TN NAACP Communications

Live from the Legislative Day on the Hill!

2011-03-01T09:29:00.001-06:00

We will be here all day long!

Video streaming by Ustream

VIDEO: Watch the Shirley Sherrod Video in FULL

2010-07-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Due to popular request, we have decided to post the complete Shirley Sherrod speech. For more info on the NAACP and Ms. Sherrod Click Here.

NAACP SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO HELP STATES REDUCE PRISON POPULATIONS

2010-06-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

H.R. 4080, THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REINVESTMENT ACT, WOULD HELP STATES DEVELOP INCARCERATION REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND REINVEST MONEY SAVED

THE ISSUE:

The United States is the world's leader in incarceration with 2.3 million people currently in the nation's prisons or jails -- a 500% increase over the past thirty years. These trends have resulted in prison overcrowding and state governments being overwhelmed by the burden of funding a rapidly expanding penal system, despite increasing evidence that large-scale incarceration is not the most effective means of achieving public safety. This over-reliance on incarceration has also had a disproportionately serious impact on communities of color: 57% of incarcerated inmates are racial or ethnic minorities and 88% of inmates are male. Specifically, as of mid-year 2009, whites represented 42.5% of all incarcerated inmates; African Americans, 39.2%; and Hispanics, 16.2%. These percents have remained nearly stable since midyear 2000. Furthermore, prisons aren't the only area within the criminal justice system that has seen a huge growth over the past three decades. Our society's increasing over-reliance on the criminal justice system is even more apparent when you add in the number of Americans on parole or probation: one in 31 adults in America is in prison or jail, or on probation or parole. Twenty-five years ago, the rate was 1 in 77.

In addition to the extreme human toll this is taking on our Nation, the financial costs are staggering: The National Association of State Budget Officers estimates that states spent a record $51.7 billion on corrections in FY2008, or 1 in every 15 general fund dollars. Adding local, federal and other funding brings the national correctional spending total to $68 billion. This is money that cannot be spent on education, health, transportation, or other projects that benefit society as a whole.

Clearly, we as a nation need to take some new approaches to effectively reduce the number of people we put into prison each year. We have found, however, is that incarceration reduction programs that are very successful in one state are sometimes much less so in another. The only true common factor in all 50 states right now is that they are all struggling under the weight of enormous burdens in terms of human as well as monetary resources as a result of a dysfunctional criminal justice system.

To help address the problem, Congressmen Adam Schiff (CA) and Dan Lungren (CA), along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and John Cornyn (TX) have introduced H.R. 4080 / S. 2772, the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act. This legislation devotes grant funding for intensive analysis of criminal justice data, policies, and the cost-effectiveness of current spending on corrections, in order to develop data - driven policy options that can address this. The bill then provides resources for the implementation of solutions and for reinvesting averted prison costs to bolster such initiatives. The NAACP strongly supports H.R. 4080 / S. 2772, and urges its immediate enactment.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ACTION WE NEED YOU TO TAKE!

Youth & College Division Logo Design Contest

2010-06-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

The NAACP Youth & College Division has kicked off a logo competition to create a new logo. The winning design will be unveiled at the "100 REMIX Town Hall Event" at the 2010 NAACP National Convention, in Kansas City on July 12th, and serve as the official logo of the NAACP Youth & College Division.

Click Here to Find out how to enter!

Rev. Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks (1925-2010)

2010-04-15T11:32:00.004-05:00

Dear NAACP Family,

It is with great sadness to inform you that our beloved President/CEO Emeritus Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks in Memphis, Tennessee passed away early this morning. Please keep Mrs. Frances Dancy Hooks and their daughter Pat in your prayers.

We will share more information as details are finalized.

Gloria J. Sweet-Love
President
NAACP,TN State Conference

Launch of the Regional Convention Info Blog

2010-04-08T10:38:00.001-05:00

The NAACP Regional Convention has now joined the world wide web! Visit the new online home of the convention for registration forms, schedule of events and hotel information.

Visit the website at http://naacpregionv.blogspot.com!

57th Annual NAACP Southeast Regional Convention

2010-03-24T17:16:00.000-05:00

Thursday, April 29, 2010 - Saturday, May 1, 2010

Veranda Hotel at Harrah's Hotel & Casino Resort

13615 Old Highway 61 North

Robinsonville, MS

We are happy to announce that the 57th Annual NAACP Southeast Region Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute CRATI) will be held April 29 - May 1, 2010, in the great city of Tunica, Mississippi. The Southeast Regional Conference has been one of the most outstanding events in the NAACP and this year's conference will be just as AWESOME!

