NAACP Chooses Benjamin T. Jealous As National President-Elect

Goose Creek, SC Branch # 56A3

Volume 3, Edition 06

June 2008

Goose Creek SC NAACP Branch #56A3 June 2008 Newsletter

NAACP Chooses Benjamin T. Jealous as National President-Elect Human rights activist & former black newspaper editor will become 17th leader of civil rights group The NAACP Na- As a community organizer on civil rights lawsuits in tional Board of Di- the ‘90s, Jealous worked in Mississippi to gain rectors is pleased to equitable funding for the state’s historically black announce the selec- colleges and universities. For the NAACP Legal tion of Benjamin T. Defense Fund he organized churches and resi- Jealous as National dents to fight against the elimination of obstetric President-elect. He services at St. Luke’s Women’s Hospital in Harlem, is the 17th person New York. Andrea Glover

chosen to lead the Jealous also served as program director for the Branch President nation’s oldest and National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. At largest civil rights 14, he organized his first voter registration drive. organization in its Inside This Issue Benjamin Todd Jealous 99-year history. “As an advocate who has spent his entire adult life working for civil and human rights organizations, Jealous, 35, comes to the NAACP from the San and as a black parent raising a young child in this New President/CEO……....….1 Francisco-based Rosenberg Foundation*, where country, I am intimately invested in the future suc- Announcements……….……...2 he’s served as president since 2005. SC Freedom Fund Speaker…2 cesses of the NAACP,” Jealous said. “As a fifth- “Ben Jealous has spent his professional life working generation member of the NAACP, I know this George Curry Comments……3 for and raising money for the very social justice con- mighty Association’s fundamentals are strong. I see Interview with President Elect 4 cerns for which the NAACP advocates,” said NAACP great opportunities to increase the NAACP’s role as We Are 100 …………………..5 National Board of Directors Chairman Julian a positive force in the collective life of black people NAACP Starts New Era……...6 Bond. “He is a perfect match. He is intergenera- and our nation. I am humbled and enthused at the Remembering Mildred Loving7 tional and his presence is a demonstration that the prospects being afforded me by this experience.” Comments on Mr. Jealous…..8 nearly 100-year old NAACP attracts the best and Health Committee…………….9 brightest. We are looking forward to a great future The California native attended public and parochial under his leadership.” schools in Monterey County. He holds a bachelor's Political Action Committee…..9 degree from Columbia University and a master's Remembering Malcolm…….10 Jealous’ career path includes leadership positions degree in social policy from Oxford University Town Hall Meeting & Rally…11 with Amnesty International, where he directed its where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He is married to NAACP Biker Week Justice..12 U.S. Domestic Human Rights Program from 2002 to constitutional law professor and former NAACP 2005. Upcoming Events……..…….12 Legal Defense Fund litigator Lia Epperson and is Prior to that, he served as executive director of the the dedicated father of Morgan, 2. National Newspaper Publishers Association--a fed- Jealous will officially begin his tenure as president eration of more than 200 black community newspa- Sept. 1.□ pers in 38 states. He is former managing editor of the Jackson Advocate, the oldest black-owned Read more about our president elect on pages weekly newspaper in Mississippi that has been a 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 11. long-time fierce champion of civil rights and the disenfranchised. Jealous was mentored by the Advo- SC Primary Election is June 10th cate’s publisher, the late Charles Tisdale, who was attacked as a teenager for helping found a local NAACP unit. The Jackson Advocate was torched repeatedly for its principled stances on civil rights.

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Dick Gregory is 2008 SC State Conference NAACP Freedom Fund Celebration

Keynote Speaker

Gregory, Richard Claxton 'Dick' (Born, October 12, 1932, St. Louis, Mo.), Afri- Goose Creek Branch NAACP can American comedian and civil rights activist whose social satire changed PO Box 1356 the way white Americans perceived African American comedians since he first Goose Creek, SC 29445-1356 performed in public. Dick Gregory entered the national comedy scene in 1961 Telephone: 843-729-7994 when Chicago’s Playboy Club (as a direct request from publisher Hugh Fax: 843-628-4950 Hefner) booked him as a replacement for white comedian, Professor Irwin Email: [email protected] Corey.

Officers Gregory's activism continued into the 1990s. In response to published allega- President ……………Andrea Glover tions that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had supplied cocaine to pre- Dick Gregory 1st VP ……….Paul W. Staggers, Jr. dominantly African American areas in Los Angeles, thus spurring the crack 2nd VP……………...Thomas Lanier epidemic, Gregory protested at CIA headquarters and was arrested. In 1992 he began a program called Secretary……………...Brenda Bines "Campaign for Human Dignity" to fight crime in St. Louis neighborhoods. Treasurer……………Deneen Moore Gregory's activism continued into the 1990s. In response to published allegations that the Central Intelli- Executive Committee Members gence Agency (CIA) had supplied cocaine to predominantly African American areas in Los Angeles, thus spurring the crack epidemic, Gregory protested at CIA headquarters and was arrested. In 1992 he began a John Matthews Eddie Anderson program called "Campaign for Human Dignity" to fight crime in St. Louis neighborhoods.□ Herbert Bodison Christine Moore Rosalind Cato Robert Newton Roscoe Singletary Tickets are $85.00 each or $650* for a table of 8 Veronica Dukes *for NAACP members only Jenae Haynes Rev. Mae Taylor Eyamba Williams David Johnson Local Author Damon L. Fordham We Have our Nominees! Nancy Martin will be at our July Meeting Damon Lamar Fordham was born in Spartanburg, BRANCH SC. He received his Mas- ter’s Degree in history from MEETINGS the College of Charleston and the Citadel, and his Goose Creek undergraduate degrees at NAACP meets Damon LFordham the University of South the first Monday Carolina in Columbia. He of the month currently teaches United States and African- at American History at Springfield College and Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC Abraham Masonic and has taught US History and African-American Building Studies at the College of Charleston. The author of 206 Liberty Hall Rd True Stories of Black South Carolina (History Goose Creek, SC. Press, 2008), he was a weekly columnist for the

