It is a pleasure to report that the NAACP New York State Conference 75th Annual Convention was most successful. A record number of some 600 delegates, supporters and friends gathered at the Westin Times Square Hotel & Conference Center to participate and celebrate the Diamond Anniversary.

The entire weekend was rewarding, inspiring and educational. We proudly noted our past accomplishments, acquired new information, new skills and techniques while focusing on planning and effectively working to achieve essential goals for the future.

Our theme “NAACP New York State: 75 Years, Fighting for Justice and Equality & Continuing” set forth the mission for which we work to fulfill. We are greatly encouraged to have had our officers, members, supporters and 75th sponsors join in marking this important milestone to recognize the history and contributions made by the NAACP New York State Conference.  

On October 7 thru Oct. 9, 2011, The New York State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its 75th Anniversary Conference and Diamond Jubilee Celebration, at the Westin Times Square Hotel and Conference Center in New York City. ROSLYN M. BROCK, BENJAMIN TODD JEALOUS, HAZEL N. DUKES
CONGRESSMAN CHARLES RANGEL AND MICHAEL MULGREW TO PARTICIPATEThe Celebration will honor the rich history of the NAACP and examine critical issues challenging all New Yorkers. Participants will enjoy interactive workshops on education, health, civic engagement, economic empowerment and criminal justice.  

Reflecting on this occasion President Hazel Dukes said, “The New York State Conference has been a vital component of the National NAACP for 75 of its 102-year history. We have played a pivotal role in moving the agenda for freedom and equality forward. The celebration of our 75th Anniversary gives the State Conference an opportunity to review past challenges, celebrate accomplishments and be emboldened by future possibilities.”

 Members and guests of the NAACP from the tri-state area will participate in numerous events during this milestone weekend.  The Conference begins Friday, October 7th at noon with registration and the opening plenary at 2:30 PM. At 7:30 PM, the Rev. Dr. Gregory Smith, Senior Pastor and the Congregation of the historic Mother AME Zion Church will host an Ecumenical Service in Harlem (146 West 137th Street) featuring keynote speaker Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the National NAACP and  Vy Higginson’s Gospel for Teens Choir, who were recently featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes. This event is open to the public.

On, Saturday, October 8th from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm a number of interactive workshops on health, education, civic engagement, criminal justice and economic development are scheduled. The 75th Annual Luncheon (SOLD OUT) begins at 12:00 Noon and features the dynamic Dr. Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman NAACP National Board of Directors as keynote speaker. NBC anchor and reporter De Marco Morgan will serve as Master of Ceremony. Other participants include: Congressman Charles B. Rangel; Hon. Alphonso David, New York State Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights; Michael Mulgrew, President United Federation of Teachers; Reverend Edward Mulraine, Unity Tabernacle Baptist Church Mt. Vernon, New York; and Hazel Dukes.

The activities of the day culminate with the 75th Diamond Anniversary Awards Dinner Dance (SOLD OUT). Cheryl Wills, Anchor NY1 News and author of “Die Free” A Heroic Family History,” will be the Mistress of Ceremony. Speakers include Paul Busby, Regional General Manager/Vice President Wal-Mart, Inc.; George Gresham, President 1199 SEIU. President Dukes will present The New York State Conference of the NAACP 75th Anniversary Award; Effie Gordon Award, 2011 President’s Award, Past Presidents’ Award, and 2011 Corporate Award to well deserving recipients who will be announced that evening.

The closing program will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2011 with a breakfast, Church Service and a legislative session lead by Kenneth Cohen, Sr., President Northeast Queens NAACP and  Judge Laura Blackburne, Retired all at the Westin. 

The NAACP New York State Conference 75th Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee Celebration are sponsored in part by Wal-Mart, CSA, Coca Cola, Entergy Nuclear Lilly, Pfizer and 1199 SEIU.

 
NAACP New York State Conference is 75! We Still Achieve Because We Are Resilient!
We will not soon forget 2010. Globally, nationally and personally; the past year presented highs and lows, victories and defeats, but we managed to continue our Associations goals and mission.
I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Officers, Regional Directors and Committee Chairman for your unrelenting efforts in the disseminating of information and materials provided to the branches. For being proactive in addressing the critical issues in education, health, civic engagement and criminal justice. For the overwhelming participation in the 2010 One Nation Rally.
This January 2011 the political landscape changed at the federal, state and local levels; so it is time for us to prepare for the difficult decisions that will come, as deficits are higher and elected officials will undoubtedly propose drastic cuts that will affect our communities – we must remain vigilant, committed and dedicated advocates for equal justice and human rights.
As we face this our 75TH Anniversary Year, let us reflect on past lessons and embrace new beginnings. Let us not fear new challenges and new adventures. Instead, let them embolden us!