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Roving Camera


Why do you think the NAACP is perceived as
less relevant today than it was in its heyday?

Six years before the NAACP was established in 1909, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote that the problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color line. We need more people with the fire in the belly to fight for social justice the way the team that created the NAACP fought.

 Marieta Joyner, Ph.D.
Author/Instructor
Boston
Because it seems that we have made significant strides, having just elected the first African American president. However, I still see the NAACP as a very relevant organization.

 Pat Williams
Publisher
Dorchester
Today, people are just getting by. Back in the day, we knew what we were creating a movement for. Today, many of us don’t believe in the fact that so much sacrifice was made for the current successes.

 Linda Ziqula
Theater Artist/Writer
Brookline
They’re out of touch with people on a grassroots level. The YMCA, Boys [and Girls] Club, etc., have more of an impact than the current NAACP.

 Paul Poindexter
Bartender
Boston
Because the things the NAACP fought for in their heyday have been resolved, to a certain extent.

 Mark J. Chavous
TV Producer
Watertown
The acronym is outdated. I just don’t see them as a driving force like they used to be.

 Alex McLaren
Financial Services
Medford
+ Add Comment
Aug 2 11:17am by Michael Curry, President, Boston NAACP [216.153.211.18]

The question requires an analysis of the problems of the past and a truthful assessment of our condition today.  Are are health outcomes any better or worse? Do our representation in prison, elected office, business and education reflect our percentage of the population? Are your black boys and men getting stopped, denied jobs or suspended from school at higher rates? What's happening to black business, and how much of the pie does your community get when the budget is signed? Are there more waste sites near you, and is Roxbury at increased risk in case of a disaster or pandemic (similar to New Orleans)?  Why are our unemployment rates always twice that of the white community? How do these guns and drugs get into our communities, and why isn't there an appropriate response with prevention and treatment?  None of this is A-historical! You can live the dilusion if you want and ignore the vestiges of racism in our society, but just visit any metropolitan black community in this nation to understand--the NAACP is still needed! Some of us just missed the memo.