The Wichita NAACP Blog

Wichita NAACP partnering with Youthville to host our first annual "New Beginnings" Young Women's retreat

2008-07-26T09:31:00.006-05:00

On August 22nd and 23rd, the Wichita Branch NAACP in partnership with Youthville will host a 2-day retreat for 8 teen-mothers between the ages of 14 and 18. The 8 young ladies who will attend this inaugural retreat are just a few of the many youth currently in the foster care/SRS system.

The retreat will focus on teaching life-skills and mentoring and we hope to connect each of the young ladies to role models who they can turn to for advice and counsel long after the retreat has ended.

A very impressive line-up of presenters has been invited to address the young ladies; including our very own Lavonta Williams (Retired Educator, and City Council member), Sandra Rankin (Retired Psychologist), Kenya Cox (Congressional Liaison, Junior League Advocacy and Training committee chair, Dwight D Eisenhower Excellence in Public Service Board of Governors, etc...) Melody McCray-Miller (Entrepreneur, and Representative for the 89th District in the Kansas House) and many others...

This event was the brain-child of Ms. Carolyn Wallace and Mary Dean and will be the first of what will become an annual series designed to address the social and family issues facing the African American community.

The Voter Empowerment Coalition's Primary Political Forum is set for Sunday July 27th!

2008-07-23T23:34:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, July 27th, the Voter Empowerment Coalition will host a Primary Political Forum. We have invited candidates for the City, County, State, and Federal races.
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Forum Details:

When: July 27th from 4PM through 6PM

Where: Saint Mark, Church of God in Christ

1018 N. Dellrose
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Refreshments will be served from 6pm - 7pm

Brought to you by the 2008 Voter Empowerment Coalition Community Organizations and Churches:

The Wichita Branch NAACP - The Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - The Tabernacle Baptist Church Women of Promise - St Mark United Methodist Church Political and Social Action Ministry - The Beta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - The Wichita Black Nurses Association - The Wichita Chapter of Links - The Air Capital Wichita Chapter of Jack and Jill of america - The Wichita Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women - The Wichita Baptist Ministers Union - The Wichita Ministerial League - The Sedgwick County Black Republican Council - The Wichita Sedgwick County Council of Elders - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority - The Wichita Alumae Chapter of Kappa Alphs Psi - St Mark Church of God in Christ - The Urban League of Kansas - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Advance Voting for the Primary Election begins Today!!!

2008-07-23T11:32:00.002-05:00

Advance Voting begins today for the August 5th Primary Election and runs through August 4, at the Election Office in the Historic County Courthouse, 510 N. Main, Wichita. If you're a registered voter, all you'll need to bring is your ID and you can vote today on the ground floor of the Historic Courthouse. Note: The Courthouse Advance Voting site is open to registered voters from ALL voting districts.

Other advance voting locations will be open from noon to 7 p.m. on July 31 and August 1 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 2!

Sedgwick County Election Office
510 N Main, Suite 101, Wichita

Jul 23 - 25:               8 AM - 5 PM
Jul 28 - 30:               8 AM - 5 PM
Jul 31 - Aug 1:          8 AM - 7 PM
Aug 2:                       9 AM - 4 PM
Aug 4:                      8 AM - 12 Noon

CLICK HERE for a complete list of all advance voting locations with dates and times of availability

The Wichita NAACP Youth hold their very first Mock Debate

2008-07-21T06:39:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, the members of the NAACP Youth Council held their very first mock debate. Using Parliamentary rules, they debated the resolution "Children should wear uniforms in Public Schools". The leads on each team (the PM & LO) were ages 13 and 12, and the members of each (the MG & MO) were both 9. And while unsurpringly, all of the youth were personally opposed to the wearing of uniforms, the Affirmative team narrowly won the debate.

We plan to slowly grow this debate team within our youth unit, and once the children are a bit more practiced we will begin holding these debates before the public. During the NAACP National Conference, we even talked among the Kansas State Branches that perhaps if we all grew our own Youth Debate teams we could develop our own State tournament and have the Youth Councils compete against one another throughout the State.

I'll keep you all informed as we put "the meat on the bones", and in the meanwhile, we'll keep building with our group. Their next debate is planned for August 3rd, when they will debate the proposition "Children/pre-teens should be allowed to have their own cell phones". I can't wait...

Sunday Inspiration

2008-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous,

teach me to serve you as I should,

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labour and ask not for reward,

save that of knowing that I do your most holy will.

st. ignatius loyola - 16th century

From the Convention: The complete list of all Resolutions considered at the 2008 NAACP Convention

2008-07-18T12:43:00.009-05:00

Here is the complete list of all resolutions considered at the 2008 NAACP Annual Convention.

Note: Some resolutions were abbreiveated or excerpted for brevity

The Resolution process begins with a local unit (or branch) who drafts a proposed policy or resolution. That resolution must be approved by the general membership of that unit. The proposed resolution is then brought before the State Conference for ratification. Once ratified by the State Conference at it's quarterly meeting, the proposed resolution is then forwarded to the National Resolution committee where it is reviewed and prepared for the annual resolution session.

Within the resolution session, all registered voting delegates to the convention are able to stand up and speak to each proposed policy or initiative. After debate, each is brought to a vote and if successful, it becomes binding NAACP policy.

