NAACP

”Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season.

It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.”

— W. E. B. Du Bois—

99TH ANNUAL CONVENTION duke energy convention center

Cincinnati, Ohio — July 12-17, 2008

POWER • JUSTICE • FREEDOM • VOTE Special Advertising Section • The Enquirer • Friday, July 11, 2008

2 Friday, July 11, 2008 • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer

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History in the making

Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio, site of the 99th Annual NAACP National Convention.

W

hen the 99th Annual NAACP National Convention opens on Saturday, it will be more than just another business convention. According to NAACP Director of Communications Richard McIntire, “When you think of a convention, you get a picture of a lot of out-of-towners coming to your town to sit in meetings all day hearing about an industry-specific topic. Our convention is not just for the delegates. Many of our activities are open to the public and we encourage local people to come down and take part. The registration is inexpensive compared to other conventions, and you get a lot for your money.”

The theme for this year’s event is “Power, Justice, Freedom, Vote” and promises something for everyone. “This year’s convention is a culmination of all that the NAACP represents,” said National Board of Directors Vice Chair and Convention Planning Committee Chair Roslyn M. Brock. “As we approach the next century of social justice activism, we remain empowered and committed to a progressive agenda that demands fairness and prosperity for all. The convention’s offerings underscore the point that we must all be engaged in that effort and the NAACP has a place for everyone and every lifestyle.”

The convention, headquartered at the Duke Energy Center downtown, runs July 12–17. Guests will be treated to seminars and presentations on important topics such as health and wellness, economic empowerment, women’s issues, family strength and the political landscape. There will

also be entertainment from top musicians and gospel singers and screenings of two influential films about prominent black citizens. There is also a free job fair.

Said Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory: “The 2008 NAACP Convention is a tremendous opportunity to engage the Cincinnati community in a greater dialog about where we are both as a community and as a nation and where need to go in the future.”

Attesting to the political might of the estimated 8,000 attendees, both 2008 presidential hopefuls, presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (Arizona) and Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Illinois) will be attending.

The convention is also the kickoff of a series of events leading up to the association’s centennial celebration on Feb. 12, 2009.

For more information, please visit www.naacp.org.

99th Annual NAACP National Convention

Blue Ribbon Committee Chairs Power • Justice• Freedom• Vote Finance and Budget Committee Team Cincinnati USA/NAACP Baptist Ministers Conference President Christopher Smitherman Representative Tyrone K.Yates – Chair Mr. Herb Brown, Co-Chair Dr. Steven Reece, Sr., Deputy Chairman Ms. Jeanette Altenau, National Board NAACP SCF Welcome/Host Committee Ms. Rochelle Morton, Director YMCA CincyAfterSchool Ushers Committee Rev. Julius Caesar Hope Rev. Eugene Godhigh Religious Committee Rev. Eugene Godhigh, Co-Chair Rev. Warren Hill, Co-Chair Transportation and Security Committee Ms. Monica Williams Mr. Alexander DeJarnett

Historical Markers Committee Mr. Jim Jones, Chapter Historian State and Regional Coordinating Committee Mr. Ishton Morton Youth Committee and ACT-SO Committee Ms. Theresa Harper, Youth Chair Health Committee Ms. Victoria Straughn Kit Committee Mrs. Michelle Edwards Membership/Life Membership Committee Mrs. Michelle Edwards Souvenir Journal Committee Ms. Rochelle S. Johnson Retired CPS Reading Specialist Publicity Committee Attorney Jan-Michele Lemon-Kearney Publisher, The Cincinnati Herald

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About This Special Advertising Section The Guide to the 99th Annual NAACP National Convention is a product of The Enquirer Media Advertising Department. Questions about the convention should be directed to Representative Tyrone K. Yates, NAACP 99th Annual Convention Blue Ribbon Committee Chair, at 513.728.9728. Questions about the publication should be directed to Jo Ann Kovach, Advertising Promotional Content Editor, Enquirer Media Advertising, at 513.768.8019 or e-mail jkovach@enquirer.com.

Publication design and art direction by Wendell P. Robinson Jr., Senior Creative Artist, Enquirer Media Advertising. Advertising: Vivian Schenck, Co-op Vendor Program Manager, Enquirer Media Advertising. Contributing writer: Dave Etienne.

Photos are from the files of The Enquirer and the NAACP; contributing, Andrew Ward/Moonlight Photography.

