Santa Fe Naacp Newsletter April 2009

P.O. Box 15692 ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87506-15692 ~ (505) 424-6100 President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President

Carol Johnson Wanda Ross- Padilla Agnes Moses

Secretary Asst. Secretary Treasurer

Cynthia Geder Alex Downen Christine Johnson

April 2009 This centennial year is an exciting and historical time. The United States of America has its first African American President. We have come a long way but there are still things to be done.

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2009 marks the 100 Anniversary of the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. We are the oldest Civil Rights Organization in America.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER – Carol Johnson

Until every person is judged by his or her character and not the color of his or her skin, language, country of origin, abilities, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or age, we cannot sit back and relax. We must partner and join forces with others of like interests and concerns. (see Objectives of the NAACP on address page of this newsletter) All member, please recruit new members and get involved in Branch activities so we can continue the mission of the NAACP and make Santa Fe, New Mexico, the country and the world a better place for all.

BAN OF RACIAL PROFILING & REPEAL OF DEATH PENALTY!

I am honored to be the president of the Santa Fe Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during its centennial year. The NAACP is an integral part of my history and my life. I was president of the Santa Fe Branch in the eighties. My family has a long history with the NAACP dating back to the thirties. My in-laws, Thomas, sr. and Jetter Johnson were founding members of the Santa Fe Branch. Thomas, sr.; my husband, Thomas, Jr.; and my sister-in-law Bea Johnson have all been president of the Santa Fe Branch.

The Family Justice Campaign, a project of the NAACP Santa Fe Political Action Committee, includes ten local nonprofit organizations that have joined together to advocate for policies of equality and justice in New Mexico. (more…)

During the 2009 Legislative Session, the Family Justice Campaign prioritized four legislative proposals: treatment instead of incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders, the creation of a statewide Department of Peace, the repeal of the death penalty, and an official ban of bias-based profiling in our state. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of NAACP members and advocacy organizations, two of our important reforms passed this legislative session – a ban of racial profiling and the repeal of the death penalty. The Family Justice Campaign took a leadership role in passing the statewide ban of racial profiling. The new law defines and bans biasbased profiling, which includes targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, color, as well as religion, political affiliation, gender, and sexual orientation. The law directs law enforcement agencies to develop policies, procedures, and training protocols to prevent and prohibit profiling, and allows for oversight and investigation of profiling complaints by the Attorney General’s office. One of the member organizations of the Family Justice Campaign, the Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty, also achieved great success this session by repealing the death penalty in New Mexico – a fight that took over twelve years.

The two additional Family Justice Campaign endorsed proposals did not pass this year, but we will continue to advocate for these important policies in the future. You can get involved with the Family Justice Campaign by contacting Bob Moses, chair of the Santa Fe NAACP Political Action Committee. Congratulations, everyone, for your wonderful achievements to improve New Mexico’s criminal justice system.

-Julie Roberts Member, Santa Fe NAACP Policy Coordinator, Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico

REGION VI CONFERENCE The 61st NAACP Southwest Region Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute brought together representatives of the Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico NAACP State Conferences in Albuquerque, March 26-28, 2009. Despite a spring snow, which hampered travel for some, the Institute was a great success. The theme of the Institute was NAACP Centennial: One Hundred Years and the Struggle Continues. Excellent workshops for adults and youth provided attendees with information and strategies to strengthen the ability of their states and branches to continue the struggle for civil rights for all within their communities. Dr. Earnest Johnson, NAACP National Board Member and Louisiana State President encourage us to increase our membership, especially young people, at the Membership Luncheon on Friday. A fabulous Gospel Extravaganza rocked the house on Friday night.

At the Saturday Youth Luncheon, former US Ambassador to South Africa Delano Lewis cited his history and experiences as an example for youth of the benefit of hard work and dedication in achieving goals. The culmination of the two days was the inspiring motivational Freedom Fund Banquet presentation by NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.

TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA AND GHANA

Spend an optional additional week in Ghana to experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the old Gold Coast. Visit Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the infamous Door of No Return. See Kumasi, capital of the fabled Ashanti kingdom, and shop in one of West Africa's largest and most colorful traditional markets. Tour Accra, capital of the first modern African state to gain independence from colonial rule and one of the most progressive countries on the continent today. To see the complete itinerary and the easy payment plan, go to the Santa Fe Branch website, www.naacpsfnm.blogspot.com, or contact Champion Services Travel, PO Box 44140, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 (301) 686-0970 office, (301) 686-9000 fax E-mail cchamp154@comcast,net.

