Blog Assignment #2

Our speakers from the NAACP went above and beyond my expectations. Hearing them speak made me think a lot, not only about what they have done in the past, but also what they continue to do today. Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. The mission of this organization is to stand up against injustice. Having been around since 1909, they have undoubtedly had plenty of opportunities to do so. The NAACP has definitely shaped the African American experience. From the beginning, the organization has fought to stop racial violence and segregation. I believe that it was critical that there was finally an organized front of both black and white people who refused to accept the injustices happening around them every day. This united front allowed them to be very instrumental in much of the progress that has been made towards equality. For example, they helped to advance the desegregation of the military and the passage of the Civil Rights Act (Africana Online).

The Oklahoma chapter of the NAACP has also contributed to the Civil Rights movement. One of the most notable contributions is their involvement with the sit-ins at eating establishments in Oklahoma City. With members that we have learned about in class such as Clara Luper and Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher, the efforts of the Oklahoma NAACP eventually paid off when segregation and Jim Crow ended in Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Senate).

Although racial relations have improved immensely since the early 1900’s, the NAACP still has work to do. They have many programs still in place today to combat injustice. One of the most important goals is to make sure that all children are able to obtain a quality education, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social class. The NAACP also has a Civic Engagement goal, with programs such as the Voter Empowerment Program. Through education and an increase in awareness, the program strives to increase voter turnout. There are too many programs still active in the NAACP to list them all, but overall, I think the major task of the NAACP is education. If people are educated about civil rights and learn to be tolerant of all types of people, not only those who are just like them, racial injustice can be done away with (NAACP).

I have really enjoyed the speakers we have had so far. After hearing Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Williams speak, it was all I could think about for the rest of the day. I expected to learn about the NAACP, but I wasn’t at all expecting to feel so inspired. It is obvious that they have made a difference, and they made me want to go to something good, something that would really help people. Dean Evans inspired me as well. I think it was great that he reminded us that we really can achieve our dreams. And he told us exactly how to do it. Listening to each of these speakers, I was touched by what they had to overcome to get where they are. They have all become successful people, and more importantly, people who make a difference in other people’s lives. Mrs. Williams told us that for most of her life, she couldn’t read or write. But seeing her now and listening to her speak, you would never guess that. I can’t imagine having to overcome such an obstacle. Dean Evans was 57 before he fulfilled his dream of becoming a lawyer. I thought it was great to see African Americans in such prominent positions. They all had roadblocks along the way, but ultimately were able to achieve their goals and become highly successful people.

Sources:
Africana Online. http://www.africanaonline.com/orga_naacp.htm
Oklahoma State Senate. http://www.oksenate.gov/news/press_releases/press_releases_2008/pr20080205c.html
NAACP. http://naacp.org/