We are kicking off the convention on Friday, September 17, 2010 with a movie night sponsored by Tyler Perry.  On Saturday, there will be continental breakfast, a General Session, a Legislative Luncheon,  workshops, a Coalition Roundtable Discussion with invited guests, a Knowledge Bowl, and a step show followed by an after party. 

The theme for the youth portion of the convention is “We are NAACP Americans,” to unite all youth attendees with the common goal of making America an equal and just country for all of its inhabitants. 

Battle of the Greeks

We’re doing it again!   The New Jersey NAACP Youth & College Division is hosting it’s second Step Show with $1,000 as a prize to the winning team.  It will take place on Saturday, September 18th at 8 pm during the State Convention.

Entrance Fee for Step Teams:
$50 before August 23rd
$75 before September 1st
$100 after September 1st

Entrance Fee for Observers:
$5 for convention attendees
$10 regular price

 
Early Registration Savings
 
Don’t miss out on incredible savings by being one of the first 100 youth to register for the State Convention.  For only $30, the first 100 youth registrants will get a free complementary ticket to the Legislative Luncheon.  Regular registration does NOT include luncheon tickets.

Only $99 per Night

Stay overnight Friday and Saturday nights!  Reserve your room now and receive REDUCED RATES.  Treat yourself to an amazing weekend– you deserve it!
 
For room reservations please call 877-898-1090 and inform the Reservationist that you are calling for the NAACP Convention.  Use code: NAC.  The Crowne Plaza Hotel is offering a special Convention rate of $99.00 per night!
Offer Expires:  August 27, 2010 at 5 pm

           On February 12, 1909, a call to action established an ubiquitous organization that would serve as the platform for an ever-progressing civil rights struggle in the United States of America and across the world.  This organization became known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  A hundred years later, the Association remains the largest, oldest, and “baddest” civil rights organization with countless past accomplishments and future goals.  Indubitably, the Centennial birthday of the NAACP is a milestone but moreover a stepping stone for further greatness in the Association’s history.  The NAACP has lasted longer than any other true civil rights organization because of its inherent timeless vision to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and an opportunity to live without racial hatred and discrimination.  Although other massive grassroots organizations have mobilized dedicated individuals for a united cause, none have the extensive history of the NAACP. Thanks to the time-consuming work contributed by thousands of unknown NAACP workers, the Association has endured.

            The NAACP is revered for its action against the virulent lynchings of a bygone era, renowned for the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision, exalted for the successful sit-ins of the sixties, and generally identified as the leader of several past civil rights movements.  However, today it has a reinvented agenda due to a progressing change in society.  Most of the NAACP’s civil rights exertions operate through local NAACP branches, councils, chapters, and state conferences.  Primarily the Association’s civil rights work and progress is behind the scenes and not as visible as its noted civil rights marches during the sixties. However, the current activities and accomplishments are just as important as the widely lauded landmarks of yesteryear.  NAACP State Conferences mediate with state government elected officials to advocate for fair housing, economic empowerment, equal educational opportunities, criminal justice, and other civil rights issues while smaller branches, councils, and chapters locally reinforce the same goals and ideals.

            In truth, the NAACP is not a supernatural entity; it is made of individuals who have chosen to use the Association as a tool through which they can have an impact on their community.  Membership is power and the lifeblood of the NAACP.  Hence, it is time for those who have benefited from NAACP’s accomplishments and contributions to support the Association.  W.E.B. DuBois once said, “Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season.  It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.  It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow.  Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.” Now, as the NAACP turns 100 years old, it has elected its youngest president and CEO in history: Benjamin Todd Jealous, who has the intentions of restoring fiscal prosperity and membership numbers, particularly among the younger generation. Now, as the NAACP turns 100 years old, the Association will thrive under the societal inspiration of having an African-American man lead America’s diverse population. Now, as the NAACP celebrates its Centennial, the dreams of all America’s ancestors can be manifested through you.

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