This year's conference is designed to provide you with the necessary tools and guidance needed to move our Region to the next level. You will receive specialized training, participate in special events and hear and meet motivational speakers who will leave you inspired, motivated, fired up and ready to go back to your units to move the NAACP and Region V to the next level of excellence. For, we need to have the most equipped troops on the ground carrying out the NAACP's work in every community.

We are excited by the opportunities the convention provides in commemorating the people and events that have created one of the greatest and most historically rich civil rights breeding grounds.

More information regarding registration, hotel room rates and event schedule will be forthcoming very soon. Please mark your calendars and share the date with the members of your unit. Due to the date of this Regional event, our Bi-monthly meeting scheduled for May 1st is postponed until further notice.

For up to speed information please visit the Facebook page http://bit.ly/9Zyy3S

NAACP ELECTS ROSLYN M. BROCK TO CHAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2010-03-02T12:08:00.000-06:00

Brock Youngest Ever, Fourth Woman to Serve as NAACP Board Chair

NEW YORK, NY – The NAACP named Roslyn Brock as Chair of the Board of Directors at its Annual Board Meeting on February 20 at the New York Hilton.

Brock, 44, became the youngest ever and fourth woman to serve as Chair of the NAACP’s Board of Directors. A highly qualified candidate, her NAACP resumé boasts more than 25 years of service to the NAACP in many capacities, including as a youth board member, Youth and College State Conference President, board member, and Vice Chair to the Board of Directors. Brock also created the annual NAACP Leadership 500 Summit, and has served as Chair of the Board Convention Planning Committee.

“As the NAACP ushers in a new generation, it is a great honor to be elected Chairman of the Board of this esteemed Association,” said NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “We are blessed with the opportunity to lead the fight for civil and human rights into another century, and I am honored to help the NAACP issue the clarion call while ensuring the future legacy of this great organization.”

“We’re looking at a generational shift in our communities,” continued Brock. “We have a 48 year old President in the White House, an NAACP President who was 35 at the time of his election, and a 44 year old Board Chair. The wisdom of those who stood the test of time got us to this point, and the youth will lead the future success of our movement.”

She officially announced her candidacy last August after her predecessor Julian Bond declared his retirement from the Chairman position. Bond endorsed Brock’s candidacy, citing her experience in many facets of the Association as well as her youth as assets she will bring to the Chair position.

“The time has come for me to step down as Chairman of the Board and I cannot think of a better person to pass the torch to than Roslyn M. Brock. Ms. Brock understands first-hand how important youth are to the success of the NAACP. She was introduced to the NAACP 25 years ago when she served the NAACP as a youth board member and Youth and College Division State Conference President. She represents the next generation of civil rights leaders,” said NAACP Chairman Emeritus Julian Bond.

“I am proud to be standing with Roslyn M. Brock as the new Chairman of the NAACP Board, and I thank Julian Bond for his twelve years of service,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “Today we have elected the youngest Chairman in the history of the NAACP. This historic election, at the beginning of our second century marks a generational shift in the civil and human rights movement. Ms. Brock is fierce advocate for social justice, who is squarely focused on addressing the crises of today and winning the victories of tomorrow.”

In addition to her service with the NAACP, Brock serves as Vice President at Bon Secours Health Care in Marriottsville, MD. She is the chief spokesperson for Bon Secours on government relations, advocacy and public policy. Prior to working at Bon Secours, Brock worked 10 years in health programs at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan.

She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Union University; earned a master's degree in health services administration from George Washington University, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Theology at Virginia Union University.

“I have enjoyed my time as Chairman of the Board and the people with whom I have worked with over the past decade. I will continue to treasure this as a singular experience and continue to be active in the NAACP as a member of the National Board of Directors,” concluded Bond.

“There will never be another Julian Bond, and there will never be another Myrlie Evers-Williams. Those of that stature in the civil rights movement have made untold contributions, sacrificed and invested in us, and it is up to us to take it the rest of the way,” concluded Brock. “We need to lead and leave it better than we found it…that’s the huge challenge.”

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

NAACP Launches Census Participation Program

2010-02-15T08:14:00.000-06:00

Every 10 years, the U.S. government conducts a national Census: a demographic count of the American people. Federal funding, political representation, infrastructure projects & private investment are all based on Census data. When families do not participate, their communities lose resources and power. Yet low-income families and communities of color—those who stand the most to benefit from the Census—are often less likely to participate.

