NAACP Responds Philadelphia Swimming Pool Incident
The NAACP deplores the recent incident of racial discrimination at the Valley Swim Club in Philadelphia, in which a group of black day-camp children were told to leave a pool because they “changed the complexion and atmosphere” of the facility.
Is this the year 2009, or 1959?
This egregious episode casts us back in time, to the long, shameful era of Jim Crow segregation in America. It is especially pernicious because it sends a terrible message to black and white children, a message that has the potential to deeply scar their burgeoning identities. As a parent, I am personally outraged by the reported comments of the director at the Valley Swim Club, John Duesler, who associated the skin-color of the visiting black children from the Creative Steps Day Camp with something that is dirty or foul.
NAACP Commends Supreme Court Delay of
Troy Davis Ruling
The NAACP praised the United States Supreme Court's decision to postpone ruling on whether it will grant habeas on the Georgia death penalty case of Troy Davis. The ruling will not be heard until September at the earliest, which marks the beginning of the next judicial term. The delay will allow the NAACP and others to continue to increase advocacy efforts on Davis' behalf in Chatham County and nationwide. Sign the petition, spread the word about “I AM TROY” and join the NAACP, Amnesty International USA, and others in demanding justice for Troy Davis!
[Read More about the campaign]
Special Investigator to Examine Reggie Clemons Case
The Missouri Supreme Court has appointed a special investigator in the case of Reggie Clemons, an African-American man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death. A petition filed with the Missouri Supreme Court on June suggests that police brutalized Clemons into giving a statement. The petition is based on new evidence, and also argues that Clemons' death sentence was excessive compared to those of other co-defendants. His execution was set for June 17, but was delayed by a federal appeals court. The NAACP has requested that Governor Jay Nixon appoint a Board of Inquiry and grant clemency to Clemons.
NAACP Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in New Haven Firefighters Case
“This decision is a step backward for equal opportunity in employment” said Benjamin Todd Jealous. “We are very disappointed in the courts’ decision to create a new flawed legal standard. It is especially disappointing both given the racially charged dynamic in many cities’ fire departments and given that the Supreme Court has refused to allow the New Haven department to meet this new legal standard before making their decision.” Jealous said.
The Graduate Appreciation Project
The NAACP Youth & College Division is excited to launch the “The Graduate Appreciation Project,” a project designed to engage youth to continue their involvement with the NAACP upon graduation. The Division will convene this month with graduating high school seniors and college graduates to celebrate their achievement and explore opportunities for further involvement in the NAACP agenda.
[Click here to register for the project]
Celebrating 100 years of Bold Dreams, Big Victories!
Join us July 11-16, 2009 in New York
click here for more information
Commemorative Artwork & Centennial Book
Three world renowned artists created commemorative artwork for our Centennial
click here for more information
NAACP: Celebrating a Century, 100 Years in Pictures
click here to order