SANTA FE NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL UNIT 6844 COLLEGE NEWS The Santa Fe Branch of the NAACP is planning the trip of a lifetime for September next year. Plan now to join. Here are a few of the highlights: Experience the culture of traditional South Africa at the National Craft and Cultural Fair in Mpumalanga. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of Kruger Park. Learn about South Africa's troubled history and great leaders first hand – visit the house where Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi lived during his years in Johannesburg when he was developing the theory and practice of nonviolent resistence (satyagraha). See Robbin Island within sight of beautiful Cape Town where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. Learn about the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in helping the Nation to heal from the trauma of the apartheid regime.

Jamilla Abdullah was granted a GATES MILLENIUM SCHOLARSHIP. All college expenses will be paid through a Ph.D at any college of her choosing! Jamilla plans to attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida next fall. Regina Whitehead was also granted a GATES MILLENIUM SCHOLARSHIP. She is going to Nevada Las Vegas University. Lilli Raphael loves New Orleans, Louisiana and being a student at the University of New Orleans. She spent the Spring break in New York City and will be home looking for a summer job when school ends May 9th. When she returns to UNO, she will be a Resident Assistant in the dorms helping and overseeing other students. Joseph Bieg has completed two trimesters at the University of Oregon in Eugene with good grades. He has taken classes in Art and Ethnic Studies. He is now in his 3rd trimester. He plans to come to Santa Fe for the last 2-3 weeks in June. Then he will return to a new apartment in Eugene where he has a summer job canvassing for an environmental agency. Aaron and Ryan Patterson, sophomores, will be joined by their brother Gabriel Patterson this autumn at Colorado College. Gabriel received a $24,000 grant to kick-start his Pre-Med studies. Aaron will continue with Pre-Med courses and Ryan will continue with Business and Economics classes. Congratulations to all!

JUNETEENTH 2009 Saturday, June 13th 5pm – 8pm Begins with music & spoken word Followed by a

Picnic

Barbecue

at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church With Picnic & Playground Area

Located on SE corner of San Mateo and St. Francis

Celebrate NAACP’s 100th Birthday !

A Time to unwind, share good food and friendship

BRING: Something to cook on the grill & a side dish or dessert

PROVIDED: Drinks, plates, cups, & barbecue sauce Juneteenth is a day on which honor and respect is paid for the sufferings of slavery, and emancipation from slavery. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations.

In case of rain we can meet indoors! More Info? 438 4368

PAPER OR PLASTIC? Should our Newsletter be just paper, paper & email/website, or just email/website? The Santa Fe branch of the NAACP can go ‘green’ and save trees and money if we have our newsletter only via email/website. We want to hear from our membership on this matter. Go to our website and cast your vote. http://naacpsfnm.blogspot.com

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY "If you believe people have no history worth mentioning, it's easy to believe they have no humanity worth defending.”

For over forty years, William Loren Katz he has written 40 highly praised books on African American history. Mr. Katz is an American educator, historian, and author of many books on AfricanAmerican history, including a number of titles for young adult readers. He is particularly noted for his extensive writings on the 500-year history of relations between African-Americans and Native Americans in the New World. William Loren Katz plans to speak in Santa Fe soon. I‘ll be in the front row with all those interested in learning about ‘The Black West: A documentary and pictorial History’; ‘Black Women of The Old West’; ‘Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage’ and more. Don't miss this chance to meet this remarkable educator, historian and author. Stay tuned for details and dates! -George Geder

PLANNING MEETING The Santa Fe NAACP Branch 2009-10 Planning Meeting was held March 10, 2009 during combined Executive Committee and Membership meetings. In this centennial year and the next, we are planning productive and exciting activities, which will increase our ability to continue the struggle for civil rights for all.

Some of the activities planned include events to increase membership and strengthening our partnerships with other organizations with like missions; speakers at monthly meetings; Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrations; participation in the 400th anniversary of Santa Fe; a Walk for Family Justice; a trip to Africa… The following members have agreed to chair and participate on the following committees: Communications/Press & Publicity – George Geder & Vikki Scott Community Coordination – Cedric Page Education – Rebecca Cecil & Carol Johnson Finance/Fundraising – Christine Johnson, Daran Moon & Carol Johnson, Political Action – Bob Moses & Reena Szczepanski Youth Work – Isaac Engelson Health – Doris Fields Membership – Cynthia Geder & Alex Downen Juneteenth – Nichoe Lichen & Karen Finney Legal Redress – Karen Finney Chair and committee members are pending for the following committees: Armed Services/Veterans Affairs, Religious Affairs, Economic Development, Housing, Labor & Industry, and Martin Luther King Day. Volunteers are need for all committees. Your participation will be greatly appreciated and will increase our ability to continue the struggle for civil rights for all.

