GDW EVENT ALERT: NAACP Hosts its 113th Annual National Convention in Atlantic City July 14-20 - THEME: THIS IS POWER - Be There!

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All:

 

https://naacp.org/ 

 I started off this post with the log on link to the NAACP - because every Black person, regardless of age, geographical location or party affiliation should either be there in person, or watching the events live stream through the country.

 

 There's a reason the NAACP has been in existence for 113 years!  It's because they have tirelessly and consistently stood in the breach for the rights of Black people since their inception in 1909.   They have stood for the best of us and, yes, even for the worst of us.  

And, particularly during this time of a push towards neo-nazi, fascistic, authoritarian, racist policies on the part of the Repuglycon party, T-rump and his lunatic fringe henchmen, we need all of our Black organizations to stand up, stand together, be on point and make sure that all the forces we bring to bear are united.  

Atlantic City is the perfect hub for the East Coast, with the location in New Jersey, and a stone's throw from New York, Philadelphia, Delaware, etc., the predicted 8,000 participants could easily swell to triple that number relative quickly. This is the first Convention since the pandemic, and the first time the NAACP has held a convention in Atlantic City since 1968 - nearly 55 years ago!

The NAACP  hosted a press conference this morning marking the beginning of their 113th National NAACP Convention. "This year’s convention, with the theme This Is Power, takes place during a pivotal time for our democracy. From the unprecedented attacks on our right to vote, women's right to choose, and our right to live without fear of assault rifles or police brutality, the convention will focus on organizing and strategizing to ensure that all Americans vote this November to defend our freedoms."

While there will be several "heavy hitters" attending - Hazel Dukes, Vice President Kamala Harris, HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, among others - the most important participants will be the people themselves.  This means YOU!   

Over the years, Black people have allowed cynicism, meanstream media, and just plain ignorance to distort their view of the effectiveness and viability of our first Civil Rights organization; and have erroneously relegated it to a level of derision and negativity.  Miseducation is alive and well and living in the schools, homes and institutions of America.  Fortunately, the NAACP has not let that deter their determination and diligence when it comes to challenging and standing up for our rights.  

Having grown up in the NAACP Youth Council from age 10 in Oklahoma City, and participated in the Sit-Ins and other demonstrations against racism from that time forward; I can tell you first hand they are the very catalysts that have helped remove many of the barriers we faced during the segregation/jim crow era that was rampant throughout this country. My teachers held meetings in the local community centers  to teach us about our rights.  Our parents subscribed to The Crisis Magazine so we could read and keep up with issues that faced us Black then - in the 50s, 60s and 70s.  Through all the permeations of civil rights, the NAACP has been, and still is, right there in the thick of it.

So if you think this is a stand for supporting and respecting this wonderful grandmother of Black organizations - you're absolutely correct! It's high time we began to respect and support those who support and stand up for us when we either can't or won't do it for ourselves. 

A great many issues will be discussed and dealt with over the next week - if you're in the geographical tri-state area - get on the AC train or Casino bus and make it to Atlantic City the way you would if you were planning to go hang out. There are people who have come from LA, Oregon, Ohio, Texas, Indiana, etc., so it would be a shame to be less than two hours away and not make it you business to let your Blackness shine.

For those who can't make it, my understanding is that it is also being livestreamed via FaceBook and YouTube.  Again click on the link above to get additional information.

 

The focus will be on making OUR MDTERM VOTES MATTER, something we all have to be focused on in 2022, as the January 6 Hearings, and the racist attempts to disenfranchise us from voting, and usurping WOMEN'S RIGHTS by a uber-right wing subprime court presents an existential threat to us all.  You must be watching and supporting and participating and uniting with those who have come together to consolidate our POWER.

Please make sure you share this on all your social media formats - make it go viral: THE NAACP IS HOSTING THEIR 113 CONVENTION IN AC - THEME:  THIS IS POWER!! 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? 

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 

 

 

STAY BLESSED