The NAACP Centennial Celebration in NYC - July, 2009

Recently I had the privilege of attending the NAACP Centennial

Celebration in New York City

President Barack Obama speaks at the NAACP 100th anniversary

convention in New York City July 16, 2009.

President Barack Obama speaks to those attending the 100th NAACP Convention

at the Hilton Hotel in New York City

President Obama is introduced by this year's NAACP

Spingarn Award winner Julian Bond

I am a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and have been active for many years.

When I returned home from the Convention I was having difficulty in composing words to describe exactly how I felt during the entire week especially the culmination

of hearing President Obama speak on the final evening.

This week I read a message by Michael Blake (the Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement & Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs).

For the most part he wrote what was on my mind and I couldn't have written it any better,

so I decided to share his words with you.

NAACP: 100 Years, One Historic Night

Posted by Michael Blake

There are some moments in our lives where we have an "I was there" moment. A moment that despite your best attempts to explain how you felt, what you perceived what others were feeling, the words that were shared and the fanfare of the activity, you still can't convey how remarkable an experience it was that you just shared.

I had that moment on Thursday, July 16th, 2009 as did so many others when President Barack Obama went to the 100th anniversary convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Everyone had a feeling of excitement beyond description. Many dignitaries were present. NAACP leaders from across the country embarked to New York - a city filled with historical civil rights moments, which oftentimes are forgotten about because they weren't occurring in the historic South. But, the first moment that captured my attention was watching the line of people form slowly throughout the afternoon as they waited patiently despite their palpable excitement. The look of pride and accomplishment amongst a people who many times didn't feel such positive feelings was evident. Later, as the president met several leaders of NAACP, it was the genuine appreciation that humbled me and made me even more proud to work for him as he shook the hands of the staff despite the large number of them being present. There were a lot of people there whose names many times go unmentioned and unnoticed for work they do to fight for greater equality, never caring that their name is in lights. To have their work recognized by the President of the United States added a special dimension to the night that the media didn't capture, but it was equally important. I was fortunate to see it. I was there.

NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, who received the Spingarn medal during the banquet - NAACP's highest recognition - simply but eloquently introduced President Obama by saying, "When he came to our convention in 2007, he was one of eight Democratic presidential primary candidates. When he came last year, he was the one - his party's nominee. Now I am honored to give the best introduction of all - please welcome the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama."

The president gave an inspirational speech where his physical presence and empowering words provided a visual reality to so many African-Americans that despite the tests of time AND the adversities of life OUR hopes and dreams can be and ARE being fulfilled.

The feeling in the room was electric. There were African-Americans who lived through the civil rights era and fought to have an equal voice at the table - including the right to vote - there to see an African-American President of the United States during the 100th anniversary of this pillar of the Civil Rights community who were led to many joyful tears, amens, shouts of celebration and reflective statements of how far we have come.

There were older women who were saying "amen" and "tell it" as the president shared that there are no excuses to us achieving more. There was an African-American sailor near me who took photos of every moment of every person he could see. People who couldn't get into the room of 4,200 attendees watched and videotaped from TV screens throughout the Hilton Hotel who didn't complain about not getting in but rather rejoiced in just being in the building for such a historic moment.

His remarks embodied an understanding that we've made progress but we have more mountains to climb. They also reminded us that we have to dream higher and obtain more, which he so beautifully stated by saying, "our kids can't all aspire to be LeBron or Lil Wayne. I want them aspiring to be scientists and engineers -- doctors and teachers -- not just ballers and rappers. I want them aspiring to be a Supreme Court Justice. I want them aspiring to be the President of the United States of America."

So for more than 4,000 people at the New York Hilton hotel who were there supporting this hallmark organization, which for 100 years has had many "I was there" moments including the marching, protesting, sitting in and standing tall; from W.E.B. Dubois to Julian Bond, we all shared in this once in a lifetime moment - the first African-American president closing out the 100th anniversary convention of the oldest African-American civil rights group in the country. So for generations to come, I will tell my children, and they will tell their children I was there.

Posted: FRI, JULY 17, 6:00 PM EST

by Michael Blake

*****

There you have it!

For myself, and those in attendance it was an incredible event, an unforgettable experience and it is sure to go down in the NAACP history archives, if not in national history.