ABOUT US Protecting the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and the rights of people under the law is at the heart of the mission of the Santa Fe branch of the NAACP. Bruce King, former New Mexico governor declared, in 1979, that New Mexico is a multicultural state. The NAACP is about ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination.

NIGERIAN ARTIST & AUTHOR MOYO OKEDIJI

Nigerian artist and author, Moyo Okediji, will be speaking on Contemporary African Art at UNM on Thursday, May 7. Prof. Okediji was Curator of African and Oceanic arts at the Denver Art Museum before joining the faculty of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Austin. Okediji has exhibited his work in museums and galleries in Africa, Europe, and North America. His published books include "The Shattered Gourd: Yoruba Forms in 20th Century American Art" and "African Renaissance: Old Images, New Forms in Yoruba Art". His he will speak at 5:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the new Architecture Building (across from the bookstore on Central). Anyone wanting additional information can phone Nancy Pauley at 505 206 8073 or email at: [email protected].

Adult: Annual membership $30.00 (includes subscription to “The Crisis” Or Life Membership $750.00 (payable in 10 annual installments of $75.00 or more)

Child < 13 years: Annual rate $15.00 with Crisis subscription or $10.00 without Crisis Jr. Life (duration until age 13) $100.00 (payable in four annual installments of $25.00 or more)

Youth 14-17 years: Annual rate $15.00 with Crisis subscription or $10.00 without Crisis Teen Life (duration age 14-17) $250.00 payable in five annual installments of $50.00 or more)

Extra Donation $ ______________ Please identify youth / adult status: NAMES:__________________________________ _________________________________________ _

___________________________________ _ MAILING ADDRESS:___________________ _____________________________________ Telephone:____________________________ Email: _______________________________ NAACP – The Oldest Civil Rights Organization in America Founded in 1909 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2009 IF YOU HAVE NOT RENEWED, PLEASE DO SO USING THIS FORM. WE NEED YOU! Fill out the form and mail with check or money order to: Santa Fe NAACP- Membership P.O. Box 15692 Santa Fe, NM 87592

To Join or Renew:

I am interested in participating on the following committee(s): ( ) Civic Engagement ( ) Political Action ( ) Armed Services and Veterans Affair ( ) Legal Redress ( ) Criminal Justice ( ) International Affairs/Immigration ( ) Economic Empowerment ( ) Housing ( ) Economic Development ( ) Labor & Industry ( ) Education ( ) Health ( ) Membership ( ) Youth Work ( ) Press & Publicity ( ) Religious Affairs ( ) MLK Day ( ) Juneteenth ( ) 100th Anniversary Activities ( ) Newsletter ( )Webpage ( )Other (specify)__________________________

_____________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS: 1. 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm, Santa Fe Branch NAACP General Membership Meeting, at St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 1601 S. St. Francis Drive at San Mateo – new meeting location. 2. Nigerian artist and author, Moyo Okediji, will be speaking on Contemporary African Art at UNM on Thursday, May 7, 2009 3. Free Grant Writing Training; June 9, 10, & 11th. HUD sponsored; Embassy Suites 1000 Woodward Pl. ABQ. Details: 505-245-7100 4. Maternal Dreamer #2; written & performed by storyteller Ramona King May 8th-10th; Wise Fool Studio, 2778 Agua Fria St. Santa Fe; 505-242-0834 Special thanks to the following members who assisted in getting out this newsletter: Carol Johnson, Julie Roberts, Victoria Scott, and Nichoe Lichen. George Geder, Editor

P.O. BOX 15692 SANTA FE, NM 87592-15692 (505) 424-6100 www.naacpsfnm.blogspot.com

NAACP – The Oldest Civil Rights Organization in America - Founded in 1909

100th Anniversary Celebration in 2009 OBJECTIVES OF THE NAACP

The principle objective of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) shall be to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens; to achieve equality of rights and to eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes; to seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state and local laws securing civil rights; to inform the public of adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination; to educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and, to take any lawful action in furtherance of these objectives consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.