1. NAACP Centennial Commemoration by Local, State, and National Governmental Authorities Resolved: That all units of the NAACP shall petition their local, state, and national elected and appointed officials to issue proclamations dated February 12, 2009, honoring the NAACP and its work, and commemorating the NAACP's 100th anniversary.

2. Strengthening the African American Family
Resolved: That the NAACP in coalition with the faith community and other grassroots organizations lead a public campaign highlighting the need for promoting individual and collective community responsibilities along with public policies to assist African American families that alleviate the impact of criminal activity, inadequate health care and insufficient educational support on the African American community. And that the NAACP advocate through its units and promote activities that will strengthen and fortify the African American family structure.

3. Supporting continued sovereignty and Federal recognition of the Shinnecock Tribal Nation and the Unkechaug Tribal Nation
Resolved: That the NAACP will continue to support and advocate for all legitimate claims for Native American federal recognition in general, including the Shinnecock and Unkechang Nations and the protections for Native American burial grounds.

4. Honoring John Roberts "JR" Clifford
Resolved: That civil Rights Pioneer John Roberts "JR" Clifford will be honored along with others as the NAACP moves towards it centennial celebration

5. Promoting non-discriminatory adoption and usage of broadband Internet & information technologies
Resolved: That the NAACP shall object to any corporate or governmental policies that increase costs, impede deployment, discourage adoption and usage, limit consumer access, reduce local commentary, or State oversight or that of public utilities commissions, public hearings, or other forums for citizen input and reduce affordability of broadband technologies AND that the NAACP will call upon its members to educate themselves and others on the importance of adoption and usage of broadband technologies.

6. Release of William Mayo
Resolved: That Local and State units as well as the National office, will advocate for Federal Legislation that would provide for an automatic retrial when testimony offer at a jury trial that leads to a conviction is later recanted AND that NAACP units will assist the Cincinnati Branch as requested in calling for the release of Johnathan Mayo and Troy Davis from their wrongful incarcerations.

7. Jury Panels
Resolved: That units of the NAACP will recommend and advocate to State and Local officials to reevaluate and restructure Jury selection procedures to increase non-white representation in jury pools.

8. Abolition of Life Sentences for Juvenile defendants
Resolved: That NAACP Units should call upon their respective legislatures to abolish life sentences for juvenile defendants

9. NAACP Opposes the transfer of Youth to the Adult Criminal Justice System
Resolved: That the NAACP will work to end the excessive practice of youth being tried in the adult criminal justice system and to insure that young people are appropriately adjudicated in ways that enhance community rehabilitation, safety and stability, AND that the NAACP shall strongly oppose any policies, statutes, or laws that increase the number of youth transferred into the adult criminal justice system or the number of youth held in adult prisons or jails.

10. Hangman's Nooses as a Hate Crime
Resolved: That the NAACP shall adopt a position of zero tolerance in opposing the conduct of anyone who uses the hangman's noose to intimidate, threaten, or assault....

11. Privatizing and Outsourcing Manufacturing jobs in prisons is contributing to low wages.
Resolved: that NAACP units will advocate before Local, State, and Federal policy making bodies to adopt regulations that will require prisons and private contractors to pay a living wage, and that the money earned by prisoners shall be divided equally between an amount paid to the prisoners during their incarceration, a victims assistance fund, child support payments, and a trust fund to be made available to the prisoner upon release AND that units will advocate for legislation requiring Companies that utilize and benefit from prison labor to offer the same or commensurate health care and other benefits to inmates and their family members that said companies offer to their other employees.

12. Educational Improvements
Resolved: That the NAACP will reaffirm its efforts to advocate for the increased collection of and transparency in accountability data so that the public and the school systems become more aware of the race, origin, and class dimensions related to the allocation of various qualities of educational services AND that the NAACP should enter into litigation against any governmental agencies that refuse to provide proper educational opportunities.

13. Support of remedial Education for youth who are over the age of 18 and not in High School
Resolved: That NAACP units shall actively advocate for the continued funding of programs designed to ensure that remedial educational opportunities are available for persons over 18, who are lacking basic literacy and math skills.

14. Oppose Wal-mart and Other Retailers Unfair Labor Practices
Resolved: That the NAACP will challenge Wal-Mart and other retailers to overcome any of their practices that are inconsistent with the highest standards of Labor and Civil Rights, to ensure equal opportunity and equal pay for Women, people of color and other minorities, and work with local communities to effectively address Wal-Mart's and other retailers negative impact on issues like the environment and local businesses, and establish a "Buy American" program that annually increases the percentage of "Made in America" goods purchased by Wal-Mart and Other retailers to help protect American Jobs.

15. Workplace Bullying
Resolved: That NAACP Units at all levels will seek legislation at all appropriate levels to deem workplace bullying illegal.

16. An Act to Re-Affirm Resolutions previously adopted on Environmental Racism and to further oppose the planning and location of Level 4 Bio-Safety Laboratories and Hazardous facilities designated for densely populated areas.
Resolved: That the NAACP Re-Affirms all previous policies on Environmental racism (1993, 1996, 2000, & 2001) and that NAACP State and Local units should work with community organizations and citizens to prevent level 4 bio-safety laboratories and hazardous facilities from being placed within densely populated areas and shall advocate for legislation to prohibit the same.

