NAACP 2010 CONVENTION
(A Union Members Perspective)
From the time I arrived at the 2010 NAACP Convention, I got the feeling this was not the same organization from years past. The NAACP has been able to keep moving forward with current issues that are important to everyday citizens and workers from all backgrounds. The issues have gone beyond equal rights and fair representation. Now they continue to look into the future to address issues like adequate education, health care, economic opportunity, civic engagement, and climate justice.
Now if this sounds familiar to you it should. As union members some of these ideals are the core of our belief. That is where the union’s relationship with the NAACP has covered common ground.
President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous spoke o unity for the nation with the chant of One Nation One Dream.
First Lady Michelle Obama brought to us a message that is dear to everyone. This issue crosses all social, cultural, racial, and economic lines. Our children and the lack of activity in large part bought on by prosperity. Throughout history we have always strived to make the future better and brighter for generation to follow. From the protest and strikes against sweat shops to the persistent pursuit of tougher and better child labor laws, labor has never lost its focus. We have done well but in this area we need to make sure we don’t hurt. Advancements in technology are wonderful but along with the MP3 and the PS2, a good old bat and ball is great too. Encourage it and have fun with the whole family.
The organization has been able to spread its message and gain support from many areas of our community.
First, hosting a health symposium got things off to a blistering pace. Not only do they still tackle the lack of affordable and accessible health care but what will the new law bring and how to enforce it. Dr. Willard Edwards from the National Medical Association tried to address of those issues. With the help of U.S. surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, and EPA Representative, Lisa Jackson, the cup of knowledge was overflowing.
The Legal Education session covered the many ways the law is impacting everyone from the factory worker to the everyday farmer. Professor Brenda Reddix –Smalls addressed how the make up of the Supreme Court, present and future could impact the workforce.
The convention had a strong focus on youth development and empowerment. Trying to encourage young people to take on leadership positions and be more responsive to community involvement. One division of the NAACP trying to stress that is call ACT-SO. They push young children to learn about new ideas and interest. It may be the arts, science, even literature. They give them the means and backing to pursuit their interest and sharpen their skills with a chance to compete for college scholarship money. Education Secretary Arne Duncan praised the organization for their continued effort with address to the session.
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), was able to discredit the belief that teachers were not for charter schools; they are supporting better schools for all of our children.
The NAACP has moved forward in a big way. Civil Rights are still at their core and bases of the foundation. Today that base includes women’s, workers, children, veterans and citizen and immigrant rights also. When you have the support of a very diverse group such as, John Trasvina from HUD, Thomas Perez the Justice Department, Rosslyn Ali the Department of Education, you must be doing something right. Entertainers like Monica, Louis Gossett Jr., and BeBe & CeCe Winans, you may be on to something. With support from President Barack Obama and legacy leaders like Julian Bond and Dr. Dorothy Height, the organization will continue to move forward. Now remember this, the labor movement is in the corner of all these supporting organizations. Sounds to me like we have a similar foundation just laid with different hands.

LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK
LET THE WORKERS SPEAK

International & Local Reps