HOWARD COUNTY BRANCH NAACP NEWSLETTER

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings Member

It is my pleasure to report that I represented the Howard County Branch NAACP at the 99th Annual Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio. This inspirational event was held July 12-17 at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The business of the NAACP was taken care of in due form. Much discussion took place on issues such as: Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Economic Development, Education, Health, Housing, Minority Business Participation in Government Contracts, Peace Resolutions, Veteran.s Affairs and Voter Empowerment.

The NAACP National Board of Directors ratified the contract of our new President & CEO, Mr. Benjamin Todd Jealous on August 30, 2008. Mr. Jealous began his term the 15th of September 2008 as the 17th leader of the NAACP.

We will be holding our Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on the 6th of March 2009 at Marriott BWI Hotel. The banquet theme is in conjunction with the National Theme: "We Are 100 Years Old". The celebration of our 100th Annual Convention will be held in New York City July 11-16, 2009. You will receive more information about both events later.

The 2008 General Election is rapidly approaching us. The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is October 14th. It is the duty of "WE THE PEOPLE" to participate in the election process. It is the responsibility of every eligible citizen to cast a vote. So please VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! On November 4, 2008.

NAACP THEME: "POWER - JUSTICE - FREEDOM - VOTE"

Yours in Peace and Love,

Jenkins Odoms, Jr., President
Howard County NAACP