17. Health Disparities
Resolved: That the NAACP will identify at least one county in each region where health disparities are most disproportionate among African Americans, poor people, and senior citizens and develop an advocacy, educational, and legal strategy to improved selected element of the system that are responsible for the disparity AND NAACP units at all levels will advocate to federal, state, and local governmental agencies and partner with different organizations or health care systems to establish and maintain programs that will bring information to teens, adults, ad families for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

18. The Impact of Autism
Resolved: The NAACP will lobby for increased Governmental spending for research on the causes and cure of Autism.

19. The NAACP supports efforts to further disaggregate Heathcare data by Race and Ethnicity
Resolved: That the NAACP supports efforts to ensure the accurate collection and reporting of data by heath care providers, programs, and plans about patients and the care they receive; broken down by race and ethnicity.

20. Support for Public Housing Residents
Resolved: That the National Office of the NAACP will encourage and support a Federal Policy that provides for "one for one" replacement of public housing units that are razed or demolished AND that NAACP units at all levels should monitor and pursue actions to ensure that the residents of Public Housing are afforded the full social, political, educational, and economic opportunities available for all residents throughout the nation.

21. Bylaws change - Advisors for Youth & College Chapters (Article V, Sections 10b, 12a, 12e, and 13)
Resolved: That all Faculty advisors, High School Chapter advisors, Youth Council advisors, and Junior Youth Council advisors shall serve as Ex-Officio members of their respective chapter or councils without voting rights.

22. Bylaws change - Disposition of records; Youth Units (Article VI, Section 3e, f, & g)
Resolved: Language added to the section which reads - All minutes and other official records are the property of the Youth Unit and shall be promptly transferred to the newly elected and qualified officers within 30 days after the election. Non-compliance with terms herein shall be considered conduct that is inimical to the best interests of the NAACP, meriting disciplinary action pursuant to Article X.

23. Bylaws change - Executive Committee in the Bylaws for Units (Article VIII, Section 1b)
Resolved: Language changed within the section - All references to Youth Councils replaced with references to Youth Units

24. Bylaws change - Youth Works committee (Article VIII, Section 51k)
Resolved: Language changed within the section - All references to Youth Councils replaced with references to Youth Units

25. Representation of behavior Not in the best interest of the association
Resolved: That the NAACP shall codify guidelines to become an appendage of the constitution and bylaws to highlight the penalties for infractions of the code of the NAACP

26. Peace Resolution
Resolved: that the NAACP actively engage , using its NGO status in the pursuit for peace and stability in Darfur AND that the NAACP request that the President of the United States advocate for peace and an end to the Human Rights abuses in China, Darfur, and Burma

27. Minority Business Participation in Government Contracts
Resolved: that the NAACP call upon Congress, the SBA, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and all Federal Local ad State Agencies to: 1) promote the use of MBE's in Federal, State, and Local contract and sub-contracts; 2) provide more oversight and monitoring of contracts for compliance in using MBE and small disadvantaged businesses; 3) call for the enforcement of existing laws and penalties on agencies and prime contractors that fail to comply; and 4) that the federal government be precluded from suspending these requirements based upon exigent circumstances

28. Calling for the NAACP to begin mobilization efforts for Census 2010
Resolved: That each State/State Area conference designate a Census 2010 committee to assist units in their jurisdiction to ensure that information and resources are properly deployed AND that the NAACP will advocate to the US Congress and the US Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census that for the purposes of the 2010 census, that all prisoners be enumerated as residents of the census tract wherein they were domiciled at the time of their arrest and/or conviction

29. Supporting Legislation to create a Department of Peace and Non-Violence
Resolved: That the NAACP expresses its support for the enactment of H.R.808, to create a United States Department of Peace and Non-Violence.

30. NAACP calls for passage of New Federal Legislation to Regulate International Vulture Funds and prevent further Exploitation of poor and underdeveloped nations
-Point of Information- a Vulture fund is a financial organization that profits by buying up poor country debt in default on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar, then attempting to charge up to ten times the purchase price by suing the impoverished country in US or European courts.
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports forthcoming legislation and grassroots efforts to limit vulture fund profits and decrease the incentive to purchase/litigate on sovereign debt and increase transparency through mandatory filing in US/UK for purchases of foreign debt AND the NAACP strongly supports forthcoming legislation and grassroots efforts that will establish an international bankruptcy framework, binding on all creditors, which would force vultures to comply with debt cancellation and/or debt restructuring efforts.

31. NAACP Support for Present and Future Green jobs appropriations and policies
Resolved: That the NAACP shall advocate for the present and continued funding for the Green Jobs act and for the inclusion of African Americans and other people of color's rightful place in the emerging new green energy sectors and sustainable economies.

32. NAACP Supports applying the decision by the US Sentencing Commission to reduce Mandatory sentences for people convicted of Crack Cocaine possesion retroactively
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports making the May 2007 amendment by the US Sentencing Commission retroactive to those currenttly incarcerated for Crack Cocaine convictions AND that the NAACP reiterates its strong support for one-to-one sentencing ranges for crack and powder cocaine sentences.

33. NAACP supports Reauthorization of the Juvenile Justce Delinquency and Prevention Act
Resolved: That the NAACP supports the updating of the JJDPA to decrease over-reliance on detention, detention of statuts offenders, promote effective community-based alternatives to detention and incarceration, and reduce racial disparities in the justive system.