That's why the NAACP has launched Yes We Count, a nationwide mobilization to ensure that every American family participates. We'll be canvassing hard-to-reach neighborhoods and getting word out through our mobile phone network, but we can’t do it alone. Spread the word, take the pledge and volunteer. Together, we can make sure that every American is counted.

About Yes We Count
Yes We Count Fact Sheets
Census Documents
Outreach Resources

VIDEO: We are the World 25

2010-02-13T08:47:00.001-06:00

Many of you may remember 25 years ago, artists from all over the world came together to create a song so monumental that it would span 25 years to touch and inspire people. 25 years later, Some of the original artists and a lot of newer artist have done it again. This time to help Haiti. Please watch this heart felt video.

Letter from the President & CEO: End Racial Disparities in Sentencing

2010-02-11T10:38:00.001-06:00

To Whom it May Concern:

A bill to end major racial and ethnic disparities in drug sentencing is on the move in the Senate, and we need your help to pass it.

You may already know that there is an enormousdisparity between the penalty for possession of crack cocaine and powder cocaine. According to a federal law passed in 1986, a person must possess 500 grams of powder cocaine before they are subject to the same mandatory 5-year prison sentence as an individual convicted of possessing just 5 grams of crack cocaine, despite the fact that, pharmacologically, the two drugs are identical.

This 100 to 1 ratio has had a devastating impact on African American and Hispanic communities.

Authorities estimate that more than 66% of those who use crack cocaine are white. Yet in 2006, 82% of those convicted and sentenced under federal crack cocaine laws were African American. When you add in Hispanics, the percentage climbs to above 96%

To correct this, Senator Richard Durbin (IL) has introduced S. 1789, the Fair Sentencing Act of 2009. S. 1789 may get a hearing in the US Senate as early as next Thursday. Click here to send a letter to your Senators today.

The US Sentencing Commission, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a wide range of civil rights organizations have voiced their opposition to the crack cocaine sentencing disparities and mandatory minimum sentences. President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Attorney General Holder have all expressed their strong support for eliminating this glaring--and racially dubious--injustice.

Please, send a letter to your Senators today. Tell them it's time to end the crack cocaine/powder cocaine sentencing disparity.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP

Day on the Hill Rescheduled

2010-02-08T13:23:00.000-06:00

Due to inclement weather in West Tennessee that is expected to continue overnight, the NAACP Day on the Hill scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled and rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Please have your NAACP unit representative to contact your area superintendent and advises them of the change.

Also, we ask that you complete the revised participation forms with the adjusted dates (especially the youth permission form).

If you will be participating, there are forms that must be completed and returned to our office no later than 2/18/10. Please email the state office at tnnaacp3@bellsouth.net for those forms.

We look forward to seeing you there!

New to the Blog: Forms and Manuals

2010-02-04T14:46:00.002-06:00

We have added for your convenience a list of forms and manuals for Branches, Youth Councils, and College Chapters. The Following forms and manuals have been added:

2009 Financial Report (Long Form)
2009 Financial Report (Short Form)
Branch Elections Manual
Branch Officers Update Form
Civic Engagement Manual
College Chapter's Quarterly Report Form
Constitution Order Form
Effective Fundraising Guide
Membership Envelopes Order Form
Merchandise Order Form
Police Misconduct Online Report Form
Printable Membership Form
Youth & College Advisor's Manual
Youth & College Elections Manual
Youth & College Officers Update Form
Youth Council's Quarterly Report Form

All of these forms can be found in the column on the right of this site. Click the form you wish to view. From there, you have the option to print. Simple, Right? This list will be changing as new forms become available.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS HONORS NAACP CENTENNIAL

2010-02-04T13:14:00.001-06:00

Launch of New Online Exhibition and Symposium Will Feature Nearly 70 Heirlooms from NAACP History

On February 3, 2010, the Library of Congress will launch a new online exhibition honoring the NAACP in commemoration of Black History Month.

The online collection will feature nearly 70 treasures from the storied history of the NAACP, including the "Call”, Oswald Garrison Villard’s manifesto that launched the NAACP; the organization’s constitution and bylaws; photos of key events such as the New York Silent Protest of 1917, the Marian Anderson concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 and Rosa Parks’ 1955 arrest; documents about investigations of lynchings; President Harry Truman’s executive orders barring discrimination in the federal government and military; the Supreme Court decisions on discrimination; the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and background on seminal figures in the NAACP. The online exhibition will expand to eventually feature roughly 150 items.