Charleston Coastal Times from 1994 to 1998, as After a year of campaigning and months of 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM well as the coauthor of Born to Serve-The Story of primaries, Senator Barrack Obama is now the Executive Meeting the WBEMC in South Carolina in 2006. He con- presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ducted research for the book Sweetgrass Baskets along with Senator John McCain, the presump- General Meeting and the Gullah Tradition by Joyce Coakley in 2006. tive nominee for the Republican party! Monday July 7, 2008 Mr. Fordham will discuss his book and sign copies. Congratulations to all of you who made this Monday Aug 4, 2008 possible! Monday Sep 8, 2008 Both candidates are scheduled to be at the 99th NAACP National Convention in Cincinnati Please attend and July 12 - 17, 2008 bring a friend June 2008 - Page 2 Volume 3, Edition 06 Page 3

New Ideas Needed to Invigorate the NAACP May 19, 2008 By George E. Curry

The votes are in and Obviously, there is still plenty of anything, we should first make Special thanks to Mr. Curry now it’s time to rally behind the work to do. sure it is dead. And the N-word for sharing this article with candidate. No, I am not talking Although NAACP insiders didn’t is far from dead. us. about presidential politics. I am According to a recent study by like it at the time, immediate past George E. Curry, former referring to the NAACP’s decision the Parents Television Council president Bruce Gordon did the editor-in-chief of Emerge to hire 35-year-old Benjamin Jeal- titled, “The Rap on Rap,” the association a favor two years ago magazine and the NNPA ous as its next president. dreaded N-word had to be when he revealed that contrary to News Service, is a keynote bleeped more than any other Prior to the selection, I made no the claim that the NAACP has speaker, moderator, and expletive from videos studied on secret of my belief that another 500,000 members – a number the media coach. Mr. Curry is BET and MTV. In Greenwood, finalist, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes group has been using since 1946, also a life member of the Miss., a White member of the III of Dallas, would have made a according to Baltimore Sun – the NAACP. He can be reached city council sent out an e-mail better and more dynamic leader. I actual figure is less than 300,000. through his Web site, recently referring to a highly still feel that way. But now that the The NAACP likes to claim their www.georgecurry.com. NAACP board has decided other- membership numbers are roughly respected Black leader as an wise, this is no time to walk away twice that, but they arrive at that “ole” N-word. Not only is the N- from our oldest civil rights organi- bogus conclusion by counting peo- word not dead, it is not even injured. zation. ple that have interacted with the NAACP electronically. If there is an area that Jealous Chairman Julian Supporting the NAACP does not may be able to make an immedi- Bond says, Jealous mean it should be above criticism, As I wrote at the time of the “is a perfect match” however. The idea of having an Gordon disclosure, the low figures ate improvement in, it will be up-or-down vote on a single can- is a reflection on us, not the forming coalitions with other didate for president – the one NAACP. With a Black population of Black professional organizations. favored all along by Board Chair 38 million, there’s no excuse for He has the contacts and inclina- Julian Bond – rather than allowing not having more than 1 million tion to bring about needed im- the board to vote on all three final- dues-paying members. Of course, provement in that area. The ists was an exercise in raw politi- this lack of support is not limited to days of a civil rights organization cal power, not fairness. And the NAACP. We fail to fully support being everything to everybody – Julian Bond’s decision to lobby for the Black institutions that support if there was ever such a day – is having tarnished primary ballots us, including the Black Press. over. It’s time to turn to the ex- counted in Michigan and Florida The Census Bureau reports that perts in our community instead "Ben Jealous has spent his represents the first time in my there are more than 2 million of pretending that civil rights professional life working for memory that he has been on the Blacks living in New York City. Yet, groups have all of the answers. and raising money for the wrong side of a major public pol- according to a report last year by very social justice concerns icy issue. the Project for Excellence in Jour- There are some things the for which the NAACP advo- nalism, there were only 13,175 NAACP does better than any cates," NAACP Chairman Still, despite the asinine talk about other organization. Its ACT-SO Julian Bond said in a state- our living in a post-civil rights or paid subscribers to the Amsterdam News in 2006. And that repre- program, highlighting academic ment. "He is a perfect post-racial society, our major civil achievement, is exceptional. And match. . . . We are looking rights organizations are needed in sented a decline of almost 30 percent over two years. the NAACP Civil Rights Report forward to a great future this era of Jim Crow, Esquire. The Card is an indispensable re- under his leadership." National Asian Pacific American If the NAACP is going to grow its search tool for holding elected Legal Consortium reports that membership under Jealous, it will leaders accountable. Creating although White men make up only need to move away from some of substantive and relevant pro- 48 percent of the college- the antics that grab headlines, but grams is the key to bringing in SC Primary is June 10, 2008 educated workforce, they hold 85 accomplish little else. During last new members, not resorting to percent of the tenured college year’s national convention in De- gimmicks. faculty positions, 86 percent of troit, for example, thousands of law firm partnerships, more than delegates participated in a mock Ben Jealous is young, smart and 90 percent of the top jobs in the funeral organized by the local committed. While he was not my news media, and 96 percent of chapter to bury the N-word. The first choice for the job, I’m hop- CEO positions next time there is a funeral to bury ing that he proves me wrong. □

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New NAACP president reveals plans Richmond Free Press Editor’s note: This article and excerpts of the interview with Mr. Jealous was sent to us by the Richmond Free Press zation with a young but connected chief famil- tion of the NAACP’s search committee, and Mr. iar with black leadership and social justice Jealous said mentors encouraged him to take issues. the job.