34. NAACP supports a new look at the Federal Budget in FY 2009
Resolved: That the NAACP supports a shift in the current federal budget away from defense and military spending and will continue to fight for increased federal support and funding for public education, affordable housing, health care access and quality initiative, crime preventioin, job training and creation, small business promotion, the protection of our basic civil rights and liberties, energy assistance, the protection of workers rights, and continued assistance for those devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

35. NAACP calls for federal action to End the Home Foreclosure Crisis
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports strong anti-predatory lending legislation that establishes higher standards for loan originators and provides stronger penalties and remedies for lenders who break the law, as well as ensuring that any final federal product is the minimumm and that states be allowed to continue to be more aggressive in eliminating predatory lending.

36. Support of Veterans Unity with the Community
Resolved: That the NAACP identify resources, services, and programs in the community that will help assist and educate veterens with Health care, dental care, education, mental health and PTSD, enterprenueship, employment, housing and homeownership, issues unique to female veterens, homeless veterans, formerly incarcerated veterens, and information and access to VA benefits.

37. Quality Military Healthcare
Resolved: That the NAACP calls upon Congress to enact legislation to restructure the healthcare delivery system for active duty military personnel, veterens, and their families, to gurantee access to existing VA facilities and private sector healthcare providers for both physical and mental healthcare needs, including necessary medications.

38. NAACP supports Proposed Popular Vote initiative
Resolved: That the NAACP supports National "Popular Vote" legislation AND that the NAACP supports a Constitutional amendment abolishing the Electoral College.

39. Emergency Resolution - NAACP continues to suport laws to prevent Gun violence and increase gun safety
-Point of Information- Emergency Resolutions may be brought to the floor as written or approved by the President or Chair without having gone through the normal resolution process
Resolved: That the NAACP continues to support safe, sane, and sensible gunn safety legislative initiatives which would make it harder for people with questionable motives and or diminished mental capacity to obtain firearms, either through legal or illegal means AND the NAACP supports an renewal of the assualt weapons ban with a provision that makes it permenant.

40. Emergency Resolution - The NAACP continues to oppose the Dealth Penalty and supports the creation of a commission to investigate the current disparities plaguing the Federal Death Penatly Sentencing Process
Resolved: That the NAACP supports teh communiting of Mr. Troy Anthony Davis' death sentence in light of the new and compelling information regarding the crime of which he is accused AND the NAACP reiterates its continuing opposition to the death penalty at the State and Federal level AND the NAACP strongly supports legislation to be introduced by Senator Russ Feingold (WI) The National Commission on Capitol Punishment Act of 2008

41. The NAACP supports efforts to stop and reverse the dramatic increase in fuel prices; and supports long term, aggressive energy policy
Resolved: That the NAACP strongly supports comprehensive public, private, domestic, and multi-national strategies to address the immediate problems being faced by Americans, and disproportionately low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, and small business owners, most notably comercial truckers as a result of higher fuel costs.

42. NAACP Condemns the Islamaphobic, mean spirited, tasteless, and racially offensive July 21st 2008 New Yorker Magazine Cover
Resolved: That the NAACP decries the July 21st 2008 New Yorker magazine cover as tasteless, mean spirited, Islamaphobic, and racially offensive AND calls on every American who is similarly offended to contact the New Yorker magazine either by email at themail@newyorker.com or by post at The Mail, the New Yorker, 4 Times Square, New York NY 10036.

Tech Tags: NAACP, Youth, Environmental, Popular+Vote, Green+Technologies, Bylaws, Veteran, Health+Disparities, Healthcare, Family, Vulture+Funds, Education, Public+Housing, Labor, Walmart, Civil+Rights

The Wichita Branch NAACP wins it's second NAACP Thalheimer Award in Two Years!!

2008-07-18T10:08:00.000-05:00

Last night, the Wichita Branch NAACP received it's second NAACP Thalheimer award in two years. Prior to 2006, the Wichita Branch received one other Thalheimer award in 1959. Chester Lewis was on hand to receive the award for outstanding branch activities, not the least of which, the Dockum drug Store sit-in which had been completed months earlier by the NAACP Youth Council.

The Wichita Branch received a Thalheimer for outstanding branch activities once more in 2006, for our efforts on the issues of Racial Profiling, closing the academic achievement gap, increasing minority contracting opportunities, and eliminating the sale of drug paraphernalia.

This year, we didn't submit our branch activity report for consideration; submitting instead the Wichita NAACP Blog as an official Association Publication. We are proud to report that we received our second Thalheimer in the last two years and the third award for the Branch. We received second place for all publications for branches with fewer than 1,000 members.

Next year, we will attempt a trifecta; and we hope to win both Branch Activities and Publications. But NONE of this would be possible without the tremendous effort and support of our OUTSTANDING team and Executive committee. So to Lavonta, Carolyn, Kenya, Elaine, Mark, EW, VJ, Sandra, Mary Dean, Mary B, Barbara, Rev Eckels, Rev Smith, Walt, Tasleem, Wanda, all of the members of the Executive Board, and our general membership, I humbly thank you all... Now let's do it AGAIN!

From the NAACP Convention: Senators Obama and McCain's addresses to the NAACP Delegates

2008-07-16T12:12:00.012-05:00

I decided to hold this post until I had heard the addresses from both Senators Obama and McCain. Senator Obama addressed the convention on Monday night drawing approximately 4,500 delegates into the main ballroom of the Duke Energy Center. He spoke eloquently to a number of his campaign themes, most of which were in line with the issues and initiatives of the NAACP. Senator Obama also spoke to issues such as Health Care accessibility, police accountability, breaking the cycle of inter-generational urban poverty, predatory lending, rebuilding the public education system, the need for high quality after school programs, the need for green technologies, the continuing work of ending discrimination creating level playing fields throughout America, and specifically the persistent wage discrimination where African American women are paid on average 62 cents for every dollar earned by a white male counterpart.