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From left, NAACP civil rights attorneys George E.C. Hayes, Thurgood Marshall and James M. Nabrit Jr. in front of the U. S. Supreme Court after the landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which banned racial segregation in public schools.

T

he theme for this year’s Annual NAACP National Convention is “Power, Justice, Freedom and the Vote” and succinctly sums up the goals that the NAACP has been striving for in its 99-year history.

And when you overlay the meaning of the theme with the fact that the convention will feature a speech by our country’s first black presidential candidate from a major party, it takes on an even deeper significance.

According to Christopher Smitherman, Cincinnati Branch NAACP president, “Only the keenest observers could have predicted the situation that we find ourselves in.”

Yet the theme was chosen well before Sen. Obama all but captured the Democratic nomination. It actually started in a meeting of the planning committee, where Bishop E. Lynn Brown uttered the words “power, justice, freedom and the vote” and the other members unanimously agreed that they need look no further for the theme.

Brown, who is the bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and presides over the Second Episcopal District, which comprises Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, has been an active member of the NAACP since the ’60s. “When I was a pastor in Memphis, I marched with Dr. King,” said Brown. “I was there when he was assassinated.”

In all those years, the one key to their struggles was getting people out to vote. Said Smitherman, “The thrust of the NAACP has always been to push the vote, especially in a presidential election year.”

Bishop Brown, who is the keynote speaker at the Memorial Prayer Breakfast at 8 a.m. on Sunday, sums it up this way: “The NAACP has fought, is fighting and will continue to fight for the glowing assertion that all persons are born free and equal, and are endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“Undisturbed by ridicule, unchecked by hostility, undaunted by persecution, it has kept its eye on the prize of justice in the van of the fight. Its philosophy of justice is congruent with the prophet Amos: ‘Let justice roll down like water….’ and the incomparable Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Thus, freedom plus justice courageously and effectively organized equal power. These three interlocking absolute necessities in this world are sustained by the church, reserves of human reason, by appeals to national strength and welfare, membership growth, influence and the vote.

“Therefore, we come to Cincinnati to celebrate a successful past, analyze the present and plan for the future.”

Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Friday, July 11, 2008 • 5

Plan your days at the convention

A

ll eyes will be on Cincinnati for the 99th Annual NAACP National Convention and for good reason. The six-day convention brings some of the most influential and well-known figures in the African-American community.

According to Cincinnati NAACP Branch President Christopher Smitherman: “All roads lead to Cincinnati this summer and we are very excited and honored to have the hosting duties. We are implementing a plan that assuredly will lead to a successful and memorable 99th convention.”

Here is a list of events and speakers scheduled at press time.

Visit naacp.org for updated information.

• Saturday, July 12— The focus is p.m. featuring high school and college level teams debating conon health and wellness as former temporary issues and presidential U.S. Assistant Surgeon General political topics. The debates will Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, local be moderated by CNN anchor T.J. physician Dr. Pamela L. Redden Holmes. and others address black women’s health and how it impacts the • Tuesday, July 15— NAACP whole family, during the health Executive Director Emeritus symposium that morning. Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks will keynote Nelson L. Adams, president of the National Membership Lunthe National Medical Association, cheon at 1 p.m. That evening, the keynotes the health advocacy NAACP centennial celebration luncheon at midday. officially launches at the “Journey • Sunday, July 13— Join powerful to 100” reception at the National Underground Railroad Freedom speaker Bishop E. Lynn Brown Museum at 8 p.m. as he keynotes the Memorial • Wednesday, July 16— Politics Prayer Breakfast at 8 a.m., while Women in the NAACP Empowertakes center stage as Sen. John ment Brunch attendees hear from McCain, presumptive RepubliIBM Vice President Marilyn D. can Party presidential nominee, Johnson and author/journalist keynotes the plenary session.

A’Leila Bundles and University AFL-CIO Executive Vice President of Virginia medical professor Dr. Arlene Holt Baker will keynote Pamela A. Ross. Hollywood comes the Labor Luncheon at 1 p.m. to town with a screening of the Evening highlights will feature NAACP Image Award-winning the Gospel Extravaganza with film “The Great Debaters” at 3 Dottie Peoples, Donnie McClurkin p.m., including dialogue with the and Dr. Bobby Jones. The Youth film’s co-star Nate Parker. NAACP Freedom Fund dinner will have National Board of Directors Chairmusic video producer Lil X as its man Julian Bond addresses the speaker. And “The Express,” a film convention at the first public mass about the life of Ernie Davis, the meeting at 6 p.m. A youth concert first African-American Heisman that night will feature actor/cotrophy winner, will be screened at median Kevin Hart with music by 8 p.m. with actors Charles S. DutDay 26 and Cheri Dennis. ton and Rob Brown.