He takes the helm as the NAACP’s 17th presi- Mr. Jealous — whose resume doesn’t reflect a dent just months before the organization’s record of longevity in the workplace — said he’s centennial anniversary, and as the group looks ready to settle in for the long haul. He has spent to boost its coffers. much of his life in California but has roots in Baltimore, where the NAACP is based. His Mr. Jealous succeeds Bruce S. Gordon, who mother was born in Baltimore, and his parents resigned abruptly in March 2007. Mr. Gordon, met while teaching at a junior high school in the a retired Verizon executive, left after 19 city. months, citing clashes with board members Excerpts from the Free Press interview: over management style and the NAACP’s mission as his reasons for leaving. Dennis Q: What will be your top priority? Courtland Hayes had been serving as interim A: To strengthen the national office so it can president and chief executive officer. provide support to state conferences, local college branches. Benjamin Todd Jealous The NAACP has yet to recover from the staff NAACP President/CEO Elect cuts that occurred after Mr. Hayes was moved Q: What role do you see the NAACP playing up to interim president. Staff was cut from 117 in economic justice? Benjamin Todd Jealous assessed the bless- to around 70 people and seven regional of- A: That’s an important issue. One big area ings, privileges and “monumental chal- fices were closed to overcome a $3 million involves employment. We have so many people lenges” that face the NAACP, its members deficit. who come out of jails and prisons with a big — and the nation. Mr. Jealous was born in Pacific Grove, Calif. scarlet “F” on them. If people have paid their Then he gave the message he wants to send debt to society, they need a second chance for to bring about solutions to escalating prob- He was educated at Columbia University and Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes an opportunity to support their families and earn lems burdening people. an honest living. We need to do more to make Scholar. The message: this happen. He began his professional life in 1991 with the “If you’ve been involved, get more involved. NAACP, where he worked as a community Q: How will your administration differ from If you’ve checked out, check in. We need to organizer with the Legal Defense Fund. Bruce Gordon’s, particularly in terms of make the world better for the sake of our During the mid-1990s, Mr. Jealous was man- corporate influence? children so their children no longer will have aging editor of the crusading Jackson Advo- A: “With regard to corporations, we welcome to face the same problems.” cate, Mississippi’s oldest black newspaper. their support. They have been partners with us

Mr. Jealous, the newly named national presi- From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Jealous led the coun- in desegregating offices and boardrooms and dent of the NAACP, made those comments try’s largest group of black community news- have stood with us to defend affirmative action. Tuesday in response to a question asked in papers as executive director of the Washing- But how do we convince people that we cannot an exclusive Free Press interview. ton-based National Newspaper Publishers be influenced? We need to generate more bal- Association. ance in our fundraising. We need to get more The NAACP chose Mr. Jealous, a 35-year- Mr. Jealous left the publishers association for support from regular people. We also need old activist and former news executive, as its more support from major donors, but for nearly president on Saturday, making him the Amnesty International to direct its U.S. Human Rights Program, for which he successfully 100 years we always have relied on people who youngest leader in the 99-year history of the write small checks. We need to get back to that. nation’s largest civil rights organization. lobbied for federal legislation against prison rape, public disapproval of racial profiling after Q: What role do you see the NAACP playing The NAACP’s 64-member board met for Sept. 11, and exposure of widespread sen- in the November election? eight hours before selecting Mr. Jealous in tencing of children to life in prison without the A: We can expect a surge in the black vote. the early morning last Saturday. He was possibility of parole. And whenever there is such a surge, we can formally introduced later Saturday and will expect more fraud, intimidation and chicanery. take over as president in mid-September. Since 2005, Mr. Jealous has served as president of the Rosenberg Foundation, a private As a reporter in Jackson, Miss., I investigated Though he is not a politician, minister or civil institution that supports civil and human rights many cases of voter fraud. We must do as rights icon, Mr. Jealous provides the organi- advocacy. His experiences caught the atten- See president reveals plans on Page 5

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president reveals plans from pg 4 much as we can to protect the vote as we do to get out the vote. We know what can happen from the 2000 election, and we must be prepared to make sure that the people who vote have their votes counted.

Q: What needs to be done to grow the NAACP’s membership? A: We need to do more in community organizing and reaching out to people to involve them in pushing for change and seeking solutions.□ ©Richmond Free Press Special thanks to Raymond H. Boone, founder, editor and publisher of the Richmond Free Press for permission The NAACP’s Centennial in 2009 provides a for the naming of streets, public buildings, parks to reprint this article. Mr. Boone is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the etc. to honor their memory and dedication to the life member of the NAACP. Article NAACP to celebrate its history, increase its sup- cause of civil rights. originally appeared in Richmond Free port base, expand its outreach and issue a moral Press May 22--24, 2008 challenge for global development. Shortly before Library Involvement - Encourage units to con- his death, Gloster B. Current, former NAACP tact local libraries and schedule book readings of FIVE REASONS TO Director of Branches, reminded us how amazing famous NAACPers as well as books written on JOIN THE NAACP it was that the NAACP has continued to exist the NAACP. In addition, propose essay writing despite the efforts to curtail, discredit and destroy contest locally – “What would the world be with- 1. The fight for freedom is not free! it. Many similar organizations have fallen by the out the NAACP?” More importantly, create a plan Your membership will help fund wayside while the NAACP has been able to con- to collect NAACP paraphernalia and documents initiatives and programs to sup- tinue to grow and maintain its effectiveness. from NAACPers and formally donate the collec- port our mission of racial equality tion to your local library or college/university. and equal justice Ways Your Unit Can Celebrate: NAACP Local Centennial Balls - NAACP Units 2. A membership in the NAACP is Through the Fire - Local units would be asked at the state conference and local levels will be your opportunity to give back to to identify those students who courageously encouraged to host Centennial Balls as black tie the organization that has done forged the path integrating elementary, middle affairs as fundraisers and celebrations of the more to change this country for and high schools in their communities and recog- centennial. A model program will designed and the betterment of people of color, nize them for their bravery during some special distributed to local units for planning and imple- women, and the disenfranchised event. mentation. than any other in the nation's history Truth in Reconciliation on Desegregation - Centennial Birthday Members - We ask each This can be done in conjunction with the Through Unit to identify those members of NAACP who 3. Your membership in the NAACP The Fire” recognition. This is an opportunity to are 100 years or more so they can be recognized makes you a part of a force of create a dialogue with not only black students in their communities and at the 2009 Convention. 300,000 people who stand for the who integrated schools but also white students, freedoms guaranteed in our na- teachers and administrators who courageously Tribute to Brutalized and Fallen Heroes As a tion's constitution supported them. This discussion should focus on part of the centennial celebration, we must find 4. Your membership in the NAACP the affects of desegregation from both perspec- some way to honor the perseverance and cour- makes a direct and positive impact tives. age of civil rights workers and local NAACP lead- in your community when you join ers who sacrificed their physical safety – even your local Unit The Naming Project - Everyday in communities their lives – to ensure the rights we have today. across America streets, public buildings, parks 5. Your membership in the NAACP etc. are named in recognition of local citizens The strength of the NAACP continues to be in its will give you access to our upcom- who have made an impact on their community. local units. They are the heart of soul of the As- ing benefits program that provides During the Centennial Year of the NAACP we sociation and are on the front line everyday fight- discounts on products and ser- are asking local units to identify those trailblazers ing battles.□ vices across the country in their community in different areas to advocate