But the Senator dealt most emphatically with the subjects of responsibility and accountability. He even jokingly referred to those who "may say that I've been too tough on folks about this responsibility stuff", and then went on to say, "But I'm not going to stop talking about it". He was interrupted at that point by a thunderous applause that filled the room; one of many such moment during his speech. And while it will likely be reported that he merely "told the NAACP that the Black community must accept a greater responsibility for the conditions of the inner cities", he very certainly didn't stop there. He spoke about the need for Government, the Private Sector, and the Community to all accept a greater responsibility for addressing the problems of society and that we should all be more accountable for doing so. All in all, it was a well delivered and a well received speech before a packed house.

Scarcely an hour ago, John McCain finished his speech to the NAACP convention. And while the crowd was not quite as large as had been Obama's, his speech was well delivered and graciously received. Senator McCain spent the majority of his speech dealing specifically with the subject of education. He talked at length about the state of the current educational system. When he focused on these broad themes, his message found wide acceptance throughout the audience. He also spoke with some specificity about his support for school choice and school vouchers. These specific policy initiatives met with a more cool reception, but clearly he had anticipated that and he dealt with the differences quite well. He also spoke to his plans for increased drilling and adopting green technologies. I must admit, while I had heard about his humor, I was still quite surprised at how effectively and naturally he was able to interject humor into his address. It was one of the more personable speeches I've heard him deliver. Unfortunately, he spoke to very few of the priority issues of the NAACP. I think he missed a great opportunity to speak emphatically to his plans for dealing with the foreclosure crisis, health care, predatory lending, etc etc...

McCain did surprise the audience in that while we had been told that neither Senator Obama or McCain would be able to stick around for questions or answers, McCain walked away from the podium and picked up a wireless mic for a brief question and answer session. McCain was asked about Judicial Appointments, providing full funding for NCLB, providing funding for programs like Head-Start, plans to address the shortcomings of FEMA, and why he neglected to fill out the NAACP candidate questionnaire. He agreed to fill out the questionnaire and provided very strong responses.

The question and answer session was a bonifide 'feather in the cap' of McCain, which was nearly scuttled by the candidates selection of questioners. When the question and answer session started, people moved up the aisles for the opportunity to ask the Senator a question. Since this question and answer session was not planned, there were only two hand mics readily available. The second person to reach a hand mic was Mr. Bob Zellner from the East Long Island Branch. Mr. Zellner, who happens to be white, intended to ask Senator McCain a 'softball' question; "Does your recent appearance in Selma signal and end to the Southern Strategy?" However, for whatever reason, Senator McCain chose not to allow Mr. Zellner to ask his question. In fact, the Senator actually cut Mr. Zellner off twice as he had started asking his question. I understand that perhaps Senator McCain believed that this being the NAACP, it was important that he hear from Black voters. But it is also important that Senator McCain and others understand that the NAACP is not an all black organization, and we must never be guilty of committing the very acts we organize to fight against. Bob is a member and a registered voting delegate, as such, he should have been allowed to ask his question...

That said though, I think I can speak for all when I say that we all greatly appreciated the willingness of Senators Obama and McCain to come before our convention and to speak. Both spoke passionately to their plans and proposals in enough depth to highlight the differences in their positions. And while clearly, Senator Obama seemed to have a greater grasp of the issues of concern for the Organization, I applaud Senator McCain's willingness to come to the convention and put his issues on the table. Both speeches were great, and on behalf of the organization, I'd like to personally say thank to each of the Candidates for their time and candor...

Tech Tags: McCain Obama NAACP Election+08 NAACP+Convention

We're off to Cincinnati for the NAACP National Convention

2008-07-12T09:42:00.003-05:00

I'm headed out to catch my flight to Cincinnati... I will be attending the NAACP National Convention and I will be blogging live from the event. We are expecting between and 10 thousand participants this year. Check back often to get information and insights from the conference. I am also taking my video camera and will attempt to video the presentations from Senators Obama and McCain and from the Youth Act-So competitions. If I am able to pull it off, I will post the videos here in the coming days...

Tech Tags: NAACP National+Convention Obama McCain Cincinnati

Youth Involvement in Leadership and Decision-Making Roles Workshop

2008-07-11T12:05:00.001-05:00

Youth Involvement in Leadership and Decision-Making Roles Workshop

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

in Wichita 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The Center for Community Support & Research at Wichita State University is pleased to offer a free workshop on Youth Involvement in Leadership and Decision-Making Roles. Research on capacity-building for youth-serving organizations indicates that youth, adults, and the organization benefit most when youth are involved in leadership and decision-making roles within the organization.
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This workshop focuses on how to involve youth in meaningful ways that contribute to positive youth development and organizational development (it is not about how to serve more youth). Participants will learn about the varying levels of youth involvement in organizational leadership and decision-making, assess the level that is most appropriate for their organization, and explore special issues related to youth involvement. Participants will leave the workshop with an initial plan for purposeful involvement of youth in leadership and/or decision-making roles within their organization.

