Journal, The – Convention outlines goals
Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 19, 2010
The 101st annual national convention of the NAACP, conducted recently in Kansas City, Mo., left a lasting impression — much like that of the 100th anniversary convention in New York. Although the speakers were different, they were of no lesser caliber than those of last year and were all influential individuals who have a passion for ensuring civil rights.
The convention kicked off Sunday, July 11, with a public meeting featuring keynote speaker and new NAACP board chairwoman Rosyln Brock, whose message was designed around a PGA theme — policy, governance and accountability. With the retirement of Julian Bond, Brock’s leadership emphasizes a new brand of young leadership as it kicks off the beginning of the organization’s second century. Executive director Benjamin Jealous complements the new leadership era. The use of technology presented an enhanced avenue for communication throughout the conference, with daily electronic summaries of each day’s events.
Monday started off with an air of excitement in anticipation of a speech by first lady Michelle Obama. Her presentation was engaging and electrifying. She focused primarily on promoting information about childhood obesity and emphasized that this may be the first generation of children who will live shorter lives than their parents.
Obama stressed the importance of healthy eating if we are to reverse the trend of obesity, and received a standing ovation when she asked NAACP members to support her efforts to address the challenges of childhood obesity.
Also Monday, Blair Underwood spoke about promoting awareness of AIDS and mental illness, and Lou Gossett Jr. was in attendance.
Tuesday was devoted to business and the topics addressed included communication, strategy and resolutions regarding legislative, economic development, environmental and commemorative matters. Healthy discussions regarding actions and activities to be supported by the NAACP units were conducted to ensure units are actively engaged in working with and supporting each other on matters of importance to respective communities.
Wednesday was defined as a legislative day and was filled with discussion on matters of legislative relevance to civil rights and criminal justice. Representatives from EEOC and other civil right agencies — along with notables such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton — discussed points relevant to the economy, employment and the impact on persons of color
roth vs traditional ira