2002 Wheeler Avenue , 77004 Tel:(713)526-3389 ~NAACP HOUSTON BRANCH PRESS STATEMENT~ August 1, 2016

The NAACP Houston Branch Condemns the Use of the N‐Word

Since our founding over 107 years ago, the NAACP has remained steadfast in our mission to eliminate racial prejudice wherever it exists in our society. As such, the NAACP condemns the use of the “N” word in every instance and is disappointed to learn of its use by our local Teen USA and newly crowned Miss Teen USA, Karlie Hay.

NAACP Houston Branch President James Douglas states: “While we are encouraged that Miss Hay has acknowledged her use of the N‐word, it demonstrates that race is still a tremendous issue in our country today; and it is not only being used by older people but young people as well, and it is further perpetuated by the environment in which they are raised in. Our concern is not just about the N‐ word itself; but the racist attitude behind the word. We must understand that the N‐word is a reflection of a racist attitude and that we first must change our attitudes."

NAACP now, the NAACP has maintained that the N‐word does nothing to f National President/CEO Cornell William Brooks states: “Fooster real and r many years meaningful conversations our country needs to have about race, class, segregation and tolerance in our nation and we are, once again, sadly disappointed by its perpetuation in our national dialogue. With a vocabulary of America’s aspirations, the NAACP strives for a day when the n‐word refers to a ‘nation’ indivisible by race, class, color, creed, or slurs.”

CONTACT INFORMATION: Yolanda Smith, Executive Director ‐ 713‐526‐3389 – office / 713‐545‐9696 – cell [email protected]

Founded in 1909, by a multiracial group of progressive advocates, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established with the mission to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of adverse effects of racial discrimination; to take lawful action to secure its elimination; and to increase their opportunities for securing justice in courts, education for our children, employment according to their ability and complete equality before the law. The NAACP Houston Branch is a non-profit agency supported primarily by funds generated from membership as well as corporate and individual contributions. Under the leadership of its dedicated volunteer Executive Committee Members and its Executive Director, the NAACP Houston Branch serves the Houston-Harris County and surrounding areas via its programs and myriad committees made up of its dedicated volunteer members. The Houston Branch has an estimated 20 standing committees to carry out the advocacy efforts of the Association.

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