NAACP 1998 Congressional voting report card, The

First Prize was earned by the Texas State Conference-Gary Bledsoe, president-for vigorous, nationally significant efforts to retain affirmative action in higher education and business, and to oppose the derogation of African American and Latin culture. The Second Prize went to the Tri-State Conference (IdahoNevada-Utah)-Edward L. Lewis, president. Tri-State supports increased African American participation in clinical medical processes; conducted forums on housing, community investment, using the federal complaint apparatus, et. al.; and devised a management plan for branch renewal and operations. Third Prize went to the New York State Conference-Hazel Dukes, President-for a vigorous variety of education initiatives and coalition participation on a broad range of civic and governmental issues, including welfare-to-work programs and creating safe environments for children.

An Honorable Mention was given to the Kansas State Conference-Louisa Fletcher, president-for its state legislative report card and its lobbying of the Kansas Congressional delegation to support speedier FDA approval of certain drugs.

PUBLICATION AWARDS FIRST PRIZES

went to the Alexandria, Va., branch (Class 1) for "NAACP News"; the Memphis branch (Class 2) for "NAACP Focus"; the Texas State Conference (Class 3) for "The Mover."

SECOND PRIZES

were won by the Tallahassee branch (Class 1) for "NAACP Speaks"; the Montgomery County, Md., branch (Class 2) for "The Monitor" and the Louisiana State Conference (Class 3) for "NBT Press."

THIRD PRIZE recipients are the Staten Island branch (Class 1) for "Sojourner's Freedom Journal"; and the Newark branch for "Newark NAACP Update."

HONORABLE MENTION was made of the Anchorage (Class 1) branch's "The NAACP Report."

Thanks are extended to the 1998 THALHEIMER COMMITTEE: Sally Carroll (Chair); Rev. Morris Shearin; Katherine Johnson; Mark Clack (National Staff). Carolyn Q. Coleman (Chair of the Committee on Branches, Membership, and Youth Works)