The NAACP National Board of Directors, which establishes policy for the Association and its more than 1,200 units worldwide, unanimously passed a resolution supporting the right of public sector employee unions to engage in collective bargaining, marking their opposition to the bargaining restrictions sought recently by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and the Governors of several other states.

  “The NAACP stands in solidarity with our union brothers and sisters in Wisconsin, and throughout the country,” stated Chairman Roslyn M. Brock.  “This coordinated effort to desensitize and misinform public opinion as it relates to workers’ rights is unconscionable in these times of economic strife.”

The Board also adopted a resolution calling upon the Congress to use restraint in considering cuts to the federal budget.  The resolution points out that it is not in the best interest of our country to reduce or eliminate programs that assist the unemployed, children and families in times of economic distress.  Cuts to social programs which form the so called safety net would be irrational, simply leading to more suffering and higher unemployment.

The Board held its annual election of officers during its 102^nd Annual Meeting. Roslyn M. Brock, of Elkridge, MD  was re-elected as Chairman; Leon Russell, of Clearwater, FL, as Vice Chair; Carolyn Coleman, of Greensboro, NC, as Assistant Secretary; Jesse Turner, Jr., of Memphis, Tenn., as Treasurer; and Lenny Springs, of Charlotte, NC, as Assistant Treasurer.  This was a strong endorsement of the direction the Association is moving in and reflects the continuing support of the leadership team.

William Cofield of Frankfort, KY; Myrlie Evers-Williams of Bend, OR; Alfred Rucks of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Rev. Morris L. Shearin Sr. of Washington, D.C.; Dr. Maxine A.  Smith of Memphis, TN; and Gloria Sweet-Love of Jackson, Tennessee were re-elected as at-large members.  Clayola Brown and Rabbi David N. Saperstein, both of Washington, D.C. and Derrick Johnson of Jackson, Mississippi also received support for another term.

Re-elected as regional representatives wereMs. Alice Huffman from Sacramento, CA was elected to represent Region 1; Mr. Jerry Mondesire from Philadelphia, PA will represent Region 2; Rev. Theresa Dear from Peoria, IL will represent Region 3; Mr. Harold Crumpton from St. Louis, MO was elected to represent Region 4; Mr. James Crowell from Biloxi, MS will represent  Region 5; Mr. Bob Lydia from Dallas, TX will represent Region 6; and Ms. Lorraine Miller from Washington, DC will represent Region 7.

The Board elected Dr. Julius Scruggs, the current president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. as its newest member.   Scruggs leads the largest national group of African American Christians, with more than 7 million members in nearly 30,000 churches.

Additionally, Arleya Horne from Houston, TX was elected to fill the vacancy for youth member of the National Board representing Region 6.

The Association will continue its comprehensive social justice agenda and engage membership to strengthen and mobilize grassroots units, including 11 newly chartered units across the country.

Newly chartered units include Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ; Columbus State University, Columbus, GA; Cookeville-Putnam County Youth Council, Cookeville, TN; Greater Southfield/Farmington Area, MI; Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis, MO; Lake County Youth Council, Lake County, OH; Martin County Youth Council, Stuart, FL; Quinnipiac University College Chapter, Hamden, CT; West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX; Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT; and Woodrow Wilson High School Chapter, Dallas, TX.

 Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.