The District Chronicles

Issue date: 3/7/10 Section: Cover

Media Credit: naacp.org

The NAACP has realized that they can no longer be all things to all people, so instead they have decided to focus on young people to bring their organization in a fresh direction. The average age of NAACP member is 55-years-old, which is far from young by many standards. In order to change these demographics the NAACP has decided to bring in a younger group of top leaders to that connection to the youth and create a desire for young people to become involved.

On February 20, the organization elected 44-year-old Rosyln Brock to succeed civil rights veteran Julian Bond, 70, who has headed the organization for the past 12 years. Brock joins 35-year-old Benjamin Jealous, who was appointed chairman and CEO of the NAACP in 2008, to lead the organization in what Board members called a period of political and social change.

"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 Brock in her acceptance remarks.  "We are blessed with the opportunity to lead the fight for civil and human rights into another century."

Youth like University of Maryland biology student Chanea White have welcomed the election of 44-year-old Roslyn Brock as the new chairman. "I think that the fact that they chose a 44-year-old-woman says a lot about what the organization is trying to do," White said. "Now the NAACP can begin making moves toward our generation. She seems like she has the ability to make me want to get involved. Now I hope to see a better stand issues such as health care and education."

Brenda Smith, executive director of the Presidents' Roundtable, an organization of the nation's African American CEOs, is also giddy about the organization's move to pass the leadership baton to the organization's youth.  

"It's a good strategy on the behalf of the NAACP, they need some young blood and some new ideas which I think she will be able to offer because of her non-profits and healthcare background. The NAACP needs to freshen their brand so that people understand what they are and what they stand for," Smith said.

Even with the huge legacy of the NAACP, there is still a huge gap between the NAACP and the black youth of America, who mostly only know of the organization for the scholarships they give each year, Smith said. She added that many of the youth in America have no understanding or desire to connect to the organization that helped pave the way for many prominent Blacks, including President Barack Obama.

Continued...

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