NAACP:  The Struggle Continues

By Lunette Howell and Betty Valentine
Toledo NAACP Editorial Team

With the recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida, and gun violence on the rise, now is a time to reflect on our government officials and who we need to have in office.  Another reminder to educate yourselves on how elected officials representing you locally feel about the purchase of military-style assault weapons being so available.  We need strong voices in Washington to address this issue.  Our prayers go out to the victims of this terrible act of violence against innocent people.  It’s your right to VOTE…Your Vote Will Count.

The Origins and Importance of Black History Month

Many people today question the relevance of Black History Month.  Because black history was not taught as a mandatory education component in most K-12 schools, many students of all nationalities, are not aware of the accomplishments of our black ancestors. 
 

On September 9, 1915, while in Chicago celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation, the Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, along with A. L. Jackson, Jesse E. Moorland, and others formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other people of African descent.  The second week of February was chosen as the week for celebration to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Abraham Lincoln may have “freed” the slaves in 1863, but black citizens were denied their constitutional rights for a century thereafter.  Sharecropping chained African-Americans to the land well into the 20^th century, while Jim Crow – institutionalized segregation – oppressed black citizens well into the 1960s.  Because of the systems legally in place, many accomplishments were never acknowledged or proper credit given.  But things were destined to change.

Since Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, the black community had been celebrating the fallen president’s birthday.  And since the late 1890s, black communities across the country had been celebrating Douglass’.  Choosing February meant not creating a new tradition, but extending the knowledge and study of black history beyond these two heroes.  This enhancement of what was already in place increased its chance for success.

Schools and organizations across the country quickly embraced Woodson’s initiative and he and his colleagues soon found an increasing demand for additional course materials and other resources.  As early as the 1940s efforts to expand the week had begun. 

As the Civil Rights movement and the Black Power movement of the 60s came into being, an increased awareness and interest in the historic dimensions of our experiences were rekindled.  During the Civil Rights Movement in the South, the Freedom Schools incorporated black history into the curriculum to advance social change.  The Negro History movement was an intellectual insurgency that was part of every larger effort to transform race relations.  In 1976, on the 50^th anniversary of the first Negro History Week, the move to Black History Month was made.

To date, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month.  Ronald Reagan’s first Black History Month proclamation stated that “understanding the history of black Americans is a key to understanding the strength of our nation.”  Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

The NAACP Today

As the NAACP works toward internal restructuring and shifting to a more aggressive political stance, the historic organization launched a multi-city listening tour, NAACP Forward officially kicked off in Baltimore during the 108^th annual convention in July this past summer, NAACP Forward is part of the organization’s strategic plan to renew its mission and commitment to advance civil rights and fighting social and economic injustice.

The listening tour made stops in several major cities and included an intergenerational collective of local branches, college chapters and community activists.  During each session, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and NAACP Board Chairman Leon Russell listened to the needs and suggestions of participants who were asked:  What are the ideal goals for the organization and the community?  What are the important issues the NAACP should focus on and what should they do to achieve these goals?

“What we are aiming for is to redo and review our strategic plan,” says Russell.  “We want to evaluate the nuances and identity what needs to be fixed.  We are looking for feedback on how to run our programs for the next five years. 

There was a standing-room only crowd in Washington, D.C., where participants mentioned issues such as voting, health, education and ways to get younger people more involved in the organization.

In addition to the listening tour, the President’s Council of the NAACP also submitted a letter that included recommendations on how the organization can address systemic issues.

The organization is taking steps toward better positioning itself to counter the reversal of policies that have eliminated years of progress, says Johnson.  Since the conclusion of the tour, the NAACP has begun formulating a strategic plan for forward movement.

“We are looking to deepen our resolve in strengthening our infrastructure,” says Johnson.  “We have found that local communities are particularly interested in knowing how they can leverage themselves in fighting against injustice.”

Join us at our meetings held at the Mott Branch Library – March 13 and April 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.  View our website at www.naacptoledo.org .

Copyright © 2018 by [The Sojourner's Truth]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08/16/18 14:12:13 -0700.

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