Every year, representatives from the Spokane branch of the NAACP are chosen to participate in the national convention. The Convention brings together NAACP branches nationwide to pass resolutions that set essential policies and programs for the coming year. The 2024 convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, was hot and politically heated.
In 2024, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held its National Convention in Nevada, recognizing the strategic significance of the state as a swing state during a political year. With two polarizing candidates, the NAACP emphasized “policy over the politician.” One of the main topics discussed during the four-day convention was the importance of focusing on “Project 2025.”
Project 2025, an initiative organized by the Heritage Foundation, consists of policies designed by far-right conservatives, including some of former President Trump’s cabinet. The project’s primary focus is to place the executive branch under the control of the President, reclassifying federal service workers with political party appointees who align with Trump’s policies. While Trump denies association with Project 2025, he has proposed a package of policies called “Agenda 47.” Project 2025 has seemingly dominated the rhetoric and narrative of the GOP. The convention, however, underscored the crucial role of the NAACP in scrutinizing Project 2025 and its list of priorities, which, if implemented, could pose a significant threat to our democracy as we know it.
The convention featured prominent celebrity guests known for supporting the NAACP, including actors, athletes, and organizational leaders. Notable figures included Judge Greg Mathis, Vivica A. Fox, Brandon Marshall, Dr. Wes Bellamy, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Jemele Hill, and many others. One of the most distinguished guests and presenters was President Joe Biden. President Biden delivered a message reinforcing his commitment to resisting divisive rhetoric, unconstitutional policies, and out-of-touch opposing views. President Biden has since dropped out of the presidential race and is now endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the prime Democratic candidate. This sudden change comes after concerns from the DNC and donors about President Biden’s health, age, and competency to fulfill a second term.
At the heart of the convention were plenary sessions where NAACP delegates voted on and amended policies supported by the organization. These policies are crafted by a National Board and Branches nationwide and are crucial for uplifting and protecting the civil rights of Black Americans. The resolutions passed at the convention, which focused on Civil Rights, Communications/Media, Criminal Justice, Economic Development, Health, Education, Housing, and more, are a testament to the NAACP’s impactful work. These resolutions, which are a direct result of the collective efforts of the NAACP delegates, serve as a strong reassurance of the organization’s commitment to the cause. One resolution focused on international affairs, calling for humanitarian aid for Haiti. Spokane Branch Secretary Hadley Morrow proposed an amendment related to this resolution, which was accepted and applauded by the delegates.
Notably, the growth and involvement of the NAACP Youth and College Councils were remarkable. The Spokane Branch appointed Priya Osborne, the Director of Student Success at Spokane Community College, as its Youth and College Council Advisor. Since her appointment, Priya has led recruitment efforts and established a council of 25 local youth members aged 16 to 25. Priya and two youth delegates from Spokane attended the convention, engaging with other youth councils, participating in workshops, and gaining a deeper understanding of the NAACP’s role in the community.
The Women In NAACP (W.I.N.) luncheon is another prestigious event that celebrates women in the NAACP who have excelled and made significant contributions. This year, the WIN luncheon recognized two young women from New Orleans for proving the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry. For those unfamiliar with complex mathematics, the Pythagorean Theorem describes the relationship between the three sides of a right triangle. It states that the area of the square formed by the longest side (the hypotenuse) is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares formed by the other two sides. This theorem has been proven using geometry, algebra, and calculus, but not previously with trigonometry. This achievement by high school seniors Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson is a significant contribution to mathematical research, which has been ongoing for over 2,000 years.
NAACP Convention commenced with the annual signature “Freedom Fund Gala.” The Freedom Fund Gala is NAACP’s signature fundraiser, held nationally and at local branches. The Freedom Fund Gala directly supports a scholarship fund for local high school students entering higher education. The dinner also promotes the work of the NAACP’s fight against human and civil rights injustices. Most significantly, the Freedom Fund gala honors and recognizes the achievements of individuals who contribute to the empowerment and uplifting of Black Americans. This year, the NAACP recognized the outstanding achievements of Dr. Henry Louis Gates with its highest award–the Spingarn Medal, a moment that filled the audience with pride and inspiration. Dr. Gates has been instrumental in his relentless dedication to uncovering and preserving Black History and culture through his Emmy-nominated PBS series “Finding Your Roots.”
As president of the local branch, I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to recognize and thank our dynamic delegates for 2024. These members of our Executive Committee represented Spokane and the NAACP with excellence, exhilaration, and effectiveness to move our work forward. I am proud of our Executive Committee members’ growth, commitment, and can-do attitude as they served as delegates.
Thank you for being “All In!”
Jaime Stacy, 1st Vice President
Hadley Morrow, Branch Secretary
Fay Baptiste, Branch Treasurer
April Eberhardt, Education Committee Chair
Quinton Baker, Health and Wellness Committee Chair
Priya Osborne, Youth, and College Council Advisor
Elliot Fabric, Member-at-Large