• Monday, July 14— Bishop • July 17– The convention draws George W.C. Walker Sr. will to a close with the final session keynote the Religious Leaders featuring Sen. Barack Obama, the Luncheon and Judge Nathaniel Democratic Party presidential R. Jones, former NAACP Genfrontrunner. The closing banquet eral Counsel, will speak at the will feature a highly acclaimed Clarence Mitchell Memorial keynote speaker with entertainLuncheon, both at 12:30 p.m. The ment from R&B songstress Regina NAACP Youth & College Division Belle. Participating in the program will host the “The Great Debate will be internationally acclaimed – What’s at Stake in ’08” at 6:30 opera soprano Angela Brown.

This is just a sampling of what you’ll find at this year’s convention. Other events include the Authors’ Pavilion featuring favorite authors and poets; Information Exchange Center; the Commerce & Industry Show; Health Fair; the NAACP Retail Expo; and a job fair.

For more information log onto naacp.org/events and click on the Schedule-At-A-Glance link.

Register for the convention at Duke Energy Center. On-site adult registration is $100 and youth registration is $50. For registration times and additional information, please visit www.naacp.org/ events/convention/index.htm.

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory

“We will be rolling out the red carpet to ensure that visitors have a world-class experience that they will not soon forget,” said Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. “The world will be watching Cincinnati this summer, and we are ready to take the stage.”

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6 Friday, July 11, 2008 • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer

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Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Friday, July 11, 2008 • 7

Know your history, be your history

T

he National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was started on Feb. 12, 1909, in a small apartment in New York City by a multiracial group of social activists and progressive thinkers in response to racial unrest that was taking place in Springfield, Ill., the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. The date is significant in that it was Lincoln’s birth date. Their original name for the organization: The National Negro Committee. jobs. The group had no office and Today it is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, boast- met in members’ homes.

One of its earliest successes was ing thousands of members. One of its the elimination of the separate most notable was Rosa Parks, whose school system for African-American name joined a long line of social children. It also achieved breakactivists such as W. E. B. Du Bois, throughs in employment and public Medgar Evers (his widow, Myrlie accommodations by using the power Evers Williams, is scheduled to speak of the courts and public persuasion. at the convention on Tuesday) and By the mid-’60s, membership had Thurgood Marshall (later a U.S. grown into the thousands and demSupreme Court justice) in ensuring onstrations and sit-ins became useful equal treatment and access to educatools for accomplishing its goals. tion, the legal process and voting for According to Jim Jones, official people regardless of their race.

Locally, the Cincinnati branch can historian for the Cincinnati branch, “Cincinnati has hosted the national trace its start to 1915 with only 15 to convention two other times, once 20 members. At the time, the orgain 1946 and again in 1970. We’re nization was considered radical, and thrilled to have been chosen again.” members often kept their memberJones, a history buff and commership a secret for fear of losing their cial and residential interior designer, related that the founder of the Cincinnati branch was Wendell Phillips Dabney. Other notable presidents have included Frank Allison, Theodore M. Berry (Cincinnati’s first African-American mayor,) Paul Booth, Norma Holt Davis, Dr. Bruce Green, Dr. Milton Hinton, Harold Johnson, J.C. Johnson, Judge William N. Lovelace, Judge William A. McClain, Dr. Calvert Smith, Marian Spencer, Edith Thrower, the Rev. Samuel Ross Wright and Wendell Young.

According to Jones, the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones, former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, was also General Counsel of the NAACP from 1969 to 1979.

Judge Nathaniel Jones is now the W. E. B. Du Bois helped Chief Diversity Officer for the Blank found the National AssociaRome Law Firm located here in tion for the Advancement Cincinnati and is scheduled to speak of Colored People (NAACP) at the convention. in 1909. Du Bois was a Throughout its nearly 100 years, prolific writer, an intellectual the NAACP has been making hisand a social activist. Read tory, and you can be assured that more about W. E. B. Du Bois more will be made this July in and other civil rights leaders Cincinnati.

at naacp.org.

