Posted on 09/15/2013 6:33:31 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
The nation is much closer to treating all people equally under the law than 100, or even 50, years ago, an NAACP official from Washington says.
Hilary O. Shelton, the Washington, D.C., bureau director of the venerable civil rights organization, told a group of supporters in Fayetteville on Saturday night that many people are watching North Carolina's fight for justice through the Moral Monday protests in Raleigh.
"I'm convinced that the rest of the country is convinced that if North Carolina can make it happen, we can make changes all over this country, and I dare say all over the world," Shelton said in an hourlong speech. "Things are getting good in America. But if we don't continue the fight, they will take it all back."
Shelton was the keynote speaker at the 25th annual Life Membership Banquet for the Fayetteville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Shelton is also the NAACP's senior vice president for policy and advocacy.
The NAACP has helped organize the Moral Monday events to protest various laws that have been passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly this year, including a controversial voter identification law.
At the banquet, eight people were honored with plaques commemorating their lifetime memberships. They included Associate Justice Cheri Beasley of the N.C. Supreme Court. The group's mother of the year, Audrey B. Cammon, also was recognized during the banquet, which is part recruiting drive and part fundraiser.
The theme of this year's banquet was, "We shall not be moved: Holding onto past victories as the fight for equality and justice continues."
Shelton told the crowd of about 200 in the John D. Fuller Recreational Athletic Complex that throughout the nation's history, brave men and women have fought to having fair treatment for everyone.
But with North Carolina dialing back early voting opportunities and passing a voter ID law, Shelton said, it's clear that more men and women must continue the work.
"Believe it or not, even in our democracy there are those that would rather have people not vote so they can win elections than make sure our democracy is realized," Shelton said. "Jim Crow might be dead and buried, but James E. Crow, Esquire, is still alive and well - and perhaps more insidious than ever."
Somehow, I get the impression that fellow hasn’t missed many meals.
Just where does he get the money to have so much food...foodstamps or EBT card?
National Association of Complaining People
“Down is totally up and right is totally wrong.’’< And we don’t think so but we doubt it.
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