Getting older isn't always easy.

Yet, Utah members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People were proud of the organization's presence as they celebrated its 89 years in the state.

Edward Lewis Jr., chairman of the NAACP's Life Membership Committee and the Freedom Fund banquet held Friday by the local unit, said that the NAACP will continue working for change in the coming years as well.

"Membership is still the lifeblood of the NAACP," Lewis said. "And in Salt Lake City it is amazing, we have over 500 members and that is more than some major cities."

The event was the organization's yearly fundraiser to refill coffers for another year of activism and help fund scholarship programs offered to college students across the state. Awards were also given to Citadel Communications, Comcast and Millcreek Broadcasting. Jazz owner Larry H. Miller also received an award for his support of the NAACP's scholarship program. Because of recent complications with diabetes, he was unable to attend.

Joe Madison, a Washington, D.C., human rights activist and radio personality, was the speaker for the evening. He talked about the significance of Sen. Barack Obama's bid for the presidency.

"There are a lot of young people who criticize the NAACP as being old and out of touch," Madison said. "But, I'd venture to say that it's because of people who have supported the organization through the years that we have the type of campaign we do today."

Madison noted that prior to Obama receiving the Democratic nomination for president, other African-Americans such as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Shirley Chisholm had aspired to the same office. Yet, before these aspirations were possible, countless activists had to set the course.

While mention of Obama generated applause and cheers of support from the crowd, Madison said that the next American president will have to, "take the tiger by the tail." He said that it is important elected officials begin championing the cause of everyone who can't take weekly trips to the spa or fly to Europe for a hunting trip.

In the 21st century, Madison said, the currency of the world will be education. He guaranteed that in the coming years there will be two kinds of people, no longer divided by race or gender, but by their education or lack thereof. He said it is imperative that people elect officials who can provide those skills to children.

"In politics there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies," Madison said. "Only permanent interests."

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E-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com