‘Silence is approval’ The mission of the NAACP is simple: To ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons, and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

But the work of the organization has been anything but simple. To quote a letter written by founding member Mary White Ovington on the occasion of the organization’s fifth anniversary, in which she detailed the atrocities inflicted upon blacks at the hands of oppressors, she closes with the sentiment that “silence is approval.”

And true to her words, the NAACP has been a voice for change in America for nearly 100 years.

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s detailed elsewhere in this publication, the 99th Annual NAACP National Convention in Cincinnati is sure to be among the best ever. And one of the reasons is the diversity of activities it offers.

Delivering on this promise are the “conventions within the convention,” such as the 39th Annual Commerce and Industry Show, Health Fair and the NAACP Retail Expo. Opening Saturday at 2 p.m. and concluding Tuesday at 6 p.m., the events represent a broad spectrum of organizations from Fortune 500 companies, government and social service agencies to minority-owned businesses and institutions of higher education.

Don’t forget to stop by the Authors’ Pavilion, part of the Commerce and Industry Show.

Cincinnati NAACP Branch President Christopher Smitherman said: “We’ve received great support from the Cincinnati business community and we’re already setting records for the number of vendors who will have booths at the Retail Expo.”

Conventioneers and visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of the diverse array of resources provided at the Information Exchange Center (IEC). The IEC is designed to create healthier, wealthier, more connected families and will feature exhibits from the Enough Project — which focuses on the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan and other crimes against humanity — The Center for Responsible Lending; the TransAfrica Forum; and voter empowerment partners.

And what would a convention be without the NAACP Continuing Legal Education seminars, as well as adult and youth workshops offering tips and trends on the NAACP legislative agenda/strategy, economic empowerment, juvenile justice, the assault on affirmative action, health care, civic engagement, education, voting rights and civil/human rights law. The Thalheimer Awards will also be presented to NAACP branches, state conferences and publications that have contributed

Sharon Draper is a fivetime winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award.

Connect with authors at the convention One of the most popular events at the Annual NAACP Convention is the Authors’ Pavilion. Forty writers and poets will be in attendance representing the best in literary talent. Among those scheduled are E. Lynn Harris, Victoria Christopher Murray, comedian/actress Mo’Nique and TV chef G. Garvin.

Adding local flavor will be Cincinnatian Sharon Draper. It was while teaching at Walnut Hills High School that the seed for her writing career was planted. It was 1991, and a student encouraged her to enter a short-story contest sponsored by Ebony Magazine. She wrote “One Small Torch,” and won $5,000. the most to the association’s mission during the preceding year.

Finally, a job fair will pair eager, talented job seekers with some of the best employers in the nation. Said Smitherman, “It’s going to be exciting in terms of attention that Fortune 500 companies will give it because of the talent that will be here. It’s like recruiting at Spelman College or Howard University.”

Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Friday, July 11, 2008 • 9

The work behind the convention

A

s you stroll the floor of the 99th Annual NAACP National Convention at Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, you may not really think about what it took to put this event together. But for Tyrone K. Yates and the rest of the local host Blue Ribbon Committee, the work began more than a year ago. “I was appointed chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee by Christopher Smitherman, president of the Cincinnati Branch NAACP,� said Yates, who, when he’s not busy planning the convention, is a representative for the state of Ohio representing the 33rd District, and an attorney. “My first order of business was to put together the rest of the committee.�

The role of the local host coma major party. mittee is to work with the national And with both candidates planoffice to make sure attendees are ning to attend, “interest will be huge treated well and coordinate such for both candidates, and during the things as putting together attendee week of the convention Cincinnati packets, providing information on will be the number-one news story booth rental and acting as liaison around the world,� Yates said. with the local business community, Please see the back cover of this city and convention bureaus. “My publication for the names of the thanks go out to the mayor and local host Blue Ribbon Committee. council, the business community, Be sure to thank them for all their the local chapter, the Cincinnati USA hard work when you see them at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and convention. the Regional Tourism Network for all their help,� said Yates.

The convention is important because of the timing, coming just The NAACP is the largest and months before a presidential election oldest civil rights organization in which America just might see the in America. Founded on Feb. first African-American candidate for 12, 1909, the association is set to celebrate its centennial next February in New York City. But the anniversary actually gets its start in Cincinnati. “Cincinnati sets the stage for the centennial in New York City next year,� said Cincinnati NAACP Branch President Christopher Smitherman, a financial planner with offices in Walnut Hills.