We had the good fortune to be sitting along the front row ( shown in the first photo above) and were just a few feet from the President as he gave his speech. So, for generations to come, we are able to tell our children and grandchildren that we were there.

*****

click below for the text of President Obama's Speech that night:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-to-the-NAACP-Centennial-Convention-07/16/2009/

Vincent Van Gogh died July 29, 1890

Vincent Van Gogh

Born: 30 March 1853

Birthplace: Groot Zundert, Holland

Died: 29 July 1890 at the age of 37.

A 19th-century painter, Van Gogh is famous for his vivid paintings. His career as an artist lasted only 10 years and coincided with frequent bouts of depression and anguish; in a famous 1888 incident he slashed off his left earlobe with a razor. He is closely associated with the town of Arles in the south of France, where he created many of his greatest paintings.  He died in Auvers, France two days after shooting himself in the chest with a pistol.

His story is tragic but more than a hundred years later we are still in awe and admire his amazing art.

The Potato Eaters (1885)

He said "I wanted to convey the idea that the people eating potatoes by the light of an oil

lamp used the same hands with which they take food from the plate to work the land, that they have toiled with their hands—that they have earned their food by honest means." Van Gogh thought this piece was a failure.

Starry Night (1889)

Sunflowers

Irises (1889)

The best way to know God is to love many things. 

–Vincent Van Gogh 

NAACP- Centennial Convention in NYC - part II- July, 2009

During the Convention the following people were part of an armchair discussion to comment on the NAACP past and future. 

All are recipients of the Spingarn Award which is given for ‘the highest or noblest achievement by an African American during the preceding year or years.’ 

Joel Spingarn, one of the NAACP founders, was a professor of literature and formulated much of the strategy that led to the growth of the organization. He was elected board chairman of the NAACP in 1915 and served as president from 1929-1939. 

1958 - Little Rock Nine (1957)– Bottom row, left to right: Thelma Mothershed, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray; Top row, left to right: Jefferson Thomas, Melba Beals, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls, Daisy Bates (NAACP President), Ernest Green.

On September 3, 1957, the Little Rock Nine arrived to enter Central High School, but they were turned away by the Arkansas National Guard (called out by Governor Orval Faubus) - The soldiers barred the African American students from entering.

On September 25, 1957, under federal troop escort, the Little Rock Nine made it inside for their first full day of school. They were still subjected to a year of physical and verbal abuse (people spitting on them, calling them names) by many of the white students.

The Little Rock Nine have received numerous accolades and awards for their courage.  The renowned NAACP Spingarn Medal -1958, (received medal when they were 15 years old) for their pioneer role in upholding the basic ideals of American democracy in the face of continuing harassment and constant threats of bodily injury. They also received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.

Five of the group were present. The question was asked ‘How did NAACP help?'  They said that their parents were members of NAACP and they  had a vision for their children – also, Thurgood Marshall was instrumental in the process of integration of the schools.

 

Governor Douglas Wilder

1990 –  former Governor of VA 90-94. Received the award for being a public servant, attorney, and visionary in tribute to an extraordinary life of accomplishments.

He said, “Over the years the  NAACP was not thinking about themselves but those who followed them.  He recently spoke with a young boy -who said  "I am going to be the president of the United States" – he is glad that children can now believe it.

John Conyers, Jr.

Received the award in 2007 - John Conyers, Jr.  of Detroit  Former congressman. Received the award for being a guardian of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, a consummate legislator and public servant.

He said there were three  people that inspired him - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama.  In each case they were told that they couldn't do it.  Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and later became Prime Minister of South Africa.  Dr. King was advised not to start the movement in the south and that  non-violence would not  work.  Barack Obama became the 44^th president on shoulders of everything done by the NAACP.

He also  said "The Government should put everybody to work  and  create jobs, also that banks are  having a vacation retreat with bail out money. Banks should give more accountability for the  money."

Andrew Jackson Young

1979 – former Mayor of Atlanta, US Congress, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

He said that he witnessed Thurgood Marshall plead the case of equal pay for African American teachers (1941). In 1960 he and his friends  started collective civil disobedience. 