PARTICIPANTS ARE WELCOME TO BRING YOUTH FROM THEIR ORGANIZATION WHO ARE OR MAY BE IN LEADERSHIP/DECISION-MAKING ROLES.

This workshop is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. Please make your reservations by contacting Angela Gaughan at (800) 445-0116 or angela.gaughan@wichita.edu.

Specific location information and other details will be provided with RSVP confirmation.

For more information regarding Compassion Kansas and other work of the Center for Community Support & Research, please visit our website at http://www.ccsr.wichita.edu/.

The Sedgwick County Commission votes to add new voting machines

2008-07-09T12:23:00.002-05:00

Long time readers of the blog will remember that back in August of 07, nearly a year ago, the Wichita Branch NAACP came together with a number of different organizations forming the Sedgwick County Voter Coalition. Our primary objective was to address the dramatic reduction of polling places and voting machines within Sedgwick County.

Story 1 : Coalition delivers formal request to the Commission

Story 2 : Commissioners agree to set aside $100,000.00 from the budget

Story 3 : Coalition presses the case, Commissioners agree to reconsider

Today, the Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to purchase new voting machines with the monies that the coalition had asked them to encumber for this purpose. They also noted that they will incorporate paper ballots at the polling places to provide additional voting capacity.

We didn't get all that we'd asked for, but certainly this is a positive step in the right direction. These additional machines and the incorporation of paper balloting will assist in the effort to ensuring that all who wish to vote are able to in a timely and convenient fashion.

We applaud the Commissioners willingness to be responsive to the concerns of the community and particularly those concerns raised by the Sedgwick County Voter Coalition...

The Deadline is Midnight tonight to submit YOUR questions to the Presidential candidates

2008-07-09T12:08:00.005-05:00

Tonight at midnight is the deadline to submit your questions for the NAACP Presidential Forum. If you haven't done so, you can click here to find out how. We're getting lots of great responses, and the top 10 questions will be made available to the campaigns later this week as well as displayed on our website.

The 99th Annual NAACP Convention kicks off in Cincinnati this weekend, so we'll be in touch soon with more details on the Convention and the Presidential Forum.

Sincerely,
Julian Bond

Chairman

Stop the Foolishness... By any means necessary

2008-07-08T12:35:00.003-05:00

Brother Malcolm once famously said: "We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being, in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary."

Juxtapose that against a statement I heard last night from one of the young men in our community. After leaving a "Stop the Violence" meeting, called to address the recent tragic and senseless murders of Iesha Donaby and Deshonda Walker, I stopped in a McDonald's. A young man who looked to be in his late teens or early twenties came in and started joking around with the cashiers. At one point, the young lady behind the counter said to him, "I hope you ain't out here doing something stupid". To which the young man replied,"Ayy, I gotta get money... by any means necessary."
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I found it incredibly ironic that these two dissimilar statements would close with the same determined and powerful statement. One stating that our basic humanity and rights would be declared and defended at any cost. The other saying that he would "get money" at any cost, presumably, even if that meant taking it from the very people and community brother Malcolm defended.
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What struck me most about these statements is that when viewed together, they clearly illustrate the growing chasm between the promise of who we were to be and who we are becoming. One was a statement of love for community, and the willingness to fight to ensure a better life for the generations to come. And the latter was a statement of love only for self, and a willingness to fight even against one's own community for personal gain.

Sometimes it just makes me want to scream.
We are better than this...

So I have a question for all of you dear readers... How did we make it so far, only to see a day when our children would violently victimize one another in the very same neighborhoods and communities our parents and forebears fought to build? And what will it take, to turn this around?

Please, share your comments, let's make this a dialogue... I want to hear your thoughts.

Sunday Morning Inspiration

2008-07-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Lord, we know what peace is. Peace is a mother tenderly holding her child. Peace is a firm handshake of trust between friends. Peace is complete emotional security. Peace is living unencumbered with a full sense of joy. Peace is expressing Thanksgiving for concrete blessings.

For the peace gained from the love and memory of spouses and children, we thank you ..
For the peace gained from the love and memory of parents and grandparents, we thank you ..
For the peace gained from the kindness and support of friends, we thank you ..
For the peace gained when you are worshipped through word and song, we thank you ..

Peace is elusive. There are raging storms in every life. Tragedy, grief, and pain will visit everyone. Yet, each person's life is graced by moments and periods of real happiness. For these episodes of peace and joy .. past, present, & future, we offer our deepest gratitude.

Help us to understand that peace must be waged. We must resist the gun, the trap and snare of the streets, personal politics, unkind words, personal betrayals, anger, depression, despair, and rage. Give us the strength to overcome these demons. Give us the strength to become once more the men and women you created us to be...

Give hope and courage to all who struggle with personal loss, overwhelming sorrow, debilitating illness, grief, and loneliness. Help us to remember that through your grace .. ALL chains WILL be BROKEN.

Lift up our hearts!
God is great!
Amen

Please, share your thoughts, prayers and inspirations... Click on the word "comment" below and speak your peace...

K Myles to appear on 60 Minutes

2008-07-03T18:46:00.006-05:00

I've been sitting on this post for several weeks now. I've been reluctant to say too much about it just in case it somehow fell through. But an hour ago, I finished taping an interview with Leslie Stahl for 60 minutes. 60 Minutes is airing a special on Mensa and they interviewed me for the show.

