NAACP: Relevant or Obsolete?

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is halfway through its annual conferenceand 100th anniversary.

Did you know that Illinois, my home state, was instrumental in the formation of the NAACP?  Yep, the Springfield Race Riot of 1908 was the catalyst for the establishment of the civil and social justice organization. 

100 years is a long time to be in existence...and remain relevant.  The NAACP has struggled with the latter and appears to be trying to turn things around with the appointment of Ben Jealous as its president and CEO.  But is it too late?

Erroll Louis of the New York Daily News doesn't think so.  Read his column, "Follow This Man: As NAACP Turns 100, Its New Leader Benjamin Todd Jealous Knows Where to March, to learn why he just spent $750 on a lifetime membership.

So, what do you think...

• Is the NAACP still relevant?
• Is the national body with local chapters model obsolete?
• How do you believe or envision civil rights, social justice and equality issues being tackled going forward?
• In what ways are you addressing civil rights, social justice and equality issues (use this as an opportunity to build awareness for your cause or organization)?

Comments

[Brian H.]

I'll say that the correct answer depends upon where you are in one category: socio/economic status. Although the NAACP has done some great things historically, it has always mandated a path of integration. I'm not espousing assimilation, nor am I saying that blacks need to separate themselves (Hell, what am I saying?), but this is the same group... Read More that kicked Dr. DuBois to the curb because he was concerned about the influence of whites in a black organization. Furthermore, the recent leadership has been nothing to write home about. Don't forget, this is the organization that was known as "The National Association for the Advancment of Certain People." Can it become relevant? Absolutely, and the way to accomplish that is through new leadership which understands the problems that poor blacks face, which is one of the things that the NAACP has historically neglected. Before anyone responds negatively, learn about this organization's ENTIRE history, not just historical highlights.