episode with the gang of white youths. Lewis felt it important to let the black community know more about the sit-in and the students' plans and also soothe concerned parents who feared their children would be arrested. The church was packed. Some participants narrated the story of the sit-ins at Dockum's and asked for community support. They had decided to expand the sit-in to additional days of the week. There were many questions from the audience and many concerns, but by the end of the meeting there was great unity and solidarity. The students left the meeting knowing that the community was behind them and proud of them.

The following day, Monday, Carol Parks took her seat at the lunch counter along with a few other early arrivals. Ron was out of town for Army Reserve training, and Lequeatta was working as a lifeguard, not assigned to sit in until the afternoon shift. Carol saw a white man in his thirties or forties enter the store, glance to the back of the store where Wayne Williams stood, and say to him, "Serve them. I'm losing too much money." Stunned and exhausted, she and the other students drank a victory Coke at the lunch counter. Then Carol went home to tell her mother the news. Someone called Lequeatta at the pool, telling her that she need not come to the sit-in. Dockum's owner had changed the policy.

After Williams announced that they were to be served, Chester Lewis confirmed by a telephone call to the vice president of Dockum's "that he had instructed all of his managers, clerks, etc., to serve all people without regard to race, creed or color." The following day, Lewis wrote to Herb Wright, "On Monday, August 11, 1958, I held a conference with Walter Hieger, the vice president of the Dockum Chain Drug Stores and he agreed to abolish all discriminatory practices as of Monday morning, at 10: 00 a.m. August 11." The youths had won. The largest drugstore chain in Kansas had desegregated not only its Wichita stores but also all Rexall Drug Stores in Kansas.

Pictured above are members of the 1958 Wichita Branch NAACP Youth Council along with Governor Sebelius and Congressman Tiahrt ant the Wichita Branch 2006 Freedom Fund Banquet.