On behalf of the Officers and Executive Committee of the Altadena Branch, I want to thank all who volunteer and continue to support the work of National Association For The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The year 2007 marks 24 years since the Altadena Branch was chartered. It also began a new administration, a new direction, and a new chapter for the Branch. As the newly elected President, I and the Officers and Executive Committee Members are privileged to serve our community, and advocate on behalf of our youth.

Armed with my experience as a Day Care owner / provider of this service for 30 years, and a passion to see “real change” in education take place, I accepted the opportunity to serve as President of the Altadena Branch, and address the education crisis we face in our community and in this country. As a parent, grandmother, and advocate for youth, there is no issue I feel more pressing than the failure of our education systems to educate our young people, nor more important than preparing our youth to compete in the global economy.

“Education Advocacy & Excellence”, The Freedom Movement of the 21^st Century, is the theme and platform of the new administration. This platform was selected because of the strong commitment to education this Branch has exhibited for the past 24 years. The Education Committee, headed by one of the Branch’s founding members and President Emeritus, Anthony “Tony” Stewart. The Youth and College Chapter, and ACT_SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics), a National Youth Initiative of the Association, began when the Altadena Branch was chartered in 1984. The Education Committee continues to be a consistent force in the Altadena Branch. 

Throughout its 98 years, the NAACP, premier Civil Rights Organization in the fight for freedom, justice and equality, is responsible for many of the laws and legislation that protect the rights of all people. The Altadena Branch will continue to do the work of the NAACP with regard to all issues that impact civil and human rights, and look forward to putting the strength of our advocacy around the education policies of the National NAACP during the greatest crisis in public education in modern history.

We are excited about the programs and projects on the drawing board for 2007-2008, and look forward to fostering partnerships that will help achieve the changes we so desperately need to “save our children” and to continue “Making The Difference In Our Community”.

Yours in The Struggle,

Barbara Bigby