His suggestions are ” Voting should be allowed on the weekend instead of Tuesdays. Statistically countries with the highest voter turn out vote on weekends. This would give more opportunity for workers to vote.  Also, that every American citizen should have a bank account. Many people missed out on the Stimulus payments because they don’t have direct deposit for benefits. It would be good for the banks and good for the citizens.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. 

Received the award in 1989 – Founder of Operation Rainbow PUSH –clergyman, political leader, civil rights activist. 

His heroes are Julian Bond who inspired a generation and Vernon Jordan whose belligerent acts of courage inspired him.

He said “On July 16, 1960 he was with a group who tried to use public library in Alabama and they went to jail – The NAACP had a drive for freedom but there is still inequality. Blacks are 4 x’s less likely to get a job than whites.  They are number one in infant mortality and number one in mortality. There are  2.3 million people in prison and 1 million are Black in jail due to the cocaine disparity in sentencing. Free but not equal. Target the stimulus tell government don’t just stimulate the banks stimulate the needy people. We try to get to the Olympic Games without giving Olympic educations to our youth.“ 

General Colin Powell

Received the award in 1991-  four star General of the US Army, 12^th Chairman,  Joint Chief of Staff, US Department of Defense. Former Secretary of State.

 Asked about the progress in military- how did NAACP make a difference? 

He said "He served in Korea and Viet Nam where he was during the summer of ’63 while his wife and young son were  in Birmingham AL.  During  WWI the NAACP called for more black officers. In Europe their supervisors were French Officers. They could not participate in celebration parades when they returned to the USA because of segregation. During WWII Tuskegee airmen had to prove themselves.  In 1948 President Truman signed the desegregation order which took 5 years to go into effect. When he joined the service in 1959 he could be considered for promotions at that time – NAACP did that for him. 

Today our children are born hard-wired digital.  50% are  not graduating and 70% are born  out of wedlock. They need to learn to  mind manners mind adults – we have to focus on our youth – give them the impetus they need to complete education and put our families together. They have to be ready to be citizens of a global environment."

Dr. Benjamin Hooks

Received the award in 1986  (NAACP Executive Director 77-92)  in tribute to his precedent-setting accomplishments.

He has great memories of the  greatest organization for civil rights. Proud of Anti-lynching laws.

He said “In A.D. 33 an African named Simon saw a man struggling with a cross – he was asked to carry cross for him and he did. – One day it will be your turn to do something about it. It’s your turn now! Pick up the cross and move on."

What can be done now? – "First, too many black athletes are making millions of  $ and not giving back to the community. Michael Jackson had NAACP do voter registration at his concerts. Right wing radio – needs to go!  If President Obama fails the nation fails! Everybody should support the new NAACP president Mr. Jealous."

Vernon Jordon

Received the award in 2001 - NAACP Field Director Georgia 61 - 63, National Director Urban League, Lawyer, Advisor to Presidents, Champion of Civil rights, and Human Rights. Exemplar and True Believer.

 He said " I worked with Medgar Evers, Roy Wilkins and  Clarence Mitchell.  Conversations with these men was like advanced learning. He learned that in local disputes you let the people work it out for themselves."

Dr. Dorothy Irene Height 

President of  National Council of Negro Women – National YMCA; The Center for Radical Justice; President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She received the award in 1993 for extraordinary leadership in advancing women’s rights.  

When asked what are the achievements of NAACP –she stated "The  Anti-lynching Campaign - at that time she organized the Harlem Youth Campaign and they joined the NAACP United Youth committee with the  Council Against Lynching. The NAACP are  still working to make the 14^th amendment fulfilled – equal justice under law. She also stated that  Lillian Smith, a  white southern woman , wrote ‘Strange Fruit’ and this song helped the most by exposing lynchings. Thanks to NAACP they stopped lynchings."

"As we look to the future we need to be conscious as a family in the United States  and African American women seldom 'do what we want to do, but always do what we have to do.' We cannot improve condition of family without improving conditions for women and she believes that the NAACP can work on this." 

The Delegates sat and listened as these icons of history sat in a semi-circle and discussed past and present events in history that they had taken part in. 

Most of the Delegates have their own stories to tell and have alsotaken part in the NAACP struggle to make changes in this country. 

