NAACP Finally Noticing The Writing On The Wall?

The NAACP has announced plans to downsize to compensate for budget shortfalls. At least 40 staff positions will be cut and the group plans to shut down several regional offices.

Has the NAACP finally come to grips with reality by trimming staff? Hopefully this is a sign of a bigger transformation and not just a cosmetic change. However, with the same bloated 64 member Board of Directors in place and no plans to trim it, I don't see any fundamental changes for the NAACP in the near future. The Board acted as a barrier to former President Bruce Gordon in his efforts to reshape the organization for the better. The problems that he tried to solve regarding effectiveness, fundraising, establishing a more efficient organization, bringing the organization into the 21st Century, etc are the same issues that the group is grappling with now. By resisting Gordon's push for change, the group has created its own mess, particularly with its failure to make itself more relevant.

Will the board now wake up? I doubt it. The Board will remain the most bloated part of the organization that will continue to weigh the group down. Board members seem more concerned with holding on to their positions than creating an effective organization.

I still question if there is even a need for the NAACP. I'm not suggesting that racism magically disappeared when I woke up this morning. I am suggesting #1. Are there enough problems out there that require the NAACP or are the problems severe enough to warrant a group like the NAACP? And #2. If the group continues to be out of touch with the needs of current generations, then why do we need it? Why not allow a new organization and/or a new group of leaders to emerge if the NAACP cannot get its act together? Other existing groups could probably fill any void left by the NAACP and they could probably be more effective.

The group lost its legal prowess some time ago. Other legal advocacy groups are more effective these days. The social function of the NAACP has not been impressive in recent years. The group has not effectively tackled the relevant issues within the so-called "Black Community" such as education, employment & job training, rebuilding the family, fighting the destructive images in popular culture- particularly in the rap culture- often perpetrated by African Americans, and other important issues. In fact, the group has embraced the degenerate rap culture.... awarding several minstrel performers who are a source of embarrassment.... at least for this Black man. A lot of the nonsense in the "Black Community" of late has been embarrassing for me.

On the political front, the NAACP & others continue the status quo of the Black Church Tour every 4 years.... especially for the Democrats. This ritual is so thoroughly worn out that I pay no attention to it whatsoever. The NAACP should be involved in forming independent Black voting blocks... and forming independent political Parties (with the help of other organizations and with members of all races and backgrounds) that could compete with the 2 ruling parties in an election.... at the very least such a group could create a large enough voting block that it could swing an election to one side or the other....and could therefore establish leverage for itself....providing a voice to those who have none....and a voice that the Republicrats would not only have to listen to, but act on as well.

Hear An Interview With NAACP Interim President Dennis Hayes


Previous Posts Related to the NAACP

Rethinking the NAACP

Bruce Gordon Speaks With Tavis Smiley

Black Professors on The Resignation of Bruce Gordon