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NAACP signals start of new era By Jean Marbella Baltimore Sun Columnist May 20, 2008

He's very Obama, isn't he? NAACP board. One of them "If we're going to modernize, est person in the room.

complained to The Sun's Kelly we have to get rid of the ten- "For a young man, he has a very The Ivy creds. The biracial parent- Brewington of an "anti-preacher dency to rely on our pastors to extensive national network of age. The lawyer wife. The victory, sentiment" among his col- do our political work," Spence contacts," said Walters, who is a after some contentious balloting, of leagues. And another minister, said. "We have to have some life member of the NAACP. his more youthful candidacy over the Rev. Wendell Anthony of semblance of a division of the more establishment one. Detroit, issued a news release church and state in our black With the NAACP coming off of after the vote to note that while politics." several years of budgetary strug- The selection of Benjamin Jealous gles, Walters thinks Jealous' this weekend as the new president the new president had "a great Spence says the NAACP still deal of potential," Jealous was background in running other or- of the National Association for the has its work cut out for it - what ganizations will serve him well in Advancement of Colored People not his first choice and that he modern organization has a would have preferred Haynes. his new job. puts a decidedly fresh face on an cumbersome 64-member board organization that many have criti- The board ultimately went with these days? - but thinks it might "The fact that he comes from a cized as too rooted in the past. At Jealous - by a 34-21 vote, be able to attract a younger foundation background," Walters 35, he is the civil rights organiza- Brewington was told - but the membership with Jealous at the said, means "he knows where the tion's youngest president ever, and fact that picking the president helm. money is."

by picking him, board members took eight hours, until 3 in the For all the talk of change, Now, if only Jealous, whose seem to be saying, "This is not your morning Saturday, reflects a though, Jealous doesn't repre- mother's family is from Baltimore, father's NAACP." considerable split. would consider keeping the na- sent a complete break from the What makes his rise noteworthy is But in a year in which change is past: His parents were active in tional headquarters here rather that, like Barack Obama, Jealous in the air - or at least at Obama desegregation efforts, and he than moving to Washington, as didn't come up through church rallies - the selection has cre- has worked as an organizer Bond has long planned.□ activism, the traditional launching ated buzz about a group that with the NAACP Legal Defense Special thanks to Jean pad for previous generations of some had dismissed as no Fund. Plus, he has the support Marbella and the black leaders. Neither arrives with longer relevant. of one of the lions of the civil Baltimore Sun "the reverend" title before his At 38, Lester Spence, a Johns rights movement, Julian Bond, Newspaper for name, which had become almost the NAACP chairman. Hopkins professor who special- permission to reprint this standard, from Martin Luther King izes in black politics, is closer in "He is someone immersed in article. Article first Jr. to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharp- age to the hip-hop generation the civil rights culture, so this is appeared May 20, 2008 at ton.. that figures often in his re- a continuation," said Ronald And, in fact, a bone of contention in search than to the 1960s-era Walters, the director of the June 10th is SC Primary his selection - which took place at a civil rights movement - as is Center for African-American Election Date closed-door meeting of the NAACP Jealous. Leadership at the University of board at a BWI hotel this weekend - "He wasn't even thought of Maryland. "The departure is the appears to have been a lingering when Martin Luther King was age factor. You've got to say desire among some members to killed," Spence said. "He wasn't they're sending a signal of gen- rally behind a more traditional erational change." born until '72." choice, the Rev. Frederick D. By choosing someone from a Walters knows Jealous from a Haynes III, pastor of a megachurch leadership forum that brings in Dallas. more technocratic than a church-based background, together the heads of the 25 Haynes is described by the Dallas Spence said, the NAACP is top black organizations - the Morning News as a protégé of starting to make good on its new NAACP president previ- Obama's controversial former pas- talk over recent years of look- ously headed a national group tor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and ing toward the future and em- of black newspapers - and apparently had the support of at bracing youth. remembers him as someone least several fellow ministers on the who frequently was the young-

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Fighting "Anti-Miscegenation" Laws Remembering Mildred Loving, Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement

By Mark A. Huddle, Ph.D.

