NAACP Altadena Delegates Elected to Region 1-State of California Committees

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 99th Annual Convention convened in Cincinnati, Ohio July 12 -18, 2008. The primary purpose of the Convention was to establish policies and programs of action. The NAACP's Annual Convention is the largest gathering of its kind in the country. An estimated 8,000 members, delegates and visitors were in Cincinnati for six days of informative workshops (including youth sessions), compelling speakers, gathering information and enjoying stellar entertainers. Regional meetings for organization and election of committees were attended by NAACP Altadena delegates. Results of regional elections named two executive officers and one youth member from NAACP Altadena to the following committees: Tellers - Barbara Bigby, President NAACP Altadena; Sergeant at Arms - Charles Pullium, 3rd Vice President NAACP Altadena; and Youth Credentials - Johnathan Richards, youth member NAACP Altadena.

Among the many highlights, convention goers heard from presumptive Democratic and Republican candidates seeking their party's nomination for the 2008 presidential election. Sen. Barack Obama's speech marked a historic first: African American presidential nominee of a major party to address the country's largest civil rights group. Sen. Obama paid tribute to the black leadership in the civil rights battles of the '60s and '70s, and focused on economic and social justice issues. Sen. Obama's speech was interrupted repeatedly by applause, cries of "Yes we can!"and standing ovations. Sen. John McCain's speech spotlighted his support for school vouchers to help low-income families send children to private or charter schools. Sen. McCain received a warm welcome from the convention attendees. The final plenary session closed with a speech delivered by New York Governor David Paterson before an enthusiastic audience. Governor Paterson's speech was partly an early welcome to the delegates who will hold the NAACP 100th Convention in New York City, 2009.

September 1, 2008, Interim President/CEO Dennis Hayes will pass the torch to Benjamin T. Jealous, 35, an activist and former news executive, as the new president of the NAACP, and youngest in the organization's 99-year history.

For more information on the National and ACT-SO Conventions, please come out and bring a friend to the NAACP Altadena Branch General Meeting. Event location: Altadena Community Center, 730 East Altadena Drive, Altadena, California 91001. Date: August 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Cost: Free. Contact: Branch office at 626-794-7990.