NAACP convention will open Thursday in Goldsboro
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 8, 2006 2:04 AM
Goldsboro will be the site of the 63rd annual NAACP State Convention, to be held later this week.
"Voting Our Values, Valuing Our Votes" is the theme for the civil rights conference taking place beginning Thursday and running through Saturday at the Goldsboro-Raleigh District Assembly Conference Center on Hooks River Road.
The Rev. Dr. William Barber, pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro and the current state NAACP president, said this year's state meeting will provide a training venue for activities, pastors, progressives and others committed to civil rights and social justice.
"We want to encourage members from the faith community to attend all day Thursday, at which time we will emphasize the role of faith in civil rights and social justice, and the critical role that churches -- houses of worship -- must play in turning real life issues around for everyday people," he said.
Thursday's topics include "The Church and the Progressive Community," "Incarceration and Education," "Labor: Workers Rights," "Civil Engagement," "Health Disparities" and "Theology of Politics."
The Rev. Dr. Gardener C. Taylor, a theologian, will be the keynote preacher for the Religious Emphasis Day luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m., Judge Thomas W. Ross of Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation will speak.
That evening, Dr. Gregory Moss Sr. of St. Paul's Baptist Church in Charlotte, will be the featured speaker for the opening mass worship service at 7:30. The Mass NAACP Choir will also be on the program and Barber will give a conference overview. Amina Turner, N.C. NAACP executive director, will also bring greetings from the national office.
Schedule of the remaining events is as follows:
Friday
*Associate N.C. Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson, 7:30 a.m. speaking at Women in NAACP breakfast
*Hon. Milton "Toby" Fitch, Hon. Daniel T. Blue, former speaker of the N.C. House, and Chris Fitzsimons, N.C. Policy Watch, speaking at 11 a.m. on "State of North Carolina Plenary"
*Rep. Alma Adams of Guilford and other leading experts and NAACP national guests and leaders, speaking at Political Action luncheon at 12:30 p.m. (Cost is $25 per person).
*Education press conference at 5:30 p.m.
*Youth night with special message by Barber, Mt. Zion Christian Church youth choir and civil rights drama production, open to public, no registration required.
*Youth and College Division celebrates 70th anniversary and will explore leadership development and other skill-building activities.
Saturday
*Labor and Industry Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. with Robin F. Williams, UFCS International leading union leader
*NC NAACP and NC Legislative Black Caucus town hall meeting at 11 a.m. featuring legendary civil rights attorney Julius Chambers and other education activists, open to public.
*Membership luncheon at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dr. John Fuller, former state president of General Baptist State Convention ($25 per person)
*Freedom Fund Banquet at 7 p.m. with U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield as keynote speaker ($50 per person).
For more information about events or the convention, contact Ms. Turner toll-free at 866-626-2227 or at ncnaacp@gmail.com.