(Editor’s note: Article was originally posted May 9, 2008 on www.counterpunch.org) On May 2, Mil- the welfare of their own family. “We are doing hope, it does nothing to challenge race as a dred Loving died it for us,” Richard Loving told an interviewer in totalizing apparatus of power. In his much from complica- 1966. But the Loving decision eventually im- celebrated Philadelphia speech on race, Obama tions of pneumo- pacted millions. spoke of a generation of African Americans, nia at the age of people such as the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, So-called “anti-miscegenation laws” were one of 68. The unassum- who knew the sting of Jim Crow and who felt the more tenacious vestiges of Jim Crow. The ing Mrs. Loving the narrowing of opportunities in the black last state to strike anti-miscegenation statutes would have community most acutely. Their bitterness had from its organic law was Alabama which waited scoffed at the often turned to rage. Likewise, the Senator until 2000 to do so. In the decades since the notion that she spoke of white ethnics and working-class voters ruling, there has been a marked increase in was a hero of the who have proven susceptible to the Siren’s song mixed race marriages and by the 1990s we Mark Andrew Huddle, Ph.D. Civil Rights Move- of conservative politicians and talk-show hosts were in the midst of an interracial baby- ment. But for who would exploit their fears for the future by boom. Also of particular importance to the millions of Americans the Loving v. Virginia playing the race card. Obama’s recent struggles growth of the mixed-race population was the (1967) case—which outlawed bans on interra- in Ohio and Pennsylvania have once more illu- Immigration Act of 1965 that eliminated many cial marriage—has resonated to the present as minated those racial fault-lines. of the racist immigration restrictions from ear- their declaration of independence. lier legislation and contributed to the “browning This is why

of America.” Census 2000, the first to allow we should The Lovings’ story began in June 1958 when Americans to check more than one box for take a mo- they were married in Washington, DC. Rich- racial identity, counted 7.3 million people, about ment to re- ard Perry Loving and Mildred Delores Jeter of 3 percent of the population, as interracial. The member Central Point, Virginia crossed into the District most striking fact of all from the data is that 41 Mildred and to evade their state’s Racial Integrity Act, a law percent of that mixed race population was un- Richard Lov- that defined the marriage of a white man and der the age of eighteen. ing. Certainly African American woman as a felony. Five their fight and weeks later on July 11, the newly-married cou- It is also notable that this profound demo- ultimate tri- ple was rousted from their bed by the Caroline graphic shift would have such a powerful reso- umph has County, Virginia sheriff and two deputies and nance in the marketplace where corporate proven to be arrested for violating the 1924 law. In a plea powerhouses from Nike to the Gap have em- Mildred and Richard so important agreement, they pleaded guilty in return for a braced interracialism in their marketing cam- Lovings to so many one-year suspended jail sentence and an agree- paigns. It has been over a decade since Tiger people. June 12, the day that Earl Warren’s ment not to return to the state together for Woods took advantage of an appearance on decision in the Loving case was handed down, is twenty-five years. Oprah to introduce the world to his observed as an informal holiday by mixed race “Cablinasian” heritage. While Woods was sim- The couple moved to Washington, started a couples across the nation. But more impor- ply pointing out that he could just as easily be family, and struggled to make ends meet. Even- tantly, it was the willingness of the Loving’s to considered an Asian-American golf champion as tually the isolation from family and friends confront that apparatus of power—to refuse to an African American golf champion, his per- proved too much. In 1963 Mildred Loving be cowed in the face of injustice that inspires formance proved a marketing bonanza for Nike contacted the American Civil Liberties Union and is so instructive. When attorney Bernard who has made Asia the fastest growing market which agreed to take the case. Eventually Lov- Cohen tried to explain the legal intricacies of for golfing equipment and apparel in the ing v. Virginia was argued before the Supreme their case, he remembered Richard Loving’s world. Since then celebrities from Halle Barry Court of the United States on April 10, simple reply: “Mr. Cohen, tell the court I love to Mariah Carey, to Johnny Depp have publicly 1967. Chief Justice Earl Warren delivered the my wife, and it is just unfair that I can’t live with embraced (and cashed in on) their mixed-race opinion of the Court on June 12. Warren put her in Virginia.” In a political age that is so identities. the question succinctly: did the “statutory often characterized by its hard-bitten cynicism, scheme adopted by the State of Virginia to Of course there is no better example of the it is easy to forget the transformative power of prevent marriages between persons solely on emergence of a mixed race America than the love.□ the basis of racial classifications” violate the candidacy of US Senator Barack Obama. When Mark A. Huddle is an assistant professor of “Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of Obama was born in 1961 his parents union was history at St. Bonaventure University. This essay the Fourteenth Amendment?” The Court still considered illegal in sixteen states. On the is excerpted from his forthcoming book, "The concluded that the Virginia law directly contra- campaign trail, he frequently invokes the experi- Paradox of Color: Mixed Race Americans and dicted the “central meaning” of those constitu- ences of his white mother and Kenyan father the Burden of History," which will published by tional safeguards and was therefore unconstitu- and his own subsequent rise as a new American the University of Pennsylvania Press. He can be tional. Dream narrative and his own achievements as a reached at: [email protected] road-map towards “a more perfect union.” The Lovings were always quick to note that Special thanks to Dr. Huddle and while they were glad their case proved so help- But what Barack Obama has also noted is that ful to so many people their main concern was while his crazy-quilt genealogy might inspire

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What they’re saying about Benjamin Todd Jealous Mother: Ann Todd Jealous

Lia Epperson

“I am glad a new President/CEO has finally been selected and this matter can be put to rest. Mr. Jealous is young but only 3 years younger than Mr. Walter White when he took over leadership of the organization in 1931. Walter White rendered fine leadership to the NAACP until his death in 1955. Like Mr. Although Mr. Jealous was the youngest of the three finalist he is a seasoned civil rights advocate with a background in the priority issues of the NAACP, including voter registration and education. I believe he will be a good leader.