The occasion will be marked with a major reception at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Tuesday eveEdith Thrower, former ning that is open to all registered President, Cincinnati convention delegates. “New York Branch NAACP Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be here to kick off the journey Accolades... to New York with a symbolic ceremony from the main stage, The Cincinnati Branch of the with New York City and national NAACP acknowledges and officials accepting the challenge,� thanks former NAACP Branch explained Smitherman.

The theme of the centenPresident Edith Thrower and nial convention is “We Are One her team for their leadership Hundred� and will take place July and hard work in winning the 11-16, 2009. A commemorative calendar is now on sale featur2008 NAACP Annual Convening the highlights of the first 100 tion for Cincinnati. years. Order yours at —Chris Smitherman www.naacp.org/centennial.

President, Cincinnati Branch NAACP

Christopher Smitherman, president of the Cincinnati Branch NAACP, at branch headquarters. He is holding the charter of the Cincinnati branch, which was founded in 1915.

Convention kicks off centennial year

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10 Friday, July 11, 2008 • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer

Not a member?

Join today On behalf of the Jewish community of Cincinnati, the Jewish Commnity Relations Council welcomes the delegates to the NAACP 99th Annual Convention. We wish you a pleasant visit, and a productive conference!

Arna Poupko Fisher

Jewish Community Relations Council President

Rabbi Gary P. Zola

Executive Director of the American Jewish Archives Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

Brian Jaffee

Jewish Community Relations Council Director

Y

ou don’t have to be a member of the NAACP to attend many of the events at the upcoming convention, but if you join this nearly 100-year-old association you’ll become one of the hundreds of thousands of NAACP Freedom Fighters across the globe. The work of the association – equality and justice for all – depends on the support and participation of caring and progressive individuals. A stronger NAACP with a larger, more active membership is the best hope for protecting your freedom and advancing your rights.

The NAACP offers many membership options designed for people of any age or circumstance:

Adults · Regular Adult: $30 per year · Silver Life Subscribing: $750 (Ten annual installments of $75) · Silver Life: $750 (one-time payment) ·Prison Membership: $12

Youths (under 21) · Regular Youth: $15 (includes Crisis Magazine) · Youth (without Crisis Magazine): $10 · Junior Life Subscribing (under 14): $100 (Four annual installments of $25) · Bronze Life (14-20): $400 (one-time payment) · Bronze Life Subscribing (14-20): $400 (Eight annual installments of $50)

For more information, visit www.naacp.org or locally at www.naacpcincinnati.org.

JCRC

Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

About the photos on the cover

4050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 300 • Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 www.jewishcincinnati.org/jcrc • 513-985-1501

Clockwise from top: Civil rights march in Cincinnati on Oct. 27, 1963; NAACP file photo; Christopher Smitherman, Cincinnati NAACP Branch President; and Wendell P. Dabney, founder of the Cincinnati NAACP Branch

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Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Friday, July 11, 2008 • 11

Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce

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Thank you for what you do for black businesses.

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12 Friday, July 11, 2008 • 99th Annual NAACP Convention Guide • Advertising Supplement to The Enquirer

The Honorable Dr. Odell M. Owens, M.D.

Ms. Tawanda Edwards

The Honorable William L. Mallory, Jr.

Ms. Patricia Milton

The Honorable Ted N. Berry

Dr. Ann Richburg

The Honorable Nadine Allen

Dr. Chester Pryor, M.D.

The Honorable Melba Marsh

Dr. Myrtis Mosley-Powell

The Honorable Kim Wilson Burke

Mrs. Elizabeth Lemon

Community Volunteer, Educator

Voter Empowerment Chair NAACP Executive Committee

The Honorable John Andrew West

Mrs. Rose Kearney

Mr. Kevin Johnson

The Honorable Fanon Rucker

Mrs. Emily Spicer

The Honorable Dwane Mallory

Mrs. Miriam West

The Honorable Cheryl Grant

Mrs. Linda Bates Parker

President, Black Career Women

Press and Publicity Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Edwin J. Rigaud

Father Benjamin Urmston, S.J.

