NAACP

Mar 19 2009

President of the California State Conference of the NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) celebrated its 100th anniversary on Feb. 12, and Alice Huffman, president of the California State Conference of the NAACP, said she is proud of the organization’s long and distinguished legacy of service.

Huffman said the venerable organization continues to forge ahead on timely issues that affect African Americans, whether it’s civil rights, education, or legislation.

Gail Choice  |   OW Contributor
Feb 19 2009

Celebrate Black History year round

 Hollywood, CA -- Black History Month for 2009 is coming to a close but, thankfully just released DVDs will help keep the spirit alive for as long as we choose. From historical figures and events to the humor and drama that keep us entertained, the variety of DVDs offer pure entertainment.

Twentieth Century Fox and MGM Home Entertainment honors Black History Month with a collection of 77 titles including comedies, thrillers, dramas, documentaries and television favorites. And a portion of the proceeds will benefit the NAACP on its 100th Anniversary.

Cynthia E. Griffin-  |   OW Managing Editor
Feb 12 2009

Civil rights leader acknowledges its history

 In a day and age when Barack Obama can be elected president of a country that a mere 200 years ago held people who looked like him in physical bondage; where laws that prevented Whites and Blacks from going to school and socializing together 50 years ago have been struck down, the relevance of an organization like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is sometimes questioned.

But newly appointed NAACP President and Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin T. Jealous, has the answer to that question.

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Feb 12 2009

100th Anniversary of the NAACP: What’s in the future for the granddaddy of civil rights groups?

 This week, the most venerable of civil rights organizations, the National Association For The Advancement of Colored People, more commonly known as the NAACP, turns one hundred years old. Founded on the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln (February 12th, 1809), the organization had a controversial start from the very beginning. The organization was born out of what started as an effort on the part of 29 Black men to address the increased public assaults and lynchings against Black men at the turn of the 20th Century.

Terri Schichenmeyer  |   OW Contributor
Jan 29 2009

by Mary C. Turck

 How many songs do you know?

You’ve probably been able to sing your ABCs since you were two years old. “Jingle Bells” has been one of your favorites since you were five. You learned “Billie Jean” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” in first grade.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
 

Alabama
Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will address the annual African American Business Council luncheon on June 28. Hrabowski, who is chairman of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for African Americans, has a national reputation for his work studying the performance of minority students in math and science. Hrabowski, named one of the 10 best college presidents in the country by Time magazine, was a child leader in the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham in the 1960s.
 

Arkansas
The Liberty Counsel filed a motion and a brief in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas seeking to intervene on behalf of a Concepts of Life crisis pregnancy center to defend against a suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The groups seek to impose a permanent injunction before the Human Heartbeat Protection Act goes into effect July 18. Liberty Counsel also filed a brief opposing the ACLU’s request for an injunction. The “Heartbeat” bill states that when a woman seeks an abortion at or after the 12th week, doctors must test for a fetal heartbeat before an abortion is performed and inform the pregnant mother that the child in her womb has a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, a woman cannot have an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and if a mother’s life is in danger. “As we promised when the legislation was introduced, Liberty Counsel will defend this law without reservation for the people of Arkansas, born and pre-born,” said Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “No right is more foundational than the right to life. Without life, all other rights are irrelevant,” concluded Staver.