Those of you who know me well, know that my true passion is and has been for encouraging our youth to achieve to the limits of their gifts and potential and freeing our youth from the quasi-cultural scourge of low expectations. In fact it was this passion, and my work within Mensa that ultimately led me to join the NAACP.

During the interview, I was able to speak to a national audience about the brilliance and potential of our children, the need for us as a community to combat our negative and self-limiting stereotypes, beliefs, and expectations, and offer my example as an emblem of what is possible. If I, a kid from Cleveland who made every mistake a young black kid could make, could still join Mensa (a feat of pure intellectualism) and move within the organization to become a Regional Chairman (a feat of organization and politics) then I can speak from experience about the illusory nature of the limitations we place on our ambitions. We are so much more than we have become... We just have to teach our children to embrace their potential and to hold on to their dreams. We have to tell the truth about the Hobgoblin of "talking white" or "acting white". Criticizing one another for academic achievement is among the worst types of black on black violence. It is an act of intellectual violence that sentences generations of our children and progeny to lives of mediocrity when they are capable of excellence.

I was also able to talk about specific initiatives we've launched, such as our youth Chess team, our 4-point plan for ending the achievement gap, and all of the other intellectual projects we are advancing through the Wichita Branch NAACP.

The special will air in September when the new season begins. I will post the air date here and through our e-network when it it is finalized.

Leslie Stahl (60 minutes) and Kevin Myles (Wichita NAACP)...

Tech Tags: 60+minutes, Mensa, NAACP, Kevin+Myles, Wichita+NAACP, Leslie+Stahl, Achievement+Gap

17 Year Old Iesha Donably killed in a senseless act of violence

2008-07-02T13:18:00.006-05:00

This was supposed to be a good day... I'm heading out of town for the July 4th weekend, just a day away from a major milestone in my life, and then I hear about the senseless murder of a young girl in town for a short visit. Now, I spent my formative years growing up in Cleveland Ohio, so I'm no stranger to the enormity of violence, but this case really hit me in the gut.

[Link to the Story in the Wichita Eagle]

A 17 year old girl, Iesha Donaby, visiting from Arkansas, was shot several times and killed by a teen for the "crime" of blowing her horn at their car which was stopped in the road.

I have been a community activist for practically all of my adult life. But this kind of thing makes me wonder what it's all for... How have we reached a point where some of our young men think so little of themselves and our community that they would attack and kill without reason? How have we reached a point where too many of our youth prey upon each other?

Of all of the battles I've fought, and all of the issues I've confronted... there simply is no greater crisis facing our community than the breakdown of the ties that used to bind us...

I'm going to post more on this when I get off of this Greyhound in Denver, but for now, I just had to say something... This makes my heart hurt... The Donaby family will be in my prayers for many days to come.

[Link to related story: What's Wrong with Black People?"]

Senators Obama & McCain to address the NAACP Convention in Cincinnati

2008-06-30T12:24:00.003-05:00

One of the most important missions of the NAACP is to ensure that every voter has access to the information necessary to make educated decisions. That's why I'm so pleased to tell you that both Barack Obama and John McCain will be joining us for the Presidential Forum at this year's 99th Annual NAACP Convention in Cincinnati.

Both Senators will address the Convention directly, giving us all the opportunity to hear first hand how each would handle issues critical to our community as President. Unfortunately, the format agreed to by the campaigns doesn't allow for questions after the speech, but that won't stop us from letting the campaigns know what's on our minds.

You can tell Obama and McCain what's on your mind by answering the NAACP Critical Issues poll. The results of the poll will be highlighted on our website at naacp.org, and we'll be sure that the campaigns get the results too.

Senator Obama will speak on July 15th, and Senator McCain on July 16th, and both speeches will be available on our website following the day's events. But, in the meantime you can brush up on where both candidates stand by clicking here.

In preparation for the Forum we've posted the 2007 Congressional Scorecard showing how both McCain and Obama voted on issues important to the NAACP and our constituents. You can even view the Compiled Congressional Scorecard to see how these two candidates have voted on NAACP issues over their careers.

And, of course, each cycle the NAACP distributes its Presidential Questionnaire to all the campaigns. Click here to view Obama's answers to the 2008 Questionnaire.

The McCain campaign has refused to answer the 2008 Questionnaire. But fortunately, we do still have McCain's 2000 Questionnaire on file. Of course there's still time for the campaign to have a change of heart, and if they do we'll post the answers right away.

And don't forget to answer the Critical Issues Poll. With your help we'll make sure every voter is an informed voter.

Sincerely,
Julian Bond
Chairman

Tech Tags: Election+08, Obama, McCain, NAACP, Candidates, Politics, Current+Events

Join us in Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Dockum Sit-in

2008-06-29T10:16:00.006-05:00

In the Summer of 1958, two dozen young people from the Wichita NAACP Youth council staged what would become the first successful student-led sit-in of the Civil Rights Movement. On August 11th, 1958, they desegregated all of the Rexall Drug Stores throughout the State of Kansas. Their efforts validated a method of protest, which was replicated by other NAACP branches around the country and later by groups such as the SCLC, and led to the establishment of equal accommodations around the nation...

On August 9th, 2008 - Join with the members of the 1958 Wichita NAACP Youth Council, the 2008 Wichita NAACP Youth Council, the NAACP National Office, and the Wichita Branch as we March to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dockum Sit-in

The March will begin at 10:30am on August 9th, in front of the Kansas African American Museum.

