At the heart of the mission of the National Association For The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 2008, is still the pursuit of political, educational, social, and economic equity for all people. This pursuit will never cease to be the driving force behind the civil rights work we perform. We are the nation’s largest civil rights organization, founded in 1909 in response to a series of lynchings. Therefore, the NAACP will continue to be relevant as long as racism, prejudice, and bigotry exist; whether in the open venues of this nation’s public schools, or the secretive hidden chambers of executive board rooms, or in the hallowed halls of Congress.

For nearly 100 years, men, women, and organizations have placed their confidence in us. The NAACP is the largest volunteer civil rights organization in existence today. In the words of Dr. Nelson B. Rivers, III, C.O.O., National NAACP, “Our organization is The Biggest Dog in the Yard.”  And, in spite of some minor set-backs that plague every large organization from time-to-time, we have stood strong and weathered the storm. Nevertheless, as of this President’s Message, we are  500,000 members strong - and growing, with 72 branches and units in California; including dozens of grass-root programs, committees, and social activities. As a measure of our commitment to ensuring equality for all Americans, the NAACP operates educational, political, and socioeconomic advocacy chapters in most of the fifty contiguous states.

The Inglewood South Bay Branch is honored to be a part of this dynamic, vibrate organization. And like the never-ending rhythm of a drum in tune, Inglewood is poised to echo the sounds of freedom throughout the South Bay. We are committed to the elimination of health disparities among people of color. We are committed to educating our citizens as to their constitutional rights, as well as decreasing the High School dropout rate. We are also committed to organizing voter registration activities around the community to ensure access to the voting process in this election year.

The Inglewood South Bay Branch NAACP is the branch for all of the people of Inglewood, and surrounding communities; irrespective of race, color, gender, or socioeconomic status. As a result, we invite you to come and visit the Inglewood South Bay Branch to find that place from which you can exercise your “Call To Service.” Call us at 1.310.671.3174 to set up an appointment to meet our team of friendly staff members. If, peradventure, you are in need of assistance with a civil or criminal matter, it will be our pleasure to direct you to a licensed professional with appropriate training to assist you. Though Inglewood NAACP is not licensed to give legal advice, we are equipped with resources to help you bring your legal concerns to a conclusion.

The specific goals of this branch in 2008 will include increasing our membership to 500 persons by December 2008; initiating a voter registration campaign wherein 1000 Inglewood residents are registered; develop a Recidivism Advocacy Program (RAP) whereby 250 youth are served, and finally, organize a Career Technical/ Job Training Center in Inglewood.

This year Inglewood welcomes you back into the NAACP family. We came to serve. We stay to support. We leave to advocate for those less fortunate.

God Bless you!

Min. Mitchell Williams, President

NAACP Inglewood South Bay Branch