"I believe he will bring enthusiasm and a proven civil rights background to the position. Mr. Jealous understands the importance of ensuring equitable practices. He has spent a better part of his life fighting for the cause of justice. He comes from a family who directly participated in the civil rights movement. "I believe he truly believes in the organization and its rich history. He believes the struggle still continues and we must unite on every front to ensure each citizen has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Jealous said he would make financial stability a priority for the organization and planned to use his personal relationships with top foundations in the nation to raise funds. He also said he would focus on supporting the NAACP's nearly 2,000 local units and on using technology more effectively to 'pull people into this movement,'" the article said. I believe this is a positive and progressive start for Mr. Jealous.“ Andrea Glover, President Goose Creek NAACP Branch “I have high hopes that we will move forward with this “Benjamin Todd Jealous’ age, coupled with his appointment. Mr. Jealous' youth should be good for energy and knowledge of civil rights will bring a bringing youth back to the organization, but there is so new dimension of activism to the NAACP. The much more that is needed and I hope he has the ability potential to increase memberships, targeting to pull it all together.” many within his age range, and raise money for the organization can only increase the capacity James Gallman, Member NAACP National Board of Directors and viability of the of the NAACP which former National Board Chairman Benjamin G Spotts- President Aiken SC NAACP Branch wood said was, “the largest and oldest, the bad- “It is with a great deal of pride that I join other NAACPers dest and the boldest, the most loved and most hated, the most in welcoming our recently elected President/CEO, Mr. feared and revered, the most cussed and the most discussed Benjamin Jealous into the NAACP family. This time is of civil rights organization in America.” particular importance because we are approaching the Madie Robinson, Member NAACP Centennial Celebration activities. The first 100 NAACP National Board of Directors years of our beloved organization signals that even though we have made many strides in this struggle for freedom, President Florence NAACP Branch we still have many more injustices to address. We look There is a new day dawning and the generation that came forward to our new President- Elect joining us in this effort. of age after the major victories of the civil rights movement The widening disparity gaps that persist between Blacks, of the 50s and 60s are seizing the baton of leadership. We Hispanics and Whites in the areas of Education, Health, Economic Develop- will look back on his selection as President and CEO as a ment, Wealth, Housing, Voter Empowerment, Criminal/Juvenile Justice serve watershed moment where there was a changing of to remind us of the many challenges that we still face. guards. The future of the Association is bright.

I must take this opportunity to thank our NAACP staff and all of the thousands The American Heart Association is excited about the op- of volunteers that give of their time , talent and resources on a daily basis to portunity to collaborate and partner with the NAACP to ensure that this fight for freedom continues. eliminate health outcome disparities.

I am excited about the vision and leadership skills that Mr.Jealous will bring The Reverend Dr. Francys Johnson with him. Together, I know that we will keep the torch of freedom burning VP, The American Heart Association brightly.” Former Director NAACP Region V Adora Obi Nweze, Member NAACP National Board of Directors President Florida NAACP Conference June 2008 - Page 8 Page 9 NAACP CREEK CONNECTION

GOOSE CREEK NAACP POLITICAL ACTION HEALTH COMMITTEE COMMITTEE NANCY JAMES, Chairperson ROBERT NEWTON, Chairman Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke, and Obesity Deadlines for voting absentee in the The African American community is disproportionately affected by heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and obesity. June 10 State Primaries Persons qualified to vote an absentee ballot in the South Carolina Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases which disproportionately im- State Primaries: pact minority populations, including heart disease, some cancers, diabe- • Persons who will be outside their county of residence on tes, and stroke, Election Day Researchers think it's because we don’t exercise enough or eat a • Members of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine, healthy diet, which increases the risks for hypertension (high blood pres- and their spouses and dependents residing with them sure), high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions lead to • Persons who, for reasons of employment, will not be able disease of the heart, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and obesity. to vote on election day Recent studies have shown that small lifestyle changes, such as an • Physically disabled persons exercise routine, can prevent or lessen the conditions that lead to heart • Persons sixty-five years of age or older disease, diabetes, some cancers, stroke, and obesity. • Persons serving as a juror in state or federal court on

Just 30 Minutes a Day Election Day Experts say just 30 minutes of activity on most days will help you stay • Persons admitted to the hospital as emergency patients healthier. Adding exercise into your life may be easier than you think. on day of election or within a four-day period before the election You don't have to exercise hard and you can break up the 30 minutes • Persons with a death or funeral in the family within three into shorter chunks. Just make sure you exercise for at least 10 minutes days before the election at a time and get your heart rate up. Work out hard enough that you • Persons confined to a jail or pre-trial facility pending dis- lightly sweat and your heart beats faster, but not so hard that you can't position of arrest or trial talk while exercising. • Persons attending sick or physically disabled persons Good activities for exercising include: • Certified poll watchers, poll managers, and county elec- • Walking - tion officials working on Election Day To get benefit, you must walk briskly—fast enough • Persons who, for religious reasons, do not wish to take to make your pulse and breathing increase, but not part in the electoral process on a Saturday so fast that you can't talk comfortably. How to vote an absentee ballot: • Slide and Step Aerobics In Person - Visit your county voter registration office, complete an appli- • Swimming and/or Water Aerobics cation, and cast your ballot. You may vote absentee in person up until • Running or jogging 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 9. • Bicycling By Mail - Step 1: Contact your county voter registration office to request You can increase your exercise activity in simple ways. These sugges- an absentee ballot application. Voters (or their immediate family mem- tions can get you started, and you can probably think of additional ways. bers) may make the request in person or by phone, mail, e-mail, or fax. Add a few extra steps to your everyday activities: An authorized representative may also make the request, but only in • Park farther than usual from your workplace (or get person or by mail. An authorized representative is a registered voter off the bus or subway before your stop). who, with a voter's permission, can request an absentee ballot applica- • Take the stairs rather than the elevator for one or two tion on behalf of a voter who qualifies because of illness or disability. floors. Candidates and paid campaign workers, who are not family, may not • Take a lap around the outside of the grocery store serve as authorized representatives. before going in. Step 2: Return the application to your county voter registration office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 6. Healthy Eating Step 3: You will be mailed an absentee ballot. Vote the ballot following A healthy diet helps improve your overall health and well being. By com- ballot instructions and return it to your county voter registration office by mitting to eating better, you can reduce your risk of many chronic dis- 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 10. The ballot may be mailed or hand- eases – including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and certain delivered. If hand delivered by someone other than the voter or post cancers – while increasing your energy and stamina. Healthy eating can office, that person must complete an authorization form. Candidates and even lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. paid campaign workers, who are not family, may not hand deliver absentee ballots. Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise routine Registered voters may vote in either party's primary, but NOT both.