It was truly a moving event. I was especially moved by the words of Dr. Height, who is now 97 years old, and has as much passion for change as she did as a young woman. A true example for all of us in the audience.

The NAACP Centennial Celebration in NYC -Part I - July, 2009

The History of the NAACP

Founded Feb. 12. 1909

 The NAACP is the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots, civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded by a multiracial group of activists, who answered "The Call," in the New York City, NY. They initially called themselves the National Negro Committee.

Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry Moscowitz, Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villiard, William English Walling led the "Call" to renew the struggle for civil and political liberty. Some 60 people signed the call, which was released on the centennial of Lincoln's birth.

The NAACP was formed partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln.

Echoing the focus of Du Bois' Niagara Movement which began in 1905, the NAACP's stated goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively.

The NAACP's principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminate race prejudice. The NAACP seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through the democratic processes.

The NAACP established its national office in New York City in 1910.

Here are just a few of the actions taken by the NAACP in the first ten years. I am reminded of the courage that it must have taken to stand up against racism and injustice in those very turbulent times.

1910 - 
In the face of intense adversity, the NAACP begins its legacy of fighting legal battles addressing social injustice with the Pink Franklin case, which involved a Black farmhand, who unknowingly killed a policeman in self-defense when the officer broke into his home at 3 a.m. to arrest him on a civil charge. After losing at the Supreme Court, the following year the renowned NAACP official Joel Spingarn and his brother Arthur start a concerted effort to fight such cases.

1913
- President Woodrow Wilson officially introduces segregation into the Federal Government. Horrified that the President would sanction such a policy, the NAACP launched a public protest.

1915
- The NAACP organizes a nationwide protest against D.W. Griffith’ s racially inflammatory and bigoted silent film, "Birth of a Nation."

1917 - 
In Buchanan vs. Warley, the Supreme Court has to concede that states cannot restrict and officially segregate African Americans into residential districts. Also, the NAACP fights and wins the battle to enable African Americans to be commissioned as officers in World War I. Six hundred officers are commissioned, and 700,000 registered for the draft.

1918
- After persistent pressure by the NAACP, President Woodrow Wilson finally makes a public statement against lynching.

The NAACP  waged a 30-year campaign against lynching. Most credit the resulting public debate—fueled by the NAACP report  “Thirty Years of Lynching in the United States, 1889-1919”—with drastically decreasing the incidence of lynching.

1920
- To ensure that everyone, especially the Klan, knew that the NAACP would not be intimidated, the annual conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia, considered one of the most active Klan areas.

1930 - During the Great Depression of the 1930s, which was disproportionately disastrous for African Americans, the NAACP began to focus on economic justice.

President Roosevelt ultimately agreed to open thousands of jobs to black workers when the NAACP supported labor leader A. Philip Randolph and his March on Washington movement in 1941. It continued to act as a legislative and legal advocate, pushing for a federal anti-lynching law and for an end to state-mandated segregation.

Civil Rights Era: By the 1950s the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, headed by Thurgood Marshall, secured the last of these goals through Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which outlawed segregation in public schools. The NAACP's Washington, D.C., bureau, led by lobbyist Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., helped advance not only integration of the armed forces in 1948 but also passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1968, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Despite such dramatic courtroom and congressional victories, the implementation of civil rights was a slow, painful, and often violent. The unsolved 1951 murder of Harry T. Moore, a NAACP field secretary in Florida,  and his wife was just one of many crimes of retribution against the NAACP and its staff and members.

NAACP Mississippi Field Secretary Medgar Evers and his wife Myrlie also became high-profile targets for pro-segregationist violence and terrorism. In 1962, their home was firebombed. In 1963, Medgar was assassinated by a sniper in front of their  residence. This was following years of investigations into hostility against blacks and participation in non-violent demonstrations such as sit-ins to protest the persistence of Jim Crow segregation throughout the south.

The NAACP  posted bail for hundreds of Freedom Riders in the ‘60s who had traveled to Mississippi to register black voters and challenge Jim Crow policies.

Led by Roy Wilkins, who succeeded Walter White as secretary in 1955, the NAACP cooperated with organizers A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin in planning the 1963 March on Washington.

With the passage of major civil rights legislation the following year, the Association accomplished what seemed an insurmountable task. In the following years, the NAACP began to diversify its goals.

