NSDC NAACP Branch 1086 President's Message

Greetings!

It is my pleasure and honor to welcome you to our North San Diego County NAACP Branch 1086 website!

As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP, the words that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke over forty years ago still ring true today. In his “I have a Dream” speech, Dr King said, "One hundred years later, the Negro still is not free." One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own

land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition."

Countless advances have been made, but we must remain diligent and continue to be proactive. Statistical studies show a disproportionately high drop-out rate for African Americans, as well as an extremely high incarceration rate for African American males. This data lets us know that there is still a great deal of work to be done. In the face of great accomplishment, there is still great defeat. If we, as a people can put an African American in the White House…if we can overcome “insurmountable” odds then, certainly we have the capacity to reach out to youth. We have the capacity to help them realize the value the hard work, diligence, and education!

Dr. King’s statement, "It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of this moment," rings true today. The willingness of those who came before to reach out and impart the “pearls of wisdom” is essential to the success of future generations! So I ask..."Are we doing all that we can to ensure that our youth are conducting themselves with the "dignity and discipline" that Dr. King spoke of?"

I challenge each of you to remain steadfast in your commitment for truth, justice, equality and our youth’s future. We must be able to see Dr. King's vision and continue striving for its fulfillment! Dr. King said, "We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

Young people, I remind you…you ARE the "DREAM"!

Chaplain Gerald Johnson, President

North San Diego County NAACP - Branch 1086

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Chaplain Gerald Johnson