One of today's most recognized interest groups in the country has just elected a new board leader to take the place of Julian Bond. The NAACP has picked Roslyn M. Brock, who is currently the vice chairwoman of the NAACP board, to be the board leader and who they believe will continue the fight for equality through public policy. Her experience in health care administration and policy for the past twenty years has given her colleagues the confidence that she will lead the younger generations.
During the 1950's, this interest group was involved in major court cases and influenced the end results of many historic events. These include the Brown v Board of Education case of 1954, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Lately the organization has declined in power due to decrease in membership, scandals within the society, and confusion as to how to implement their ideas to the country. Embezzlement of money during the mid-1990's by the president along with lay offs due to "budget shortfalls" in 2007 have tarnished the reputation and respect once given to this organization.
Honestly, I'm surprised this interest group hasn't disappeared by now. They have not dramatically influenced policy since the 1950's and are almost perceived as just a name by today's citizens. Those who have studied American history and government will recognize the values they stood for when the South was still segregated and continue to protect. But what have they done in the past 5, 10, 15 years? Is there really a need for this organization to exist? We elected a black man for the presidency a little over a year ago. What more could you possibly ask for? I wouldn't be surprised if in the next twenty years this establishment isn't considered an interest group anymore because of it's lack of power in Congress.
-Jackie Paluszek, period 7
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/us/21NAACP.html?hp
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