“I am very pleased that the Library of Congress is launching the online exhibit highlighting the rich 100 year history of the Association in recognition of the NAACP Centennial,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP. “For more than a century, courageous men, women and children have dedicated and in some cases given their lives in the fight for freedom, justice and equality for all. Now their stories, sacrifices and the rich legacy of the oldest and largest Civil Rights organization can be told to generations to come, and I am deeply honored that the Library of Congress has immortalized the stories of these great freedom fighters.”

In addition to the exhibition, the Library is planning a half day symposium in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP on February 26 to coincide with Black History Month. Centennial events will include a keynote address, VIP breakfast, symposium of presentations and reflections on the NAACP during the 20th century, and launch of the expansive on-line presentation of the collection.

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NAACP Releases Civil Rights Federal Legislative Scorecard

2010-02-04T12:57:00.001-06:00

111TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION

On Wednesday, February 3 the NAACP released its annual Congressional Legislative Report Card, an evaluation of the voting records of Congressional members on NAACP agenda issues. The NAACP has graded the U.S. Congress on the “bread and butter” civil rights agenda since 1914. The report card provides a non-partisan assessment of the first session of the 111th Congress, and is designed to provide NAACP members with insight into the general voting patterns of congressional representatives and state delegations

So how do our Legislators from Tennessee measure up in voting for the NAACP's initiatives?

Senators

Alexander 38% - F

Corker 43% - F

Representatives

Roe 28% - F

Duncan 20% - F

Wamp 28% - F

Davis 76% - C

Cooper 92% - A

Gordon 84% - B

Blackburn 12% - F

Tanner 80% - B

Cohen 100% - A

For the full report card on Tennessee Legislators CLICK HERE

For the Complete Report for ALL States CLICK HERE

A Song for Haiti

2010-01-20T11:45:00.001-06:00

A reader sent in the following, tear jerking video....

Letter from the President & CEO: Remembering MLK

2010-01-19T09:26:00.001-06:00

To Whom it May Concern:

Dr. Martin Luther King was a moral giant and cherished hero of the world - a tireless champion of the poor and oppressed against the powerful. He understood the inescapable mutability of our fates and entreated the nation to embrace peace, justice and equality. He called on us to love humanity and one another and to fight for a just society.

This year our celebration of Dr. King's legacy has taken a solemn tone, as the unimaginable tragedy that has struck our brothers and sisters in Haiti weighs heavily on our hearts. It is, however, in these times of great suffering that we find comfort, leadership and inspiration from our heroes. As Dr. King said, "the time is always right to do what is right," and as Americans there can be no better way to celebrate Dr. King's life than to give what we can to assist the people of Haiti, who have lost their homes, businesses, family members, and livelihoods.

The contributions made by the country of Haiti and Haitian Americans have helped shape our country into what it is today. The time is now for all of American and the world to band together to help relieve the suffering of the Haitian community, rebuild the nation, and renew the spirit of all Haitians and Haitian Americans.

Dr. King was a man of vision and prescience. Sadly, many of his speeches are just as relevant today as they were over 40 years ago.

Dr. King courageously raised his voice against war. He spoke of the destructive impact of the Vietnam war draining resources from the fight against poverty and exhorted people to see the war as "an enemy of the poor and to attack it as such."

He spoke on behalf of the Vietnamese people that we were fighting. "They must weep as the bulldozers roar through their areas preparing to destroy the precious trees. They wander into the hospitals with at least twenty casualties from American firepower for one Vietcong-inflicted injury. So far, we may have killed a million of them, mostly children. They see the children selling their sisters to our soldiers, soliciting for their mothers. It is clear to them that we are on the side of the wealthy, and the secure, while we create a hell for the poor."

Today, we are at war in two nations.

Much of Dr. King's work was to end the scourge of poverty and he began to question the essence of our prevailing economic system. "We must ask the question why there are forty million poor people in America. And when you begin to ask that question, you are raising questions about the economic system, about a broader distribution of wealth. When you ask that question, you begin to question the capitalistic economy."

Today, the forty million poor of whom Dr. King spoke have barely decreased in number, with 39.2 million Americans still living in poverty. The greed and excesses of our system has led to one of the worst recessions in history.

