NAACP convention targets election policy change

The 65th annual N.C. NAACP convention begins today in Raleigh with an eye turned toward Nov. 4.

Entitled Engaging in the Methods of Change: Power" Justice Freedom and the Vote Then and Now" the convention aims to highlight N.C. NAACP's 14-point agenda, as well as the importance of the upcoming election.

The agenda addresses key concerns the organization feels are fundamental to the development of North Carolina, including health care, education, the death penalty, rights of workers and the economy.

We hope to make an impact" not just as a convention but in policy matters across the state" said the Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. NAACP.

While the NAACP doesn't endorse particular political candidates, it does endorse certain changes implemented through public policy, Barber said.

It is about knowing how to exercise political power as a grass-roots civil rights movement.""

Barber said the N.C. NAACP plans to stimulate those efforts by seriously evaluating the needs for reform featured at the convention.

""Every state is different. What is great about Rev. Barber is" he knows what is going on in his state" said Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP Washington Bureau.

It was a long" cumbersome but important process" Barber said of planning for the convention, which will feature presentations by the new NAACP President and CEO Ben Jealous, actor Danny Glover, AT&T; of N.C. President Cynthia G. Marshall, Shelton and others.

This year is different because it is an election year"" said Eugene Farrar, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP branch.

The convention plans to focus on the election and the policy changes it can prompt.

We are registering people to get out and vote" to vote early and to vote often" Farrar said. This is one of our most vigorous campaigns ever.""

Farrar said he is attempting to reach people and churches by canvassing and holding events such as a pilgrimage march"" which seeks to unite blacks and whites in dismantling the lingering discrimination.

Barber also made note of the importance of voting in the upcoming election.

""Voting is a civil rights victory. One way or another" this is a historic election" he said.

The N.C. NAACP is encouraging people to get to the polls for early voting on Oct. 16 with the Millions Voting March.

On a national level, the NAACP is working to get Americans excited about voting before Election Day by implementing an online voter registration process.

The initiative has already registered 60,000 people in two weeks.

This is an election where the White House is going to change in one way or another"" Shelton said. People have to decide which candidate meets their interests by casting an unfettered vote.""



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