A NAACP chapter in Aiken County installs its first white president. As I set and read this article I couldn't help but shake my head in disagreement. It didn't make sense to me that a white man could possibly be able to lead an organization that fights for the rights of the African American community. I also thought, why do they always have to come into the things that we created for ourselves, and take over?
I continued to read the article, and it stated the amount of work that Philip Howell, Aiken County's new president, put into the organization throughout the years, and the high level of support that the other members give him. It started to make me think; does it matter what race someone is if they are truly dedicated to the mission of the organization?
While I pondered on that question, I started remembering different history lessons on how white people have always helped African Americans and their fight for equality. They even helped start some of our HBCUs. Just like those white people back in the day showed their deep concern for the plight of the black man, it would only be fair to consider the concerns of the white man today.
While I would rather an African American President lead a movement for African American rights, after much thought I am now more open to the idea of a white president or any race that shares the concerns that we have as a people. I also understand that the struggle we have as a race needs to be understood by the masses, and what better way then to join forces with other races. Howell is not the only white president of a NAACP chapter and the organization was founded with white men as well. I thank all those out there that have stepped up to take on a much needed fight.
The concern that others have for our race should only inspire you to want to work harder for your own race. Make sure that you join the movement and become a leader for the fight for equality and justice for our people. We should be leading our own movement!!!
What do you think about the NAACP having white presidents lead some of their chapters?
-The Socialite
Original article: http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0106-naacp-meeting
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2 comments:
The NAACP was interracially founded. White people helped found the NAACP, so to me, it's not really abnormal for there to be a White President. Furthermore, this is nothing new. The Georgetown University Chapter President a few years ago was White, and she did a great job. NAACP was really the organization to be in at the time for a lot of schools, and some of that had to do with the work she did. As long as they have the ideals to do the job, I don't see why not. HIstorically, there's nothing strange about it.
Now, I COULD say some things about what is actually wrong with the NAACP, but I'll save that for another time.
Brandi: Totally agree! It was interracially founded, as was a lot of African American organizations.
Brandi I would love to hear your concerns about the NAACP. I think we need to speak up more often about how we can improve the organizations that have been formed to help our community. We should be able to discuss it in forums like this. We might be surprised on who might read it.
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