Dr. King championed labor describing the labor movement as the "principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over our nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society," he said.

Today, the laws on union organizing have been weakened and the percentage of unionized workers has fallen from 36 percent in 1945 to 12.4 percent of American workers, only 7.6 percent in the private sector.

And Dr. King asked us all to give of our time and our voice to change the injustice around us. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" he said.

Dr. King would be deeply satisfied at the progress we have made. The historic election of our nation's first African-American president, the rise of many prominent Black Americans to the pinnacle of politics and business. But Dr. King was a man of the poor and he would remind us that the struggle is not over. The dream has not yet been achieved. That the disparities in the criminal justice system, in poverty, in health and in employment that still plague our communities means that we have a long way to go.

Dr. King won a Nobel Peace Prize, and the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. He changed our country and our world for the better. He offered us a shining paragon that we can strive for and ideals that we should endeavor to live up to. Today, we can best honor Dr. King's life and commemorate his death by continuing his noble work for a just society with equal opportunity for all, humankind, peace, economic democracy and a political system within which the rights of all are enshrined.

"In the end," said Dr. King, "we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends...Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Sincerely,

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP

Join Us for the 2010 Legislative Day on the HIll

2010-01-15T18:06:00.001-06:00

2009 Legislative Day on the Hill Attendees

On Tuesday, February 9, 2010, the Tennessee State Conference NAACP will host its 9th Annual “Legislative Day on the Hill” from 9:00am until 3:00pm. Our opening session will begin in the House Chambers at the Legislative Plaza.

We are requesting each unit to bring at least 8-10 persons from your community to let your legislator know that you are informed and concerned and that you will hold them accountable for how they vote. Individuals attending will be responsible for their lunch expenses. We encourage you to have lunch on-site in the State Capitol’s cafeteria. .

Youth & College Units should contact your local branch for transportation assistance. Also, if you need a letter of excuse for that day, your advisor must inform the State Conference Office no later than February 1, 2010. Individuals under the age of 18 years must have a completed the Youth Permission Form in order to participate in this event.

For planning purposes, please inform us regarding the number of attendees.

Continue Reading for the Agenda

The following is the Schedule for the adult attendees, in the past the Youth & College Division has had a separate, concurrent schedule.

Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Invocation/Welcome
NAACP Representatives

9:10 a.m. Special Greetings
House & Senate Representatives

9:45 a.m. – 10:00a.m.
Recognition & Remarks from Special Guest

10:00 a.m. – 10:00a.m.
Presentation of TN State Conference NAACP 2010 Policy Agenda

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Delegate Training Session “How to Lobby your Legislator”

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Questions and Answers

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm
Visit your legislator & Committee Meetings

Lunch: [State Capitol Cafeteria]

2:00p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Remarks – Honorable Phil Bredesen, Governor of Tennessee
Closing Session (Birthday Commemoration & Photo Op on the State Capitol Steps)

Join the NAACP in Giving Financial Assistance to Haiti

2010-01-15T17:46:00.002-06:00

NAACP RELIEF CHALLENGE!

The NAACP is asking all National Board Members, Special Contribution Fund Trustees, State Conferences, Units, Members, Staff and Supporters to donate funds to our NAACP4Haiti relief efforts. From January 14 to January 23, the NAACP will raise $100,000 to support its NAACP4Haiti Relief Fund. The challenge for each unit/person is below:

State Conferences $1,000
Large Units $500
All Units $100
National Board of Directors $100 per person
Special Contributions Fund $100 per person
Staff $50 per person
Online Activist $10 per person

Online donations can be made on the NAACP website at www.naacp.org.

Checks and money orders should be made out to:
“NAACP4Haiti”
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215

Donations will continue to be raised after the initial ten day campaign.

Want updates from the NAACP about Haiti?

TEXT THE WORD "HAITI" TO 62227

TO SUBSCRIBE TO HAITI MOBILE UPDATES FROM THE NAACP

Photos from the TN NAACP Legislative Day on the Hill 2009

2010-01-15T13:00:00.003-06:00

Photos from the NAACP National Convention

2010-01-15T12:47:00.003-06:00

Summer Program Opportunity for Black Male College Students

2010-01-15T10:49:00.001-06:00

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington, DC. The Institute provides America’s best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and life-long mentorship.

Through the focused and intimate structure of our program, the Institute equips these young men with the tools required for successful careers in business, education, journalism, law, government, the sciences, public policy, ministry, medicine, public service, and the arts.