June 2008 - Page 9 Page 10 NAACP CREEK CONNECTION

Remember Malcolm By Edmund W. Lewis, Editor The Louisiana Weekly (Editor’s note: Article originally posted in The Louisiana Weekly May 12, 2008)

May 12, 2008-New Orleans, LA he began to turn his life around gle for liberation and justice: then it is right for you and me to

Monday, May 19, will mark the thanks to the many books he "I believe that there will ulti- do whatever is necessary to 83rd anniversary of the birth of read and the ennobling teach- mately be a clash between the defend our own people right Malcolm X, one of the world's ings of Nation of Islam leader oppressed and those that do her in this country." most committed and visionary Elijah Muhammad. By the time the oppressing. I believe that Malcolm's contributions have freedom fighters Even more than he was paroled in 1952, there will be a clash between never been as widely cele- four decades after his death, Brother Malcolm had rejected those that want freedom, jus- brated as the annual Martin Malcolm continues to provide a the slave name "Little" and Luther King Jr. national holiday. tice and equality for everyone sterling example to young broth- replaced it with an "X" to repre- and those who want to con- But they are every bit as impor- ers trying to find their way out of sent the African heritage stolen tinue the systems of exploita- tant and should be remem- the maddening darkness that too from him and other Africans in tion." bered and celebrated in some often defines the lives of African America by their European € "Education is our passport to meaningful way each year. men in America. oppressors. the future, for tomorrow be- The thing is, we don't need the Malcolm had every reason in the He evolved from being a bon- longs to the people who pre- government to give us permis- world to give up but never did. afide menace to society to pare for it today." sion to celebrate and honor the He endured domestic terrorist becoming one of African Amer- "If you're not ready to die for it, memory and legacy of Malcolm attacks on his family by white ica's most respected and com- put the word 'freedom' out of X. supremacists in Omaha, Ne- mitted freedom fighters. Al- your vocabulary." braska and Lansing, Michigan; though he only had an eighth- Every time we get disillusioned the brutal murder of his father, grade education, his time be- "I for one believe that if you about conditions in the city's Earl Little, a Garveyite follower; hind bars gave him an opportu- give people a thorough under- public schools and corruption in an emotional breakdown by his nity to slow down and feed his standing of what confronts the school system, we should mother Louise Norton Little, and mind. Those seeking to uplift them and the basic causes that remember Malcolm's mantra the dissolution of his family by communities of color today can produce it, they'll create their about achieving our goals and social workers. learn from that aspect of his own program, and when the objectives "by any means nec- story today. Malcolm's ability to people create a program, you essary." In spite of it all, young Malcolm read and his hunger for knowl- get action." Little managed to continue to Every time we get frustrated excel academically, graduating edge and truth enabled him to "I believe in the brotherhood of about fighting for a livable at the top of his junior high do battle with white suprema- man, all men, but I don't be- wage, affordable health care, school class. He might have cists and accommodating lieve in brotherhood with any- decent education and things gone on to become a lawyer if Blacks alike. He never backed body who doesn't want brother- that others take for granted, we one of his favorite teachers had- down from an intellectual chal- hood with me. I believe in treat- should remember Malcolm and n't killed that dream by telling lenge and always held his own ing people right, but I'm not all the others who never him that such a vocation was "no in debates because he had going to waste my time trying stopped fighting for us. truth and conviction on his side. to treat somebody right who realistic goal for a n*gger." Soon Every time we grow weary from thereafter, his decline began, as When he was wrong or mis- doesn't know how to return the policing the police and holding often happens today in the lives taken about some aspect of the treatment." elected officials' feet to the fire, of many children of color. After plight of Africans in America, "If violence is wrong in Amer- we should remember Malcolm, dropping out of high school, he was the first to admit it. ica, violence is wrong abroad. If Marcus, Martin, Medgar and all Malcolm worked a series of While his assassins may have it is wrong to be violent defend- the freedom fighters who didn't dead-end jobs before turning to taken his life, they could never ing Black women and Black know what it meant to quit. a life of petty crime. kill his revolutionary spirit. That children and Black babies and Every time we get tired or dis- Later in life, he made no secret spirit lives on today in the men, Black men, then it is wrong for women and children who carry couraged about fighting an of his involvement with drugs, America to draft us, and make uphill battle for our children's illegal gambling, prostitution and on in the liberation struggle. us violent in defense of her. Listed below are some of the future, we should remember burglary. And if it is right for America to Malcolm and all he sacrificed things he said about race rela- draft us, and teach us how to One of his burglary jobs landed tions in the U.S. and the strug- be violent in defense of her, Continued on next page him behind bars in 1946 where June 2008 - Page 10 Volume 3, Edition 06 Page 11