We will march by the site of the Historic sit-in and then continue over for a rally and celebration in Chester I Lewis Reflection Park.

Celebration Speakers will include: NAACP Chief of Field Operations- Rev Nelson Rivers &

Dr. Ron Walters: President of the 1958 NAACP Youth Council. Currently Dr. Walters holds positions as "Distinguished Leadership Scholar" and Director of the African American Leadership Institute in the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership, and Full Professor in the Department of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland.

The Following is excerpted from "Dissent in Wichita" By Professor Gretchen Eick. Reprinted with permission by author

That weekend, Chester Lewis called a mass meeting at New Hope Baptist Church for Sunday afternoon, August 10. Many of Wichita's African Americans had come to the city from the South, seeking jobs and bringing with them a collective memory of white terror. For them, the action the students were taking was very frightening, especially after the episode with the gang of white youths. Lewis felt it important to let the black community know more about the sit-in and the students' plans and also soothe concerned parents who feared their children would be arrested. The church was packed. Some participants narrated the story of the sit-ins at Dockum's and asked for community support. They had decided to expand the sit-in to additional days of the week. There were many questions from the audience and many concerns, but by the end of the meeting there was great unity and solidarity. The students left the meeting knowing that the community was behind them and proud of them.

The following day, Monday, Carol Parks took her seat at the lunch counter along with a few other early arrivals. Ron was out of town for Army Reserve training, and Lequeatta was working as a lifeguard, not assigned to sit in until the afternoon shift. Carol saw a white man in his thirties or forties enter the store, glance to the back of the store where Wayne Williams stood, and say to him, "Serve them. I'm losing too much money." Stunned and exhausted, she and the other students drank a victory Coke at the lunch counter. Then Carol went home to tell her mother the news. Someone called Lequeatta at the pool, telling her that she need not come to the sit-in. Dockum's owner had changed the policy.

After Williams announced that they were to be served, Chester Lewis confirmed by a telephone call to the vice president of Dockum's "that he had instructed all of his managers, clerks, etc., to serve all people without regard to race, creed or color." The following day, Lewis wrote to Herb Wright, "On Monday, August 11, 1958, I held a conference with Walter Hieger, the vice president of the Dockum Chain Drug Stores and he agreed to abolish all discriminatory practices as of Monday morning, at 10: 00 a.m. August 11." The youths had won. The largest drugstore chain in Kansas had desegregated not only its Wichita stores but also all Rexall Drug Stores in Kansas.

Pictured above are members of the 1958 Wichita Branch NAACP Youth Council along with Governor Sebelius and Congressman Tiahrt ant the Wichita Branch 2006 Freedom Fund Banquet.

The Wichita NAACP becomes an Alliance partner with the AHA in the 'Power to End Stroke' Campaign

2008-06-25T22:36:00.002-05:00

The Director of Cultural Health Initiatives for the American Heart Association, Karlease Bradford, stopped by our branch offices this evening with new materials and information on the Power to End Stroke Campaign. The following is a guest post from Karlese Bradford:

.
Heart Disease and Stroke are the #1 and #3 killers in America killing more people than the next seven causes combined. We all know people, family members and friends who have heart disease and or have had a stroke because minority populations have higher rates of chronic diseases and the risk factors for these diseases. African-Americans die at a rate of almost twice that of Whites and according to the CDC African-Americans between the ages of 35 and 54 have four times the risk of a first time stroke. Heredity plays a part in our health but social determinants play larger a factor in these disparities. Our income determines where we live, what we eat, and our access to health care.
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As the Kansas Director of Cultural Health Initiatives for the American Heart Association it is my job to educate people in the community on ways to reduce their risks of heart disease and stroke. Tobacco use, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition are the main culprits. We need to take better care of ourselves, know our risks and recognize the warning signs of stroke. Please join me in the American Heart Association’s campaign to end stroke. The Power to End Stroke campaign was developed to help the African-American community reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Stop by the Wichita NAACP office and sign a pledge that says you will not just survive but strive to live longer and healthier. For more information go to http://www.heartsmarts.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3056121

If you would like to become an Ambassador for the Power to End Stroke contact me at 913-652-1930 or Karlease.bradford@heart.org

Karlease Bradford
Director, Cultural Health Initiatives - Kansas American Heart Association
Midwest Affiliate
6800 W. 93rd St
Overland Park, KS 66212
Tel.: 913-652-1930
Fax: 913-648-0423
karlease.bradford@heart.org http://www.americanheart.org/

The Kansas African American Museum "Roads to Freedom" Summer Youth Camp now enrolling

2008-06-25T17:35:00.001-05:00

The Kansas African American Museum has scheduled the week of July 21 – 25 for its 12th annual youth camp. Approximately 60 area youth between the ages of 7 and 13 will be enrolled in a fun-filled series of activities. With the theme “Roads to Freedom,” children and youth will explore five areas of discovery: Art, dance, history/literature, photography and music.

The week’s activities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and culminate on day six with a finale Showcase by the young participants. In addition, a souvenir newsletter will be developed and published.

The cost for the camp is $40 per youth. Space is limited to 60 participants and applications and fees will be accepted on a first come-first serve basis. The deadline for applications and fees is Thursday, July 17, 2008. Camp directors are Drs. Evies and Sharon Cranford.

For additional information, registration applications and to pay fees, please contact Elaine Guillory at the museum office at 316-262-7651.