BRAIN FOOD: NAACP 100!!!!!!!!!!

After graduating college, I fell off the NAACP wagon, but I was nothing less than thrilled to help them celebrate 100 years. Words cannot even begin to express the importance that the NAACP has had not only in the Black community, but to the globe. I am filled just thinking about the people involved with the organization throughout the years. Pioneers who risked it all for the sake of my generation and those to come without even seeing our faces or knowing our names.

Barnes & Noble hosted a panel discussion with Dr. Cornel West and Julian Bond, so of course, I had to attend. This might sound weird, but I had a MEAN crush on Mr. Bond since I was a youngster. His eloquence and quiet power always intrigued me. I was beyond overwhelmed to be in his presence.

As a member of Tavis Smiley's Youth2Leaders organization, I have had the opportunity to hear Dr. West speak on many of occasions and once again, he did not disappoint. Hear are a few of my notable quotables from that event:

The NAACP was the response of Black people to American terrorism. The NAACP is more relevant now than before. Negroes got something to say to the world! If you want to know how to fight terrorism around the world, look at how Black folk dealt with it here without resulting to violence.White supremacy leads to the arrested development of American democracy.

-Dr. Cornel West

I get annoyed when people say, "Well, you've got a Black president now..." The NAACP isn't for just one color of people...its for the advancement for ALL people of color.

-Julian Bond

The NAACP has a right to celebrate. One hundred years ago, Black people couldn't even vote and now we have a Black man in the White House, which was primarily built by slaves. But the celebration has to end, so WHAT DO WE DO NOW???

-Dr. Cornel West

If the age of Obama is not about everyday people than this will all mean nothing.

-Dr. Cornel West

A Black man may be able to walk through the front doors of the White House, but his children still can't swim in the pool in Philadelphia.

-Julian Bond

The NAACP strives to be maladjusted to injustice. We are not going to be morally constipated! We're gonna let the ethical diarrhea flow!

-Dr. Cornel West

Children: Is this bird dead or alive?

Pastor: Its up to you to decide

-Julian Bond

Also please make sure to purchase the commemorative book for the 100th Anniversary. I got a chance to breeze through it after the event. The pictures and rich history captured almost had me in tears of pride.