 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Dear Members and Friends: This year, the NAACP will commemorate 100 years of advocacy, reforms and inroads toward equal opportunity. For a nation that is less than 250 years, the centennial of the NAACP is a major milestone We have gone from a nation that embraced segregation just decades ago to a nation that just put an African American family into the White House. The NAACP has worked for 100 years to make this moment possible. From Brown versus the Board of Education to Rosa Parks, courage and hard work set the stage for victories that many of us thought we would never see in our lifetimes. In many ways President Barack Obama represents the poster person for this organization. He represents the ideals we should stand for in a leader. First is his ability to reach across difference. Second is a peace of knowing who you are and staying true to it. Third is his ability to leverage his past success. We’ve come a long way, but the journey is not over. There is still not a level playing field in economic and educational opportunities for every community. Continuing disparities exist in housing, health care, and the workplace. As the new President of the Martha’s Vineyard Branch of the NAACP, I am so proud of how the NAACP and our supporters have transformed America over the last 100 years, but we must continue to actively help to shape the values we wish to project for our country and Island community. The NAACP has advanced its mission through reliance upon members and supporters who are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. The Nation and the Island is in the midst of transition and change. We must stay involved and educate our young people about their history so they can get involved and continue the dreams of the future. Our local branch is committed to reactivating a Youth Council. The objectives shall be to inform students of problems of other racial and ethnic minorities; to advance their economic, education, social, political status and harmonious cooperation with other people; to stimulate an appreciation of the African Diaspora and other people of color’s contribution to civilization; provide networking and social opportunities for youth and young adults in the local community; and encourage the participation of youth and young adults in all activities and leadership within the Branch. That is our most enduring responsibility to future generations. The National Association is embracing that very mindset and is focusing on economic and social justice issues rather than the civil rights struggles of the past. Benjamin Todd Jealous, a 35 year old Oxford educated activist is now the National Association’s President. We have entered in era where we have seen “Together we can” and “Yes we can”, and now we must re-commit to the struggle, because the journey is not over. Martin Luther King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said: “If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” As we begin the next 100 years, won’t you serve with the MV/NAACP and remind all American’s what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together. I look forward to working with all of the dedicated members and supporters to fortify the Martha’s Vineyard Chapter. Laurie Perry-Henry MV/NAACP President |
|
home : contact : about : what we do : history : Bradley Square : calendar : editorials : community ©2010 NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard |