Ben Jealous, 35, named new NAACP president

My buddy, Errin Haines of the Associated Press, has the story:

"The NAACP board of directors has chosen Ben Jealous, a former news executive and lifelong activist, as the organization's next president and the youngest in its 99-year history.

"The 64-member board met and voted in Baltimore on Friday and plans to formally announce its decision on Saturday at a noon press conference.
NAACP national spokesman Richard J. McIntire confirmed the vote with The Associated Press early Saturday after the 8-hour closed door meeting.

"Though he is not a politician, minister or civil rights icon, in Jealous the organization gets a young but connected leader familiar with black leadership and social justice issues. The 35-year-old takes the helm as the NAACP's 17th president just months before the organization's centennial anniversary, as the group grapples with dwindling membership and looks to boost its coffers.

"There are a small number of groups to whom all black people in this country owe a debt of gratitude, and the NAACP is one of them," Jealous told The Associated Press in a telephone interview before the vote. "There is work that is undone ... the need continues and our children continue to be at great risk in this country."

But, as usual with the NAACP, there was drama.

Multiple NAACP board sources tell me it was a contentious debate to select Jealous as president of the NAACP. It was an eight-hour process that began at 7 p.m. and ended at 3 a.m.

The vote was 34-21. One board member said that "when the tally was announced and it was conveyed that Ben would be the next CEO, no one clapped or celebrated."

Another said "when we left the room, many were in disbelief."

Those who didn't support Jealous say he was marked as the primary choice of board chairman Julian Bond, who began calling board members two weeks ago to line up support.

There was vigorous discussion to postpone the vote to allow the board to hear from the other two finalists, but that effort was beaten back by those who backed Jealous on the board.

Be on the lookout for other board members revealing details of the boardroom battle.

He may be president, but already Jealous already faces his first hurdle: bringing healing to a fractious NAACP board at a time when the organization is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

Comments

[colacola3]

Just wondering?? Why does our NAACP has 64 board members?

[colacola3]

Love (I think) the NAACP. They were the only organization that we had in rural South Carolina in the 1950's 1960's who pulled off some amazing/not publicized victories for equality and justice; however, the NAACP reminds me of my alma mater board from SCSU. Enough already, let the leader, lead/manager and hands off from the board. You will be much better for it.

[Anniemae]

First thing we all need to do is pray for him. Then he needs to be thoroughly oriented to the NAACP including providing him with a collection of "must read" books on its history, methodologies, and issues; a one-on-one tutorial on its constitution and by-laws; a review of controling resolutions; and in-depth review of its stated and functional organizational and operational structures; a summary of pitfalls and management problems faced by other executive directors,and ceos beginning with Ben Chavis.

The Board has a responsibility to train and guide him, and not through him out there to the wolves depending on his own world view, experiences and skills. No job prepares you to lead the NAACP. Its an instant place in history, and a unique leadership role in our country and the world.

[Michael Davis-Dallas Progress]

Nothing against Mr. Jealous, but I'm disappointed. The NAACP missed out.

Why did they drag Dr. Haynes all the way through the process, knowing that he would not leave his position as pastor at his church here in Dallas?

Was it to make the search seem legit, when Mr. Jealous was reported by George Curry to be the favorite of Julian Bond? Or was it to grab attention that the NAACP was trying to be progressive by making such a fiery and intelligent pastor a finalist. We'll never know.

It's like me telling you on my job application that I want to stay in New York because of my family, and then you offer me a job in Canada. What did you THINK I would say? But hey, you get the "out" of saying that you offered me a job.

As Curry stated in his article:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080306_Looking_for_the_NAACPs_next_leader.html

"Though Jealous is smart, very organized, and on the right side of most social-justice issues, I never pictured him as head of a major civil rights organization - and still don't. Jealous is uninspiring, an unimpressive orator, and he would easily be overshadowed by other figures already on the civil rights stage."

Dr. Haynes took his church from 500 to 8,000+. Imagine what he could have done at the NAACP.

Dr. Haynes would have brought the fire to ignite a younger generation into membership and stewardship into the NAACP. He likely would have ended up like Bruce Gordon - someone that tried to revolutionize the group but met a wall of resistance.

[Mssylady]

I am so tired of the unnecessary politics and divisive spirit that still plagues our organization. Yes, I am a Gold, Life + everything else member and my parents and aunts and uncles were until death very generous members of this great organization. But all this infighting has become distractive and is causing members to pull back. What are you folks doing with all the donations made to the organization? I don't see real support where needed when Black people have legitimate racist complaints. I am disappointed in the leadership as well as the Board. STOP acting like crabs and run the race like thurobreds in the race against racism! And what are you doing to bring more BLACK members into the orgaanization. And our youth, they need to be activated into action. Not just talent, but pounding the pavement to recruit. Get these young people into home meetings, school projects and mentoring programs. COME ON NAACP Board...GET ON THE STICK OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!

[Jan W.]

Might there be more effective governance and less opportunity for in-house
squabbling if this once-mighty organization reduced the size of its board?
The board membership is embarrassly unwieldly and far too wide-spread in philosophies, ideologies, and personal agendas to come together on anything. We need the NAACP as never before in our country's history (our thoughts of being empowered and on the way up notwithstanding), and West Virginia primary has shown us that. I pray with every fiber of my being that the organization and its leaders have the vision and commitment to put guts before personal glory.

[Mssylady]

Oh, and as for that question of 64 Board members...that is rediculous. 10 of them can't get along, 64 is crazy. It all began to crumble when we allowed White people in the mix. Say what you want, but that is my opinion!

[Jay in DFW]

Anniemae,

I beg to differ with your assessment of Dr. Haynes' potential effectiveness as CEO for a few reasons. First, as you stated, Dr. Haynes is a Pastor of a congregation with over 8k members. It is virtually impossible for him, or anyone else for that matter, to be optimally effective in both roles if he holds them simultaneously - his Church would suffer, and no membership should have to "share" its Pastor with an organization as demanding as the NAACP will be. MIght I remind you, the NAACP is in a state of COMPLETE disarray and utter chaos.

Secondly, while I have high regard for Pastor Haynes, he has no pedigree of corporate leadership - his experience is limited to the realm of religious organizations. The NAACP status quo (unfortunately) mandates a leader that can build coalitions with organizations of the corporate type. Those organizations are the source of the funding the NAACP must secure in order to mitigate the impact of its fall from grace over the last 25 years.

Lastly, Pastor Haynes, though well-respected and renown, has thrust himself into the midst of the Jeremiah Wright debacle. While I dont necessarily disagree with Pastor Haynes' sentiments, his position on Pastor Wright's actions can be divisive and thats the LAST thing the NAACP.

In my opinion, its a good thing that Pastor Haynes was not selected.

[BrendaF]

Posted by: Jay in DFW | May 17, 2008 at 10:41 AM

Jay,

I think you want to direct your comments to Michael Davis-Dallas Progress, not Anniemae. The poster's name is shown under the comment - I think the dotted line throws some people off. It would be nice if the line showed up under the poster's name instead of above. Enough of my .02 - back to the conversation.

[simplegal]

Rev. Haynes also went back and forth about whether or not he would give up his church...I agree that he could bring a lot to the NAACP - and still can, but not in the position of Pres/CEO. The NAACP has gone the preacher route, politian route, and corporate route...finally it chooses the younger route! Now its time for us to do our part.

[Charles....]

OK NAACP......stop like you're Rawandan.

[taolen00]

Rethink your Board organizational development if you want to become a viable organization in the 21st century. First you need to reduce your Board to not more than 12 to 15 folks because you need to get accountability for results. Next your Board should have the following categories:youth;money;old school;political;church, and 1 white. Third, you need to lay out 1 or 2 things that must be done within 1 year and the result should be a quantifiable deliverable with metrics. Peace.

[simplegal]

Also...Bruce Gordon wasen't met with a wall. That man's heart just wasent in it. He was all corporate, and enjoyed the title but wouldn't get his hands dirty. I cant even imagine how people got caught up in the social justice vs. social service distraction. We have social service on every other corner in our neighborhoods...what we dont have is someone to fight for us to ensure our rights, and throw out jim/jane crows injustices. I said all that to say...Rev. Haynes made a choice to throw in his hat. I just wish people were being a little more honest about what was said during the interview. FYI--He would have never made it that far without mentioning he would give up his church.

[H Arnold]

I am a baby boomer. Nevertheless I am glad to see the NAACP go the route of youth. I believe Mr. Jealous will make a difference if he is allowed to run the organization. Youth identify with youth and if the NAACP does not bring in more youth then the organization will never make it past 120 years....Mr. Jealous I am sure will bring in fresher ideas and personally touch everyone young and a bit older. My best to Mr. Jealous and the NAACP. We thank you for 100 years of service and much success in the future because the causes you fight for are necessary for everyone.

[Michael Davis-Dallas Progress]

I'm willing to give Ben a chance. It's not his fault that some of us feel the way we do.

I am curious about his statement in the AP article that said "his plans for the group include ensuring high voter turnout among blacks in the November election and pushing civil rights."

Barack Obama will ensure high black voter turnout, as he has all over his country. Work on the other stuff.

Here's a suggestion list:

*Dunbar Village

*Sean Bell shooting and others

*Philly Police beating

*Getting more black bloggers to be able to cover the 2008 DNC from the convention floor. We got ONE state blogger out of 50 states although we helped to start the national Obama movement. And that was after people in the DNC selection process approached us to apply to the state blogger pool facilitate diversity.

*Thinning out the 65-member board (wait, can't do that).

(Roland, if you want to know more about the DNC process let me know)

[Taiji]

The NAACP is no longer used to defend civil rights. Rather, the NAACP is a political arm for people like Andrew Young, Bob Johnson, John Lewis, Tavis Smiley, Charles Rangel, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and other self-haters and racists.

[Taiji]

Commentary: Race Card? The Only One on the Table is the White Supremacy Card – and Clinton Played It
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By: Gregory Kane

Now she’s trotted out her white supremacist card again by making a subtle appeal for white Democrats who’ve NEVER voted for a black candidate for any office in their lives to vote as they’ve always voted. Black conservatives, for years, have been trying to tell black folks that we were only of use to white Democrats as long as white Democrats ran the party. Heck, Malcolm X said it long before we did.

Somewhere Brother Malcolm must be smiling. It took over 40 years, but Hillary Clinton has come along to prove how right he was.

http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/kane515

[yadi]

Blacks can be racists against the black race. Juan Williams, Pastor James Manning, Andrew Young, John Lewis, Charles Rangel, Tavis Smiley, Hillary and Bill Clinton use the NAACP for working against the black race.

[Cherry Glover]

I live in metro Detroit, Michigan and the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP is sad it is lead by a crook Rev. Wendell Anthony who will do and say anything if the price is right. He has been bought an sold by Bill & Hillary Clinton. This man has said nothing about Barack Obama running for president. Until people like Wendell Anthony, Julian Bond, Andrew Young, John Lewis, Charles Rangle are still around I will never join the NAACP.

[Cherry Glover]

Taiji, you left some names off that list they are: Rev. Wendell Anthony, Shelia Jackson-Lee, Stephnie Jones-Tubbs, Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, Kwame Kilpatrick, Joel Ferguson, Hester Wheeler.

[Dareel Jones]

"Until people like Wendell Anthony, Julian Bond, Andrew Young, John Lewis, Charles Rangle are still around I will never join the NAACP."

Obama's candidacy has exposed the rot and traitors in black communities around this nation. Andrew Young, John Lewis, and Charles Rangel are the enemies of the black people. Their tragic end is near - 2009.

[beverly terrell]

If he was J bond's choice, sorry. Now that j. bond has shown his true color, with men like him, the NAACP probably won't survive. I know I won't be renewing membership. Bond should stop telling people he marched with MLK, jr. Martin wouldn't have stabbed a brother in the back even if he disagreed with him. These self proclaim leaders have shown themselves to be self serving. Im glad they have been exposed, but sorry it had to be through the NAACP. They have done great things. Perhaps the NAACP has outlived it usefulness.

[kathe]

GOSH OH GOSH. I am an african american female 64 years old. And I have to say, this is the most wonderful wed site I have seen in years. To hear from black folks about black folks. I guess you think I am very behind the times or naive but I just ran across this discussion and I am so happy to see all of us do not think the CLINTONS are the best thing to happen to black folks and America!!!!!! Enough of the Clintons, their racism, their divisiveness.

I guess it is fair to say that you reading this then know for sure why Michelle Obama said what she said about her pride in America. How the heck can you be proud when you are hung at will, denied and beaten if you even think about protesting why you cannot obtain the same life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that every other American has been afforded in the past and still daily gets!!!!!!

God Bless

[kathe]

GOSH OH GOSH. I am an african american female 64 years old. And I have to say, this is the most wonderful wed site I have seen in years. To hear from black folks about black folks. I guess you think I am very behind the times or naive but I just ran across this discussion and I am so happy to see all of us do not think the CLINTONS are the best thing to happen to black folks and America!!!!!! Enough of the Clintons, their racism, their divisiveness.

I guess it is fair to say that you reading this then know for sure why Michelle Obama said what she said about her pride in America. How the heck can you be proud when you are hung at will, denied and beaten if you even think about protesting why you cannot obtain the same life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that every other American has been afforded in the past and still daily gets!!!!!!

God Bless

[Dareel Jones]

The NAACP is a joke. It has been a joke since the Clintons used it as their source of self-haters like John Lewis, Charles Rangel, and Andrew Young. John Lewis said that not supporting Hillary and Bill is worse than being beaten on the head during his match in 1960s. In other words, supporting Hillary is more important than supporting the cause of the black people; supporting Obama as the first black president is not as important as getting political appointments through those who play race cards and use black folks as second-class citizens.

The NAACP has been hijacked by self-serving thugs and criminals, period.

[Phil, Washington, DC]

I am 37 years old, African-American. Not a member of the NAACP, the reason I never joined? Just keep reading this blog and the hate our people have for one another. Why would I join an organization that disrespects it own? No clapping?? Embarrassing. All over the net for people to see. Once your own house is in order then start throwing stones. What a shame. An organization elects a man, and no matter what your personal view, he's a man, a black man. The organization is made of many people. He will lead, deal with it or join another organization. Read the mission statement. I am sure they have one. Focus on the people. The youth we've lost to crime, AIDS, etc and those we will lose if we don't do something about it. For as long as we continue this fighting among each other instead of searching for solutions, then our people will suffer and continue to suffer. Martin Luther King, Jr. was 26! He changed the world. They (our people) really must have given him tremendous grief. Probably more than what racist white people did in his face, black folk did behind closed doors..just a thought.

[Drevelyn Minor]

“JUDAS STRIKES AGAIN!” ~~ NAACP President Julian Bond and his (So-Called Black Brothers Wearing Panty Hoses in the Night Times) uses “Operation PoliTRICK” to seat a young men that they can simply control.

Judas Bond, Judas is still running the NAACP. These old panty hose wearing black men do not wish for “CHANGE!”

Nothing will improve for Our Nation’s Citizens and Our Communities!
Pastor Frederick Haynes III, is Brilliant, Knowledgeable, Respected in All Communities, Walk with Wisdom, A True Role Model for Our Young Men, He Respects Our Elders (The Civil Rights Leaders) and their work in the 60’s and recognize much work is still needed today to feed our nation’s hungry children that are homeless and come from low income homes. ~~
Oh, I believe Pastor Haynes do not support NAACP President J Bonds candidate “HILLARY CLINTON” that was a “Major Problem” in selecting Pastor Haynes.
As a Christian, Pastor Frederick Haynes III will always serve God regardless of cost.

Judas is alive and working his “PoliTRICK!” Shameful! Shameful!

NAACP is a “JOKE” today and another avenue for $$$$$$ for the NAACP President Julian Bond and his (So-Called Black Brothers Wearing Panty Hose in the Night Times)

J. Bond and his buddies got to go.... Change is coming Mr. Judas!

Drevelyn Minor of Dallas, Texas

[Drevelyn Minor]

African Americans (BACK DOOR SUPPORTERS) of Hillary and Bill Clinton.

Rev. Al Sharpton ~ Rev. Wright ~ NAACP President J Bonds ~ Louise Farrakhan~ Travis Smiley ~ Mr. (Bet) Johnson
and their are many more.......

J. C. Watts a Black Republican speaks ~ Colleague and Friend of Drevelyn “D” Minor ~

The statement below was written by: J. C. Watts a Black Republican and I bet you he has solid information on what he has chosen to share with the public.
J.C. Watts is a rare breed, a black Republican, the first elected from a southern state in over 120 years. Instead of joining the Congressional Black Caucus (obviously primarily Democratic in nature), he was chosen chair of the House Republican Conference (1998). Since retiring from Congress he has headed J.C. Watts Companies, a consultant in business strategies, and is active on several corporate boards. ~~~

I must add this; the Republican Party Members (White Men) clearly demonstrated their racist acts toward this young Black Man. He was too young to retire on his on…. ~~~

Mr. Watts Wrote: ~~Ed Rendell, the state's Democrat governor and the very effective spokesman for Clinton's campaign there, generously praised Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam 11 years ago. This is an issue because for so many people, Farrakhan is poisonous. It is safe to say his tone makes many voters nervous. Rendell, who was then the mayor of Philadelphia, praised Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam's Philadelphia leadership at a rally in 1997. He expressed his "respect for the nation of Islam" and praised local Islam leader Rodney Mohammed for "the intensity of his beliefs, for the decency of his soul, and for the strength of his courage." ~~

Through her relationship with Rendell, Clinton and her team have as close -- or closer -- a tie to Farrakhan as does Obama. ~~

However, it was Obama who got tied to the Farrakhan wagon, and not Clinton. She got a pass. I found it interesting that Rendell was not asked to distance himself from Farrakhan or the Nation of Islam in order to support Clinton. ~~

Nor should he have been asked to. Clinton was not asked to distance herself from Rendell for his praising of Farrakhan, and the notion was never raised by the media or anyone else. ~~

We often read columns, watch the news and listen to debates with our own biased political filter. Republicans and Democrats alike are guilty of this. We usually don't like the comments made by an analyst unless they lean toward our point of view. As is said in politics, there are three sides to every story. ~~

Your side, my side, and the truth. ~~~ In the case of the tangled web between Obama, Clinton and Farrakhan, we didn't get Obama's side or the truth. We got Clinton's side. The bottom line is this: Neither Louis Farrakhan or Jeremiah Wright should determine this election, no more than certain endorsements of John McCain should determine the general election. ~~~~~
I am more concerned about who can keep America safe from terrorists, who can create opportunity for all, who has the best plan for educating our kids (1.2 million kids drop out of school every year), and who best understands that real change doesn't require just talk, but real, genuine change. ~~~~~~

*************

Hillary Clinton and Farrakhan Positive Relationship ~ it appears in the African American Communities that Louis Farrakhan or Jeremiah Wright are “BACK DOOR SUPPORTERS” of Hillary Clinton. ~~~~~~~

Note: Hillary and Billy Clinton wishes to get back in office "By Any Means Necessary."

That makes me nervous! ~~~~~~
Drevelyn “D” Minor is voting for Senator Obama! ~~

[Drevelyn Minor]

Americans need to see the "True Relationship" of Senator Obama and Rev. Wright....~~~~~

Rev. White and Obama are two different men, that thinks differently. ~~~~~~~~

Wright was “set up, part of and use” by J. Bond and Hillary Clinton to "HURT" Obama’s Campaign~~~~~~~~

Julian Bond is Judas! ~~~~

African Americans are calling the NAACP Dinner operation “PoliTRICK” of the highest order. Julian Bond has sold out to the Clintons....~~~~~~

Early this year, Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP, wrote a letter to Howard Dean to express "great concern at the prospect that million of voters in Michigan and Florida could ultimately have their votes completely discounted."~~~~~~~

Bond stated in his letter, “That the contests in Michigan or Florida could remotely be considered fair, plausible, or should be counted in anyway.” ~~~~~~~~

Bond sent the letter without putting it before the NAACP Board. ~~~~~~~~

We all know why, but we do not know for how much $$$$$$$ ~~~~~~~

Judas is alive and working his “PoliTRICK!”

This is not the first time J.Bond has betrayed his brother....Rumors, in the Black Community for many years are that he also betrayed Dr. M L. King by befriending …………… A Real Judas! ~~~~~

Obama for President…….

[Ivan]

The NAACP Leadership is well on its way to becoming an impotent organization that's more concerned with political access than social justice. I fear its relevancy will continue to diminish........

[Drevelyn Minor]

African Americans Please Wake-Up and Take a Stand for Righteousness!

What about our children, grandchildren, etc they will be the ones who inherit this mess. The NAACP need to be (Clean up immediately!)

Just fed up with politics as usual in the NAACP Organization.

All of you should know;
Cannot afford gas
Jobs going, going, gone
The economy is a bust
Cut veteran benefits, etc
We have a war that is going on
Misused our tax dollars in Iraq
Betrayed the citizens of New Orleans
Cares absolutely not about the environment
Our Government turned a blind eye on poverty and hunger in the u.s.
Will not allow the deceased soliders to arrive in Washington draped in the flag for all to see, and we are okay with the leadership of the NAACP.

Where are the “Real Men and Women?” God help us all...

Drevelyn Minor of Dallas, Texas

[Clarity]

I like the fact that he is young, successful and understands the historical significance of the organization he has been appointed to lead. I am excited! So many elders of African American organizations hold onto their posts way past their effective prime.

We learn by observing our elders unfortunately when it is time to move up the ladder, many young people are being held down by the same people who were their mentors. I am so glad this didn't happen to Jealous. I am proud of the NAACP for passing the torch to the younger generation.

[Dianne]

I thought The NAACP Leadership had became an impotent organization. With all that is going on with Barack Obama and the race baiting I thought for sure the NAACP would have spoken out.

BTW are we still Colored people?

[Dianne]

Frankly when Julian Bond came out about the Florida delegates the way he did in February, given that he's endorsed Hillary Clinton, I was very upset. It felt like what to expect from NAACP, yet it wasn't really what one should expect. Al Sharpton was threatening to go to court over turning back on the rules when lots of folks failed to vote because they were told it wouldn't count, and there was Bond picking his time to weigh in on the other side, and not simply by himself but with NAACP! It was difficult to handle.

[Drevelyn Minor]

Some African Americans need to change their minds with the times we live in today.

NAACP President J. Bond candidate of choice Mr. Jealous can not learn anything of "Great Value" from most of these elders.

It would be great to pass the torch to our younger generation however, but can you see the touch is not burning. The fire has not burned for many years!

Now, you believe that this young man can, “Clean Up the Mess” that some of the current elders choose or has not been capable of during themselves. What in the world do you believe they can teach this young man?

This organization is no place for a 35 year old young man that does not have the “Back of a John Henry.” It is just not enough to be as one blogger wrote, “She, like the fact that he is young, successful and understands the historical significance of the organization.

The NAACP foundation is weak and to large of an organization to pass on to such a young person. How can they mentor any young person under the current leadership? Please!

At most, all they can pass on is how to be corrupt and become a slave!

The NAACP President, J. Bond and his greedy African Americans slave-mined brothers and sisters or clearly slaves of Hillary and Bill Clinton.

These shameful people, receive only tidbits from the Clintons just enough to feed their families. Receiving crumbs from the table of the master.

“Hillary’s Slaves” ~~~~Remember the movie, “The Alamo" in which Davy Crockett's slave (NAACP President J. Bond) jumps in front of his slave owner (Hillary Clinton) to take a bullet, dying for his master who gets killed a short time later anyway because they were overwhelmingly overpowered. I always thought of the image of the slave sacrificing his life for the one who held him in bondage as a slave owner's dream.

NAACP ACCOMPLISHMENTS; under the leadership of J. Bond and some of his colleagues are “Zero.”

It’ is clear to me there’s, “Nothing to Pass on and the Fire is Out on the Torch!”

God Help Us All!

Drevelyn Minor of Dallas, Texas

[Drevelyn Minor]

Obama is "NOT the NAACP President J, Bond or Rev. Wright's candidate to raise their checks." ~~~~

They do not support Obama! ~~~~And have a problem with him because he is for all American Citizens. ~~~~

Hillary is their candidate for President and the person that will “continue” their checks with a “Large Bonus.” ~~~~~

Obama for President~

[4progress]

the naacp made a very wise choice when it selected ben jealous as its new ceo. a year from now, the entire 64-member board will be singing his praises and patting themselves on their backs while saying how visionary they were when they elected him.

ats

[Upset]

Everything is not what it seems.

To fully understand the oldest civil rights organization you should be an ACTIVE member of it. A quick lesson for some...it is non-partisan...colored means people of ALL COLORS - black, white, red, yellow....it defends the rights of ALL PEOPLE....it was founded by a diverse group of people representing different races and religious beliefs.

For an organization that often advocates for a REAL democratic process...this seems as if a few made a decision for many. Can any candidate or organization have a chance if the process is tainted?

I am most disappointed by the fact that the Board again selects someone from outside of the organization (has he ever been a local branch officer?) and by the fact that so many who have benefited from the work of this organization are willing to stand on the sidelines watching instead of speaking up and speaking truth to power.

[Drevelyn Minor]

Mr.Ben Jealous is in a corrupted atmosphere of ruthless greedy people “Old Sharks” that will not change their sinful ways or take any advice from a young black man. Please!

I wished I could congratulate Mr. Jealous, but this too is a game of politic ~ “Operation PoliTRICK.”

I believe he is out numbered walking into a battle that he will not win… and all he can do is submit to those that makes a living fraudulent!

Mr. Jealous will need to grow eyes behind his head.

[jjpv]

This election season has shown the weakness of the black man. It has exposed to the world what is wrong with the black race – the black men are completely lost when it comes to unity and productive use of their minds to solve their own problems.

Most black men do not care about their communities; they only care about their pocket books and the god between their legs. Hence they will say and do anything to satisfy their ego so long as what they do leads to their pockets and between their legs. This is why the blacks of the world are the laughing stocks of the world. This is why black Africans have so much resources, but suffer so much pains and anguish. This is why every other ethnic group has left the ghettos while we love to breed in the ghettos. This is why Hillary is better than Obama in our eyes even though he is more qualified than 20 Hillary’s put together.

The black man is a disgrace to himself and to his God. He is cursed to suffer and to die in his own self-created ignorance and wickedness. He will preach the scriptures to you while he is sleeping with his own daughters and sons. He will dwell on talking about God while he knows nothing about love and caring. He is lost for good!

[Melinda James-Lewis]

I'm glad that the old guard chose to not support Barack Obama. Cause if they did. White America (the majority) would never had given Barack Obama a snowball's chance in hell of becoming America's next president. Whites area guilty by association type of people and they would've seen Barack's race before they connected with his humanity. Thank god the Judas rant of Jeremiah Wrong has subsided.

The old Guard's plan backfired. Obama's not Black America's president; he's America's president.

HA! Old Guard. Your days of manipulating and exploiting and victimizing the poor are over. It's time to talk the talk and walk the walk Black America. No more diatribe, elitist conversations, expensive hotel suites, and panel fees for psuedo-intellectuals. It's time to get back to the basics of promoting values, morals, respect, education, and ole school spirituality.

[Alma]

The NAACP can be thought of as a huge oceanliner not a canoe. It takes a lot skill to keep it afloat. You have to really be active to understand what it is. It is not like any other body that I have been a part of. I wish our new President and CEO well. He should be slow in making assumptions about the organization and his power until he has had a chance to travel all over the country and see branches in action, do his reading like someone else suggested, and talk to the other people who had this job. Oh, yeah, make sure he asks for an audit to begin his tenure and pray every day.

[gw]

If Gordon was not good enough, then no one is. Gorden had some good ideas and spoke well, a seasoned executive. This guy will do just fine as well.