From Deseret News archives:

Membership touted as 'lifeblood' of NAACP

Published: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 12:58 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
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.

Story continues below
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."


E-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com

Recent comments

To Eric:
If only it was true to "our accomplishments speak for...

If only it was true | Oct. 26, 2008 at 8:20 p.m.

I grew up in both Utah and Idaho and have lived in various parts of...

Erik | Oct. 25, 2008 at 5:42 a.m.

Image
Courtney Sargent, Deseret News

Human rights activist and radio personality Joe Madison, left, speaks with Ed Lewis Jr., chairman of the Life Membership Committee of the NAACP, at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City on Friday.

previousnext

Latest comments

Glad that he's finally going to be scouting how to beat TCU. Seems to...

Too anyone who whines about people who EARN high salaries; when was the last...

12 Utes return to Texas

Don't know bout all that "Texas" stuff, but I'm here to tell you people, that...

Gorbachev was a brilliant leader and single most important individual in...

It buys votes from every irresponsible, lazy American in order to keep the...

My fear is the damage to the economy adding trillions of dollars to the...

I don't know, Ak can be horrible too, there are those times when he only...

Utah 24, TCU 21

You are so right about the BS of these 3 radio clowns!

And some of you out there could care less if we give up our freedoms as long...

Advertisements
Advertisement