Miami gears up for NAACP annual convention

Crisis, The, Jul/Aug 2003 by Adeboyejo, Betsy

It's been more than two decades since the NAACP held its annual convention in Miami, but the organization is finally returning to the city for its 94th annual convention July 12-17.

"If there is any place that is right for the NAACP to meet and address issues, it is the state of Florida and particularly Miami," says Adora Obi Nweze, president of the Florida State Conference of NAACP branches and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

The theme of the convention is "Having Our Say." The conference will include a look at U.S. and Caribbean relations, legal seminars on educational disparities and post-Sept. 11 immigration civil liberty issues.

A presidential candidates forum will focus on affirmative action, health care, judicial nominees, police brutality and racial profiling. Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP's Washington Bureau, says it is important that the presidential contenders understand the issues that are of major concern to African Americans.

"While candidates are discussing and debating the issues of our nation, it is important that we utilize this opportunity to impress upon everyone who seeks the position of presidency and any other elected position for that matter," Shelton says, "the issues that are crucial to the African American community and those communities that are a part of the NAACP constituency."

Cradled at the gateway to the Caribbean, Miami is a blend of ethnic and cultural diversity. The population is 22 percent Black and more than 64 percent Hispanic.

"We are proud to be this year's host," Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz said in a statement. "Our city is the perfect fit for this convention."

A carnival night will feature Caribbean limbo dancers, calypso singers, stilt dancers, fire dances and the spicy cuisine of the Caribbean. Other entertainment will include Peabo Bryson, Chaka Kahn, gospel singer Donnie McClurkin and comedians Monique and DL Hughley.

The Rev. Charles L. White Jr., director of the Southeast Region of the NAACP, says this year's convention promises to be like no other.

"There is a richness about Miami," says White. "People will have a taste of African American culture in its various aspects that is unique to the southern tip of Florida."