Program Highlights

Exposure to influential leaders such as congressmen, Supreme Court justices, and business executives
Rigorous academic seminars
Roundtable discussions, including seminars on leadership development
High-level internships around Washington, DC
Activities that promote strong bonds with each other

Program Details

The 2009 program runs from Saturday, June 5 to Saturday, July 31, 2010.
Students must commit to two summers.
Housing is provided by the Institute.
Students work at paid internships based on their career interest.

You must be a college sophomore to apply. The Institute does not have a GPA requirement. However, the median GPA for recent classes is 3.65. An applicant's GPA is not the only criterion that is evaluated during the admissions process. Campus involvement, awards earned, athletics, and volunteer work are also important factors.

The application deadline for the Washington program is Friday, January 29, 2010.

Click Here For the Application!

Hilary Sheldon Addresses Senator Harry Reid's Comment

2010-01-13T08:29:00.000-06:00

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has come under intense scrutiny recently because of comments made during President Obama's campaign. The quotes are just not coming out because of a new book being release called "Game Changed" that is filled with quotes from Senator Reid, President Obama, and others during the Obama Campaign. The book was written by Journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann.

Senator Reid's comment stated that President Obama could be successful as a black candidate because his "light skinned appearance and his ability to speak "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Many have claimed this comment as offensive. Senator Reid released the following apology:

"I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans for my improper comments.

"I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama's legislative agenda"

He also called the President directly on Saturday to apologize. To which President Obama had this to say publicly:

"I accepted Harry's apology without question because I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed."

Many are interested in what the NAACP has to say about Senator Reid's comments. Senior Vice President for Advocacy Hilary Shelton appeared on Fox News yesterday (1/12/10) morning and was quoted as saying, "Harry Reid is someone who has always scored an “A” on the NAACP’s legislative report card. He has provided great leadership on a host of issues that are important to our communities."

Watch the full video below of VP Hilary Shelton on Fox News

What are your thoughts about the comments?

NAACP National Scholarships

2010-01-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

Stefanie Brown, National Field Director for the NAACP was recently asked about the Scholarships that the NAACP had to offer.

The NAACP is currently taking scholarship applications. The deadline for applications is March 7, 2010.

Please Read More for a list of the Scholarships or to Apply

NAACP SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION & APPLICATION

Please review the following requirements that apply to all NAACP scholarship applications:

Mail only one copy of your most recent official transcript to UNCF regardless of the number of scholarship programs the applicant may apply to.
Student essays and letters of recommendation must be directly uploaded to the application (use PDF, DOC, or JPG files only). If unable to upload, essays or letters of recommendation may be sent via e-mail attachment to Girmuhabte@uncf.org. No fax copies or USPS mailed essays or letters of recommendation will be accepted.
All sections of the NAACP online application must be completed and all supporting documents must be mailed to UNCF by the closing date, March 7, 2010. No supporting documents will be accepted after the deadline.
Do not send any materials to UNCF other than the supporting documents required for and indicated in each program.

*Disclaimer: Please be advised that the distribution of NAACP scholarships will be contingent upon the availability of funds for the 2010-2011 academic school year.

EARL G. GRAVES SCHOLARSHIP

Award: $5,000

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a junior or senior Business major enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States; or a graduate student enrolled to a master’s or doctoral program within a Business school at an accredited college or university in the United States (applicant may apply during their sophomore years.)
Applicant must currently be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Applicant must be a full-time student.
Applicant must be in the top 20% of his/her class.
Applicant need not demonstrate a financial need.

Members of the National NAACP Board of Directors, SCF Trustees, National Youth Work Committee, the NAACP Scholarship Selection Committee, employees and their spouses or families to the first degree of consanguinity are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship.

Apply for the Earl G. Graves Scholarship here »

AGNES JONES JACKSON SCHOLARSHIP

Award: Undergraduate: $1,500 Graduate: $2,500

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a current member of the NAACP. Applicant must submit a copy of their NAACP membership card or membership application to verify membership.
Applicant must be a United States citizen and be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States.
Undergraduate applicant must be a full-time student. If a student drops below the required full-time status, the Scholarship Selection Committee will adjust the grant received to 50% of the award allocated for that semester. Graduate applicant may be a full- or part-time student.
Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students must possess a grade point average of 2.5 (C+) on a 4.0 system. Graduate students must possess a 3.0 (B) average on a 4.0 system.