Pastor Damon Lynch, III

President, Jewish Community Relations Council Department of Judaic Studies, UC

Mrs. Carole Rigaud

Mr. Robert W. Buechner

Mrs. Lisa McQueen

Ms. Veronica Lanette Chapman

Ms. Mildred Kennedy

Ms. Margaret C. Gutsell

Mr. Michael Allison

Mr. James Tarbell

Assistant Secretary NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Sam Lynch

Mr. Lamont Taylor

Mr. Kevin Moore

99th Annual NAACP National Convention

Blue Ribbon Committee Power • Justice• Freedom• Vote The Honorable Mark L. Mallory Mayor of the City of Cincinnati

Mr. Christopher Smitherman

President Cincinnati NAACP Branch

Ms. Jeanette Altenau

National NAACP Special Contributions Fund Director, Strategic Community Initiatives, WKRC-TV

Mr. William Cofield

NAACP National Board Member and Kentucky NAACP State President

Mr. Douglass McDonald

President, Cincinnati Museum Center

Ms. Gwen Robinson

President, Cincinnati Community Action Agency

Dr. Shelley Jefferson Hamler Community Volunteer, Educator

Mr. Charles Whitehead

Former NAACP National Board Member and Team Cincinnati USA Leader

Rabbi Dr. Gary Zola

Hamilton County Coroner

Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court

President, NAACP Ohio State Conference

Hebrew Union College and Cincinnati Jewish Relations Council

In Memoriam The Honorable Theodore M. Berry

Rev. James Pankey

Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court

Mrs. Sybil Edwards-McNabb

NAACP National Board Member Interim General Counsel NAACP Mayor of Cincinnati NAACP Branch President

The Honorable John J. Gilligan 62nd Governor of Ohio

Representative Tyrone K. Yates Chair

Mr. Herb Brown

Board of Directors Western Southern Life, Co-Chair

Dr. Steven Reece, Sr.

Owner, Reece and Reece Enterprises, Inc. Deputy Chairman

Mr. Ross Love

President, Blue-Chip Enterprises, Civic Leader

Mrs. Cheryl Love

Love Family Foundation

Mr. Steve Love

Banks Working Group, Community Leader

Mr. Carl H. Lindner

President, Baptist Ministers Conference of Cincinnati

Ms. Arna Fisher

President, Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Honorable Dale Mallory

State Representative 32nd House District

The Honorable Eric Kearney

Mr. Vincent Brown

Community Volunteer

Mrs. Marian Spencer

Retired Dean, University College, University of Cincinnati

Mr. Henry Lazenby

Community Volunteer

Mrs. Merri Gaither Smith

Attorney Stanley Chesley

Rev. Donald Jordan, Sr.

Professor Marianna Brown Bettman

Retired Pastor, Hall-Jordan Funeral Homes Community Leader

Dr. Janet B. Reid

Former Member Cincinnati City Council Superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools Principal, Western Hills High School YWCA, Community Volunteer

Community Volunteer, Retired Educator

Ms. Patricia Beggs

Executive Director, Cincinnati Opera

President, Xavier University

Mr. John W. Garland, J.D.

President, Central State University

The Most Reverend Daniel J. Pilarczyk Archbishop, Diocese of Cincinnati

Rev. Mendle Eugene Adams

Retired Pastor, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. Frank Carpenter

Minister, St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church

The Right Reverend Thomas Breidenthal Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio

Ms. Melody Sawyer Richardson Board Chair, SORTA

Mr. Robert E. Wilson, Jr.

Director of Community Affairs, Cincinnati Opera

Ms. Rochelle Johnson

Mr. Tom Cody

Ms. Jenell Walton

The Most Reverend Julius Caesar Hope

Ms. Francie Pepper

Ohio Arts Council, Community Leader

The Honorable John A. Smith Mayor, City of Silverton

The Honorable Alicia Reece

Assistant Director, Travel & Tourism, State of Ohio

Mr. Brian Jaffee

Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

Mr. Sean Rugless

President, Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce

Dean Richard Friedman

President, Center for Holocaust Humanity Education

Mr. Adam Conway

Principal, Cambridge Investment Research

Mr. Jerome Bowles

President, Northern Kentucky NAACP Branch

Mr. Jason Edward Dunn

Director of Multicultural Affairs and Community Development, Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau

Mr. Don Murphy

President, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Dr. Herbert and Lynn Smitherman Community Volunteers

Mr. Albert and Liza Smitherman Community Volunteers

Mr. James Smitherman Community Volunteer

Mr. Deon Edwards

Community Volunteer

Mr. Joseph Smitherman and Jason Knaley Community Volunteers

Mr. Paul Booth

President, Northern Kentucky University

Southwestern Ohio Area Representative Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Ms. Barbara Gould

Vice Chairman, SORTA

Rev. Dr. Michael J. Graham

Dean, Hebrew Union College

Ms. Tracy Wilson

President, Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau

Honorable William L. Mallory, Sr.