Remember Malcolm Con’t Saturday, May 17, 2008 He points to his youth as an was sexist. That aside, she said NAACP Names New asset in recruiting new members no one else had spoken out because he loved us so. and said he thinks he can work about his totally inappropriate 35-Year Old CEO Perhaps the celebrated actor/ to create consensus among the comments — she said that's By Rosetta Thurman board's various factions. because people are afraid of him activist Ossie Davis, who passed The NAACP — and the NAACP would be away several years ago, best may have Hey now, maybe it's time to renew your NAACP member- remiss not to take a stance. described what El-Hajj Malik El made one of Shabazz meant to African Amer- their best stra- ship...□ Scott said she'd ica. In his eulogy of Malcolm, tegic moves in Special Thanks to Rosetta like the school Davis said: "Malcolm was our recent years by Thurman for sharing this arti- board to censure manhood, our living, Black man- Rosetta Thurman hiring someone cle with Goose Creek NAACP. Ravenel for his hood! This was his meaning to his profane words under 40 to lead the still rele- Visit Rosetta’s web site at: people. And, in honoring him, we vant, but ailing civil rights organi- and threatening honor the best in ourselves. Last www.thurmanconsulting.org/ behavior, and condemn Vice zation. Benjamin Todd Jealous Or Email Rosetta at: year, from Africa, he wrote these was named President/CEO of Chairwoman Nancy Cook and words to a friend: 'My journey,' he the NAACP this week. He is only board member Ray Toler for says, 'is almost ended, and I have 35 years old, the youngest Charleston Group 'their complicity in trying to hide a much broader scope than when the truth.' Cook and Toler were leader to ever take the reins of Led By The NAACP I started out, which I believe will the organization in its 99 years in with Ravenel when he made the add new life and dimension to our existence. His appointment is Wants Arthur Ravenel comments but have said they struggle for freedom and honor didn't hear him use the word not without controversy, as the and dignity in the States. I am Off School Board 'bitch.' NAACP's 64-member board was CHARLESTON June 1, 2008 writing these things so that you apparently quite divided, but he Scott said she'd like to see will know for a fact the tremen- Hllery Douglas, Chairman made the cut. Benjamin was Charleston County School Board Cook, who she's previously dous sympathy and support we most recently President of the asked to step down for suggest- have among the African States for last week said that there is no Rosenberg Foundation a private debate about what happened. ing sterilization as a potential our Human Rights struggle. The foundation supporting advocacy solution to societal problems, main thing is that we keep a efforts to make significant im- "The facts are well established and Toler give up their board United Front wherein our most provements in the lives of Cali- and documented," he said. "We positions, but they were focusing valuable time and energy will not fornia's working families and know that a board member, in their attention on Ravenel be- be wasted fighting each other.' immigrants. He also served as speaking openly to staff at dis- cause he's the one who made However we may have differed Director of US Human Rights trict headquarters, used a de- the comments.□ from him - or with each other Program at Amnesty Interna- meaning and discriminatory term about him and his value as a man tional. to describe the superintendent. Rally and Town Hall - let his going from us serve only He did this not once, but twice. Meeting Planned to bring us together, now." I'm actually pretty excited to see And he threatened the superin- Amen.?□ where Benjamin will take us! As tendent's job, saying she'd be TOWN HALL MEETING: At 7 Special thanks to The the Atlanta Journal-Constitution history if she didn't put some- p.m. Thursday June 5, 2008 at Louisiana Weekly and Edmund proclaims, the "new, young thing on the agenda." Macedonia AME Church, 341 W. Lewis, Editor for permission NAACP chief may bridge gen- East Bay St., to talk about the to reprint this article. eration." Indeed, Benjamin says Nelson Rivers III, way the school board sets he will use his youth to his ad- the national director policy and makes decisions, "...I always had a deep affec- vantage in leading the organiza- of field operations Scott said. tion for Malcolm and felt that tion (my bold emphasis): for the NAACP and he had a great ability to put his Jealous said he will make finan- a Burke High gradu- RALLY: At 5:15 p.m. Monday finger on the existence and the cial stability a priority for the ate, said Ravenel June 9 at 75 Calhoun St., be- root of the problem. He was an organization and plans to use his isn't going to fore the Charleston County eloquent spokesman for his personal relationships with top change at the age of 81, and School Board meeting, to point of view and no one can foundations around the country that it's time for the community to "make it plain that Ravenel's honestly doubt that Malcolm to build fund-raising. He said he do something about it. profane words and threatening had a great concern for the behavior do not represent will also focus on supporting the Dot Scott, president of the problems we face as a race." what's good for Charleston NAACP's nearly 2,000 local units Charleston branch, said the County," said Dot Scott, presi- -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in across the country and on using group got involved because it's dent of the Charleston branch a telegram to Betty Shabazz technology more effectively to committed to issues of race and of the NAACP. after the murder of Malcolm X "pull people into this movement." gender, and Ravenel's behavior

June 2008 - Page 11 Goose Creek, SC Branch # 56A3 NAACP CREEK CONNECTION

NAACP LAUNCHES 4TH OPERATION BIKE WEEK JUSTICE Upcoming Events TO MONITOR TREATMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AT Myrtle Beach Hotline will assist those who may experience unfair treatment over three-day June 6, 2008 - SC State NAACP Freedom Fund event June 10, 2008 SC Primary Election June 14, 2008 - Ridgeville Branch NAACP 17TH June 27, 2008 - SC State NAACP Freedom Fund Freedom Fund Banquet July 12-17, 2008 - 99th NAACP Convention Cincinnati, OH July 30 - August 3, 2008 - ACT-SO 30th Anniversary Competition - Orlando, FL

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will again keep a close watch on the City of Myrtle Beach (S.C.) and local businesses this holiday weekend as annual Black Bike Week festivities get under- way. For the fourth consecutive year the NAACP will conduct Operation Bike Week Justice to monitor activities in the resort town during Black Bike Week, the annual Memorial Day weekend gathering of African American mo- torcycle enthusiasts. Throughout the weekend, NAACP teams will be monitoring police activity and treatment of African American visitors, observing the practices of local businesses and watching traffic patterns.

In recent years, the NAACP and African Americans have filed and settled federal lawsuits against the City of Myrtle Beach and areas businesses for unequal treatment of Black Bike Week visitors compared to those who attend Harley Week, traditionally held one week earlier and a predominately white event.

“Any form of racial discrimination against Black Bike Week visitors will not be toler- ated,” said NAACP Field Operations Chief Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, and a native South Carolinian. “Closing businesses or refusing to provide equal services to Black Bike Week visitors that are provided to visitors at other times of the year, not only makes no economic sense, it is against the law.”

Again this year, a complaint hotline will be activated for individuals to report closed restaurants, police misconduct or other unfair treatment. Black Bike Week atten- dees can report incidents by calling (888) 362-8683 or by visiting Sandy Grove Baptist Church located at 1008 Carver Street [in Myrtle Beach] to file a complaint in person. Calls in previous years listed complaints against businesses for in- creased prices and noted police misconduct, frivolous charges and large fines for minor offenses.

Some progress has been made the last two years. Two more undisclosed settle- ments with offending businesses were reached recently. However, the NAACP remains concerned about the disproportionate number of arrests and the quality of SC Primary Election is June 10th police training in response to such large gatherings. Additionally, several establish- ments remain closed and continue to engage in discriminatory practices despite being aware of the lawsuits and Operation Bike Week Justice.

June 2008 - Page 12