Close of the first century: Millions of African Americans continued to be afflicted by urban poverty,  crime increased, de facto racial segregation remained and job discrimination lingered throughout the United States, proving the need for continued NAACP advocacy and action.

Heading into the 21st century, the NAACP is focused on disparities in economics, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system while also continuing its role as legal advocate for civil rights issues.

Yet the real story of the nation's most significant civil rights organization lies in the hearts and minds of the people who would not stand idly. While much of NAACP history is chronicled in books, articles, pamphlets and magazines, the true movement lies in the faces---black, white, yellow, red, and brown---united to awaken the consciousness of a people and a nation. The NAACP will remain vigilant in its mission until the promise of America is made real for all Americans.

One hundred years later there are still people who take the time to fight against injustice and who have the courage to stand up for what is right. 

 This year the National NAACP along with its 1,700 branches nation wide has held celebrations and observances in their local communities.

 I am a proud Life Member of the NAACP and encourage anyone who may be reading this to consider joining.

To contact the organization: www.naacp.org

 Tomorrow I will write about the role of the Delegates at the  NAACP convention and some of the incredible events that were scheduled.

 The information in this article was gathered from the NAACP website and other historical sources

New York City - July, 2009

Last week I was in New York City, with a friend, for a few days.

The event we attended was held in the New York Hilton Hotel.

At the end of the day, while walking to our hotel,

we passed through Times Square and along Broadway.

These photos were taken late in the evening and as you can see there are hundreds of people out just enjoying themselves.

It is such an interesting place to be and we did plenty of 'people watching.' :-)

The city is an attraction for people from all aspects of the community. There are local residents and visitors from just about every culture and country in the world.

While walking along , it is hard not to keep looking upward at the skyscraper buildings.

It is truly an amazing city!

The sign boards are wonderful to view and the hustle and bustle of the crowd

promotes a feeling of energy and excitement.

Times Square now has a pedestrian area and some of the streets

have been blocked to traffic.

There is an area there that has a set of elevated bleachers filled with sightseers.

Many were enjoying a take out meal or just relaxing.

This year's theme of the NAACP is 'Bold Dreams - Big Victories' and

hanging from every light post were banners declaring good wishes from New York City.

New York has a new image, the streets are cleaner,

the police officers were courteous and the taxi cabs are in excellent

condition. There was a congenial atmosphere in the typical tourist areas.

No, I don't work for the Tourist Board - I just like to tell it as I see it and

it is always good to give compliments :-)

Sunday Reflection - Pledge of Nonviolence

Pledging to become nonviolent in our actions -

Yesterday an Interfaith service was held at the Bisonette House in Buffalo, NY

People from several faith backgrounds gathered together, with families and friends, to remember those

who have been murdered in the community.

The Peace and Nonviolence March travelled along Grider Street and

finished in the Peace Park. Small white crosses had been

carefully placed to represent those who have died.

A name was written on each white dove in memory of

the death of a loved one.

Memorial candles were lit. The names were called out: women who had died from acts of domestic violence and young men and women from

street and gang violence.

People of different cultures, ages, and faiths took part in the service.

Family members and friends of the deceased.

Those in attendance were asked to think about what they had

witnessed today and asked to take the following

"Pledge of Nonviolence"

Making peace must start within ourselves, in our families, and in our community. Each of us, members of the greater Buffalo Community , commit ourselves as best we can to become nonviolent and peaceable people.

To Respect Self and Others.

To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.

To Communicate Better

To share feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger and to work

at solving problems peacefully.

To Listen

To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others feelings and needs rather than insisting on having my way.

To Forgive

To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another,

to forgive others and to keep from holding grudges.

To Respect Nature

To treat the environment and all living things with respect and care.

To Play Sports Nonviolently

To promote athletic and recreational activities that encourage cooperation and to avoid social activities that make violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.

To Be Courageous

To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it and to

stand with others who are treated unfairly.

This is our pledge. These are our goals.

We will help each other become more peaceable people.

*****

This type of service has taken place in many communities

around the nation and the world.

It is important for people to take a stand and say

'enough is enough!'

*****

Blessed are those who work for peace; God will call them his children.

Matthew 5: 9

photos by peacesojourner