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Parenting, business diversity top goals for new Carroll NAACP president
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Westminster (Map, News) - Carroll County’s NAACP should focus on parenting seminars, business diversity and affordable housing in 2007, the chapter’s new president said.
“Many parents feel intimidated” because most teachers, principals and parent-teacher association members aren’t minorities, said Jean Lewis after being sworn in Thursday night.
“But we want parents to get involved: Talk to your children. Not ‘How was your day?’ and ‘Fine,’ but ‘What did you learn?’ Check their homework.”
This year, the Carroll County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held four forums throughout the county on parenting for minority residents and while the turnout was lower than Lewis wanted — dozens instead of hundreds — many people asked if more would be held.
With a grant secured, organizers would like to, she said.
NAACP also should encourage businesses to promote greater diversity among their staffs, Lewis said.
“I’d like to walk into the bank and see people who look like me,” she said. “Not back in the warehouse, but up front in the office.”
Developers should implement zoning with a percentage of each development dedicated to affordable housing, she said.
“No medium-sized housing is being built,” she said.
Other members at the NAACP’s holiday meeting described how Lewis had inspired them.
“She’s a worker bee who never takes any credit,” said Laura Rhodes, a six-year member.
“You got a big job, but just stand up for what’s right,” said the Rev. Marshall Green Jr., whom Lewis helped raise. “Just like you stood up for me, an ignorant teen who didn’t know what he was doing.”
Carroll’s NAACP has about 100 members, and its headquarters are at the Carroll Nonprofit Center in Westminster.
kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com