Mr. Douglas E. Sizemore

President, Temple Bible College

Ms. Jan Michele Lemon-Kearney, Esquire

Mr. Dan Lincoln

Member, SORTA

Mrs. Tabitha Anderson

Businessman, Community Volunteer

Mrs. Mozelle Flowers

City Manager, City of Cincinnati

Member, SORTA

Dr. James C. Votruba

Ms. Rochelle Morton

Mr. Milton Dohoney

Member, SORTA

Mr. Howard Bond

President, University of Cincinnati

Mrs. Barbara Smitherman

Director, National Religious Affairs, NAACP Detroit, Michigan

Member, SORTA

Mr. Maurice Adams

Mrs. Yvonne Robertson

Community Volunteer, Educator

Xavier University

Rabbi Dr. Kenneth E. Ehrlich

Dr. Herbert Smitherman, Sr.

Publisher, The Cincinnati Herald

Community Volunteer, Educator

Dr. Nancy Zimpher

President, Links, Incorporated Queen City Chapter

Mrs. Lucille Lazenby

YWCA Executive Director

President, Wilberforce University

Community Volunteer, Educator

1st Vice President NAACP Executive Committee Retired Registrar/Director Vital Records

Ms. Rosa Blackwell

Ms. Charlene Ventura

Ms. Patricia Hardaway, M.P.W., J.D.

Community Volunteer, Educator

Interim President, College of Mount St. Joseph

Mr. Oscar Robertson

Director, YMCA CincyAfterSchool

President, Wilmington College

Educator, Civic Volunteer

Dr. Tony Aretz

Reverend Charles E. Winburn

Community Volunteer, Arts Leader

Dr. Dan Diabasio

President, Argus Club

Ms. Deborah Davis

Mr. Schuyler Smith

Community Volunteer, Educator

UC College of Law

President, Drifter’s Inc.

Dr. Calvin A. Harper

Executive Secretary-Treasurer Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council

Businessman, Olympian, UC and Royals Basketball Legend

Civic Leader

President, Avondale Community Council

President, Queen City Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Community Volunteer, Educator Community Volunteer, Business Owner

Managing Partner, Global Lead Management Consulting, Inc.

Former Vice Mayor, City of Cincinnati Community Volunteer

Ms. Cheryl Hill

Ms. Marylyn J. Smith

Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Donald Spencer

Mr. John E. Pepper, Jr.

Educator, Community Volunteer

President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Managing Partner, Global Lead Management Consulting, Inc.

Chairman, American Financial Company, and Civic Leader

Mrs. Pamela Smitherman

Community Volunteer

State Senator 9th District

Managing Partner, Global Lead Management Consulting, Inc.

Retired Chairman and CEO, Procter & Gamble Chairman, The Walt Disney Company Co-Chair, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

President, CEO and Owner Enova Partners, LLC

President, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati

Vice-Chairman, Macy’s YWCA, Community Volunteer

The Honorable Catherine Ingram

Member, Cincinnati Board of Education

The Honorable Eileen Cooper Reed Member, Cincinnati Board of Education

Rev. Damon Lynch, Jr.

Pastor, New Jerusalem Baptist Church

The Honorable Melanie Bates

Member, Cincinnati Board of Education

The Honorable Eve Bolton

President, Cincinnati Board of Education

The Honorable Susan D. Cranley

Member, Cincinnati Board of Education

The Honorable Chris Nelms

Vice-President, Cincinnati Board of Education

The Honorable Michael Flannery

Member, Cincinnati Board of Education

Mr. Lawrence James

President & CEO, Center for Multicultural Competence in Healthcare Organizations

Dr. Adrienne C. James

Superintendent, Sycamore Community Schools

Mr. Alex Triantafilou

Chairman, Hamilton County Republican Party

Mr. Timothy M. Burke

Chairman, Hamilton County Democratic Party

Mr. Michael Goldman

President, National Association of Black Journalists, Cincinnati Chapter, WCPO News Anchor