Applicant must demonstrate financial need based one following scale:

Size of Family Unit	48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$15,600	$19,500	$17,940
2	$21,000	$26,250	$24,150
3	$26,400	$33,000	$30,360
4	$31,800	$39,750	$36,570
5	$37,200	$46,500	$42,780
6	$42,600	$53,250	$48,990
7	$48,000	$60,000	$55,200
8	$53,400	$66,750	$61,410

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html

Applicants who exceed the income limitations may apply and compete for a certain amount set aside for those students.
Renewals will not be automatic. Recipients will have to compete for the renewal of their scholarships. Additional information, such as the most recent cumulative grade point average, NAACP activities, as well as other civil rights activities, and academic awards will be considered. The renewal award may be reduced or denied based on insufficient NAACP activities.
Applicants for the Agnes Jones Scholarship must not have reached the age of 25 by the application deadline.

Members of the National NAACP Board of Directors, SCF Trustees, National Youth Work Committee, the NAACP Scholarship Selection Committee, employees and their spouses or families to the first degree of consanguinity are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship.

Apply for the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship here »

LILLIAN & SAMUEL SUTTON EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

Award: Undergraduate: $1,000 Graduate: $2,000

Eligibility:

Applicant must be an Education major and a United States citizen enrolled in an accredited college in the United States.
NAACP membership and participation is highly desirable.
Undergraduate applicant must be a full-time student. If a student drops below the required full-time status, the Scholarship Selection Committee will adjust the grant received to 50% of the award allocated for that semester. Graduate students may be full or part-time students.
Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students must possess a grade point average of 2.5 (C+) on a 4.0 system. Graduate students must possess a 3.0 (B) average on a 4.0 system.
Renewals will not be automatic. Recipients will have to compete for the renewalof their scholarship and must maintain a 2.5 GPA for undergraduates and a 3.0 for graduates to qualify for renewal. Additional information such as recent GPA, and verification of education major will be considered.

Members of the National NAACP Board of Directors, SCF Trustees, National Youth Work Committee, the NAACP Scholarship Selection Committee, employees and their spouses or families to the first degree of consanguinity are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship.

Apply for the Lillian & Samuel Sutton Education Scholarship here »

ROY WILKINS SCHOLARSHIP

Award: $1,000

Eligibility:

Applicant must be an entering freshman.
Applicant must be a United States citizen enrolled in an accredited college in the United States.
NAACP membership and participation is highly desirable.
Undergraduate applicants must be full-time students. If a student drops below the required full-time status, the Scholarship Selection Committee will adjust the grant received to 50% of the award allocated for that semester.
Applicant must possess a grade point average of at least 2.5 (C+) on a 4.0 system.
The Roy Wilkins Scholarship is not renewable.

Members of the National NAACP Board of Directors, SCF Trustees, National Youth Work Committee, the NAACP Scholarship Selection Committee, employees and their spouses or families to the first degree of consanguinity are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship.

Apply for the Roy Wilkins Scholarship here »

HUBERTUS W. V. WELLEMS SCHOLARSHIP FOR MALE STUDENTS

Award: Undergraduate: $2,000 Graduate: $3,000

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a male majoring in one of the following fields: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematical Sciences.
Applicant must be a United States citizen and be applying to or accepted at an accredited college (excluding proprietary schools) in the United States.
NAACP membership and participation is highly desirable.
Undergraduate applicant must be a full-time student. If a student drops below the required full-time status, the Scholarship Selection Committee will adjust the grant received to 50% of the award allocated for that semester. Graduate students may be full or part-time students.
Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students must possess a grade point average of 2.5 (C+) on a 4.0 system.
Graduate students must possess a 3.0 (B) average on a 4.0 system.
Applicant must demonstrate financial need based on the following scale:

Size of Family Unit	48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$15,600	$19,500	$17,940
2	$21,000	$26,250	$24,150
3	$26,400	$33,000	$30,360
4	$31,800	$39,750	$36,570
5	$37,200	$46,500	$42,780
6	$42,600	$53,250	$48,990
7	$48,000	$60,000	$55,200
8	$53,400	$66,750	$61,410

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html

Members of the National NAACP Board of Directors, SCF Trustees, National Youth Work Committee, the NAACP Scholarship Selection Committee, employees and their spouses or families to the first degree of consanguinity are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship.

