Naacp

HAGERSTOWN Though the pavilion was only half full, a participant at a NAACP Independence Day picnic expressed optimism in the quest for racial equality. "This is about rights for everybody, and people need to know that. They need to be in an organization that's about equal rights for everybody," said Leonard Cooper of Hagerstown. According to local NAACP President Samuel Key, between 50 and 60 people had turned out by 3 p.m. Tuesday for the organization's first family picnic at Wheaton Park.

HAGERSTOWN - President Samuel Key said the Washington County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People does not endorse candidates, but its membership wants elected officials to know where the chapter stands on issues on issues such as education. About one third of the approximately 60 people attending Saturday night's annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Plaza Hotel were elected officials, candidates for office or representing candidates. "We know that it's an election year ... We are going to hold you accountable for what you do if you want our vote," said Thomas Gibson, the chapter's first vice president.

By BRENDAN KIRBY Staff Writer Days after praising an announcement their neighborhood would be the focus of grant to fight crime, some Jonathan Street residents are having second thoughts. The Washington County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People plans to discuss Maryland's "HotSpot Community Initiative" at a meeting tonight. The state has promised more than $180,000 in state and federal funds to target the high-crime area. When the plan was announced two weeks ago, community leaders had nothing but positive words.

charlestown@herald-mail.com Local NAACP officials, including one who said the power of Shepherd College "remains in the hands of the good ole' white boys club," on Wednesday aired a list of their concerns relating to race issues at the college and called for the removal of the school's president, David L. Dunlop. The NAACP officials and the leader of another race relations organization also called for the removal of the college's Affirmative Action officer, who they allege commented during a school meeting that the college's Affirmative Action Committee has been dominated by black people.

julieg@herald-mail.com An NAACP Family Celebration at Wheaton Park in Hagerstown on Saturday featured several fun events and some strong messages for community members. Two black leaders addressed about 100 people, telling them local politicians were ignoring their community and that had to stop. "It's time to let elected officials and businesses know we should be included in all decisions to improve economically, educationally, by voter empowerment," the Rev. James Irvin, president of the Washington County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said in an interview.

The Washington County branch of the NAACP hosted its annual Freedom Fund dinner on Saturday, Oct. 6, to raise money for area student scholarships. Debbie Singleton, secretary of the local branch, said the dinner was held at UAW Local 171 Union Hall in Hagerstown. Woodrow Grant, branch chief of the Maryland State Department of Education, spoke on the topic, "Power Beyond Measure. " "He was a dynamic speaker," said Singleton, who noted that Grant's speech included a brief history of education and the founding of the NAACP in 1909.

WASHINGTON COUNTY ? Members and supporters of the Washington County NAACP will join civil rights activists at the U.S. Justice Department Friday to call for action in response to recent incidents in Jena, La., Maryland and across the country. The NAACP has declared a state of emergency in response to recent incidents, according to a news release from the organization's Baltimore branch. "Things that have happened nationwide can happen locally, too," said Hampton Wedlock, vice president of the NAACP's local chapter.

W.Va. NAACP leader gives state 'D' in civil rights By DAVE McMILLION / Staff Writer, Charles Town CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - Today is Martin Luther King Day, but Jim Tolbert won't be easily impressed by remembrances people may make. To Tolbert, many of the celebrations of the great civil rights leader will be nothing more than a charade. People will sing King's favorite hymns in church this week, and in schools, students will learn about King's trials and tribulations in his attempt to gain equal rights for blacks, Tolbert said.

gregs@herald-mail.com Affordable housing, jobs, hate mail and Willie Mays were issues that took center stage Monday during the latest round of Hagerstown political matchups. Inside the gym at St. Maria Goretti High School, the 13 candidates for mayor and City Council used the booming public address system to speak to about 25 audience members. The forum was sponsored by Washington County Branch 7030 of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.