NAACP Executive Committee NAACP Executive Committee

Bishop E. Lynn Brown

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Chairperson, Closing the Health Gap of Greater Cincinnati NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Marvin Butts

NAACP Executive Committee

Rev. James Cantrell

NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Jim Clingman

Economic Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Adam Conway

NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Alexander DeJarnett

Mrs. Michelle Edwards

Mr. John Moore

President, 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati

Dr. Doris Frye

President, Top Ladies of Distinction

Ms. Stephanie Wright Byrd

Membership Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Roscoe Fultz

NAACP Executive Committee

Rev. Eugene Godhigh

Religious Affairs Co-Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Tracy Gragston

President, Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

Environmental Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Bishop Dwight Wilkins

Mrs. May Smitherman-Smith and David Smith

Ms. Susan Ingram

Ms. Ashley White

President, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance President, Cincinnati Federation of Colored Women’s Club, Inc.

Ms. Gloria Stewart

Community Volunteers

NAACP Cincinnati Branch Office Secretary & Manager

Ms. Irene Joiner

President, National Council of Negro Women

NAACP Cincinnati Branch Convention Desk Administrative Assistant

Ms. Adonica Jones-Park

Mr. Curtis Williams

President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Pi Sigma Zeta Chapter

Ms. Donna Jones Baker

Dr. Karla Irvine

Housing Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Jesse Jenkins

Labor and Industry Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Jim Jones

Historian Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Jonathan Love

NAACP Executive Committee Education Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mrs. Yolanda Miller

Scholarship Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mrs. Beverly Morton

Treasurer and WIN Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Ishton Morton

NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Michael Patton

NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Harry Richardson

NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Robert E. Richardson, Sr.

Regional Manager Laborers’ International Union of North America Ohio Valley and Southern States Region NAACP Executive Committee

Attorney Robert E. Richardson, Jr.

Member, University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees Legal Redress Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mrs. Sherri Richardson

Certified Public Accountant Executive Secretary NAACP Executive Committee

Ms. Velma Sanders

Senior Vice President and Secretary Board of Trustees, UC

Ms. Marilyn Shazor

Judge, US District Court (Southern Ohio)

3rd Vice President Criminal Justice Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Charles Ross

Civic Volunteer, Business Leader

The Honorable Susan J. Dlott

Mr. Karl Holloway

Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins, Sr.

Mr. Thomas L. Conlan, Jr. President & CEO, Metro

Religious Affiars Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Former Member Cincinnati City Council NAACP Executive Committee

Co-Chair, Transportation Committee Assistant Treasurer NAACP Executive Committee

Community Volunteer

Mrs. Theresa Harper

NAACP Executive Committee NAACP Executive Committee

Ms. Elizabeth Sanford

NAACP Executive Committee

Ms. Willa Shelby

2nd Vice President NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Art Slater

Political Action Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mrs. Khalilah Slater-Harrington NAACP Executive Committee

Ms. Victoria Straughn

Health Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Herbert Walker

NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Alan Williams

NAACP Executive Committee

Ms. Monica Williams

Co-Chair, Transportation Committee Political Action Co-Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mr. Jeremy K. Smith

President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Ms. Cheryl Meadows

Executive Director Cincinnati Human Relations Commission

The Honorable Richard Romero

State Commissioner Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs

Mr. Robert Killins, Jr.

Governmental Affairs Procter & Gamble Initial Benefactor NAACP National Convention Local Host Committee

Mr. Tyler Nelson

President, Cincinnati Youth Council NAACP

Mr. Myles Holt

YMCA Youth/College

President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Cincinnati

Youth and ACT-SO Chair NAACP Executive Committee

Mrs. Marjorie Parham

Ms. Carol Cutter-Hawkins

Mr. Allan Harris

Ms. Ana Aponte-Curtis

Ms. Shayla King

Mr. Charles Harris

President, Women’s Alliance, Inc.

President, Charter Committee of Greater Cincinnati

NAACP National Board Member Youth and College Division

Mr. Josh Krekeler

Dr. Stacey Downing

Convener, Green Party of Southwestern Ohio

Ms. Juanita M. Adams

Rev. Warren Hill

President, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Lambda Sigma Chapter

NAACP Executive Committee NAACP Executive Committee

Dr. John Henderson

President, Cincinnati State Technical College NAACP Executive Committee

Publisher, Emerita, The Cincinnati Herald Director of Convention Planning NAACP National Office