Apply for the Hubertus W. V. Wellems Scholarship For Male Students Scholarship here »

ALL INFORMATION WAS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM THE NAACP SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE.

NAACP-SUPPORTED LEGISLATION TO CREATE A NEW CONSUMER MORTGAGE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES PROTECTION AGENCY PASSES U.S. HOUSE

2010-01-07T11:32:00.000-06:00

On December 11, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act by a margin of 223 yeas to 202 nays. This legislation would overhaul federal regulation of the American financial services industry, including create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) which would be charged with overseeing consumer protection in the home mortgages and financial services areas, it would strengthen investor protections and it would establish and monitor national mortgage standards.

Our current system of consumer protection fails to protect American families from some of the most basic economic abuses that can unnecessarily cost households hundreds of thousands of dollars, and even their homes. This has been especially devastating for specific communities: for decades racial and ethnic minority and others have been targeted by unscrupulous mortgage lenders and others. As a result, many African American, Latino, and American Indian families as well as senior citizens were sold risky, high-cost mortgages when they might well have qualified for safer, less costly conventional loans. For African-American and Latino families, this has lead to the current economic and foreclosure crisis which represents the greatest loss of wealth in history.

VIDEO: Unions in the South

2010-01-06T20:08:00.000-06:00

Two Movements: One Goal; That is the motto of the NAACP and its partnership with Labor Organizations. Both the NAACP and Labor fight for justice and equity and have been doing so throughout the 101 year history of the NAACP.

The Labor & Industry Committee Chairperson Marilyn Brown submitted the following video about Labor Unions in the South.

DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO WAS NOT CREATED BY THE NAACP TENNESSEE STATE CONFERENCE. NOR DOES THE NAACP TENNESSEE STATE CONFERENCE ENDORSE THE VIDEO OR THE VIDEO CREATOR.

VIDEO: NAACP Centennial on CBS

2010-01-06T10:14:00.000-06:00

In case you missed the segment on CBS about the NAACP 100 year history, please watch here! It is truly touching.

TN NAACP ORGANIZES FAYETTE COUNTY

2010-01-05T11:27:00.001-06:00

The TN State Conference NAACP is working with Area Director, Monroe Woods and Community Leaders in Fayette County to support the cause of Mr. Miles Wilson, past superintendent of Fayette County District in his fight againt the injustice of a majority white board who illegally remove him at the Dec. 2009 board meeting. This community needs the help of the NAACP to bring together members from across the county. This school district is still under a desegration suit from 1963. There is simply no reason why this suit should not be settled after almost 50 yrs. The African American community in Fayette County must stand up and stand together to fight for the justice that is due them. We are soliciting the help and support of all progressive thinkers and people of good will to support Mr. Wilson's efforts to achieve justice. We need your show of support at the Fayette County School Board Meeting on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the Fayette Ware High School at 6:30 pm. The next community organizing meeting will be on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the House of Faith Fellowship Building on Hwy 76. See You There! COME & BE A PART OF PROGRESS!

VIDEO: The NAACP TN Youth & College Division 2008

2010-01-04T20:17:00.000-06:00

This is a video made by the Youth & College Division of Tennessee in 2008 to help inform young people about the NAACP and encourage them to join. The entire concept and production was done by the NAACP Tennessee Youth & College Division.

January Bi-Monthly Meeting

2010-01-04T19:44:00.000-06:00

The Tennessee State Conference NAACP will hold its first Bi-Monthly Meeting for the year 2010 on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Obion River District Association, Inc., 29 Obion River District Ave, McKenzie, Tennessee 38001. Please go to mapquest.com for directions from your specific location.

The unit president’s meeting will start at 8:00 a.m. and the general membership will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Individuals requiring overnight lodging can contact, Best Western Inn McKenzie, 16160 Highland Avenue, McKenzie, Tennessee 38201 at 731-352-1083 or 1-800-937-8376. The hotel is approximately 1 mile from the meeting site.

Registration and lunch fee is $10.00 per person. It is important that each unit contact the state office before January 4, 2010 to confirm your attendance.

Welcome to the Official Blog of the NAACP TN State Conference

2010-01-04T15:42:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the online home of ALL things Tennessee NAACP! We hoped to keep everyone informed about upcoming events, current programs and initiatives, and even let you hear from our many committee chairpersons and officers!

Please come and check out the blog everyday for new informations. And if you ever have any questions, e-mail me at tnnaacpcommunications@gmail.com