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Lincoln/NAACP: A year of celebration and reflection capped with America’s first…
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Was President Lincoln the actual founder of the NAACP?
From the Emancipation Proclamation of the 1860’s to its founder and Executor’s birthday of 200 years ago today; then reflect upon the 100th year birthday of the nation’s oldest and boldest civil rights organization in America, along with the year of America’s first African American President and you come up with the ultimate year of historic proportions. The perfect storm, so to speak, in regards to where America has come from and where it currently stands, in regards to race relations.
To begin, you have the favorite son of Republicans’ nationwide, who upon his signature of (2) executive orders, during the American Civil War, which arguably only freed the slaves that the union had no power, realistically these documents were the backbone to freedom from slavery nationwide. Therefore the 16th President of the United States of America, through this act of selfless policy, shall truly be smiling in his grave, as he turns two-hundred today and the world witnesses not only the first black US President, however also sees a group such as the NAACP, that has defended the civil rights of those essentially freed by his order, every single day, for the past one hundred years!
Then we reflect on an organization higher in history than most can even begin to imagine or see, unless through a telescope, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It has had many leaders, several CEO’s and Presidents and thousands of Branch Presidents, yet most in my generation can only recognize the names and faces of some. From the likes of Julian Bond, current Chairman of the Board to Kweisi Mfume, former CEO and President, along with local Baltimore Branch President, Marvin ‘Doc’ Cheatham. None have worked harder and done as much as these individuals, who stand on the shoulders of those who came before them, in order for America to even have an opportunity let alone an actuality of a black President of the entire free world.
WOW! A black in charge of the entire free world, when just 200 years ago we were not even close to being free, is a story in itself. However, as we reflect on the past of remarkable and monumental moments, such as Thurgood ‘Bailey’ Marshall, who argued Brown v Board, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, I wonder how he would argue the current cases of gay marriage and Roe v Wade, which seems to continuously dominate the presidential elections social policy agenda. Actually I’d really love to hear Mr. Marshall’s thoughts on his black successor on the courts, Clarence ‘Uncle Tom’ Thomas? (Not my opinion on the nickname, just what most blacks think of him today)
How about Martin Luther King, Jr. who though a part of this group, more so was the leader of another group of greatness, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. I wonder how he would have handled the 2000 Florida election debacle or even how he’d feel about an Obama administration, along with the RNC Chairmanship of a Michael Steele, from the viewpoint of the conservative civil rights leader, who advocated for the passage of the Civil and Voting Rights Acts of ‘64 and ’65. Though he had a ‘Dream’, was this it, or was there more to his vision of black inclusion?
As I personally celebrate the anniversary of my favorite President and Civil Rights group, I feel a sense of warmth and gratification beyond that of words. The culmination of 200 years ago and my ancestors Freedom, to the Freedom fighters of the past century, there are no words suitable to offer my sincere thanks. Truly had it not been for them and others I would certainly never be where I am today not be able to Dream Big and realize those potentials without the likes of an Abraham Lincoln or an NAACP.
Please comment on how you feel about this celebratory day and year, in which the Country of America shall feel a sense of pride, satisfaction and ultimate unity, in being called the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, for everyone!
For more info: You may email me at brothahassan@yahoo.com or visit the NAACP local branch at www.naacpbaltimore.org or call them at 410-366-3300.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 12, 2009
Contact: Richard J. McIntire Contact: Marvin L. ‘Doc’ Cheatham, Sr.
(202) 463-2940 x1021 Baltimore City Branch Pres.
rmcintire@naacpnet.org pbsdsc124@verizon.net
NAACP CELEBRATES 100 YEARS, USHERS IN NEW ERA OF ADVOCACY WITH FIRST YEAR CHALLENGE TO CONGRESS AND ADMINISTRATION ON HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS
On February 12, 2009, the NAACP celebrates its 100th anniversary--which coincides with the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth—marking another milestone in the history of African American achievement in the United States.
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. Appalled at the violence that was committed against blacks, a group of white liberals that included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, both the descendants of abolitionists, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz issued a call for a meeting to discuss racial justice. Some 60 people, seven of whom were African American (including W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell), signed the call, which was released on the centennial of Lincoln's birth. [Find a more complete NAACP history at: naacp.org.]
Since then, the NAACP has grown into being the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots–based civil rights organization. Its victorious legal battles and heroic protest methods that forcibly changed the abhorrent everyday practices and policies of racism in America are legendary and inspiring.
“The NAACP has successfully fought discrimination for 100 years and we are proud of our achievements to date,” said NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Julian Bond. “Our founders could not have dreamed that our centennial would coincide with the inauguration of the first African American president. We know we played a role in this triumph; sadly, we know our work is not done.”
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.
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.
“Our journey remains unfinished,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin T. Jealous. “African Americans suffer disproportionately from the economic recession, we are seeing a rise in hate crimes and police killings, there is still not a level playing field in economic and educational opportunities for every community. The audacious dream of America, a land where opportunity exists for all and where every person is given a chance to reach their full potential, still remains elusive.”
The NAACP will partly mark the 100th year of its founding by releasing a white paper that lays out an urgent civil and human rights agenda for the 111th Congress and new Administration.
The report calls for bailout and stimulus dollars to be made discrimination resistant, highlights the need for law enforcement accountability and identifies several key areas of pressing concerns including mass incarceration, health care, the diversion of funds from Katrina victims and climate change.
Across the country, NAACP units in over 1,200 communities will cut cakes, reaffirm their commitment to the struggle ahead and celebrate the NAACP’s historic journey toward equality.
The Baltimore City Branch has a plethora of events planned for the entire year. Please go to www.naacpbaltimore.org and click on Events and/or go to www.naacpweare100.org. Additionally, the Baltimore City Branch is having a Birthday Celebration from 7-8 pm and Viewing of the NAACP Image Awards from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Morgan State University – University Student Center. The event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served along with the birthday cake. Call 410/366-3300 for further information.
The biggest NAACP birthday party, the 40th NAACP Image Awards, will be co-hosted by filmmaker Tyler Perry and actress Halle Berry in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium. [Check local listings for viewing details.] Awards will be given to numerous artists in the entertainment and literary industry with special nods to former Vice President Al Gore, environmentalist Wangari Muta Maathai, legendary boxer and humanitarian Muhammad Ali, hip hop icon Russell Simmons and others. The star-studded event officially kicks off the organization's year-long centennial celebration.
Key NAACP achievements and activities in the last 100 years include:
--In 1917, NAACP fights and wins the battle to enable African Americans to be commissioned as officers in World War I; 600 officers are commissioned and 700,000 register for the draft. In Buchanan vs. Warley, the Supreme Court concedes that states can not restrict and officially segregate African Americans into residential districts.
--In 1935, NAACP lawyers Charles Houston and Thurgood Marshall win the legal battle to admit a black student to the University of Maryland.
-- Ban on discrimination in the federal government that led to integration of the U.S. armed forces in 1948; created by pressuring President Harry Truman to sign an Executive Order.
-- Victorious Brown v. Board Supreme Court decision in 1954 that struck down the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine and forced integration of public schools.
-- Passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act; and its reauthorization in 2006.
--Passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
--In 2000, helped foster the largest black voter turnout in 20 years; and held the largest civil rights demonstration in the south to date where 50,000 protested the flying of the Confederate battle flag in South Carolina.
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 by while the rights of America's darker citizens were denied. From bold investigations of mob brutality, protests of mass murders, segregation and discrimination, to testimony before congressional committees on the vicious tactics used to bar African Americans from the ballot box, it was the talent and tenacity of NAACP members that saved lives and changed many negative aspects of American society.
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
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