Last night, at the 2009 NAACP’s Spingarn award ceremony where Julian Bond was awarded the “gold medal” for his efforts to advance civil rights, President Barack Obama spoke eloquently and passionately about elevating standards for African American children. He began with comments that reflected upon the “structural inequalities” that plague our pursuit of justice for all and that contribute to a society in which African American and Latino communities are less likely to be employed, more likely to receive a substandard education, and more likely to be imprisoned. Noting that we have to break down these barriers in order for “every child” to succeed, he also reminded us that we cannot use these inequalities as “an excuse.” In his words, we have to “turn off the X-box and put our kids to bed at a decent hour.” I know that’s right, Mr. President!

It is always important to acknowledge the fact that adults often struggle with transfering something to children that they don’t have themselves. In other words, it is hard for a mother with no ambitions to inspire her child to do better, but it can be done. Our goals should never be limited by only that which seems possible. My own mother used to tell me, “I don’t care what you do, just be the best at it” and though she didn’t have a college degree at the time, it was always expected that I would have one. Sometimes, we have to take it a little higher–elevate the standards for ourselves and our children–so that what might seem impossible now can become achievable after all, with some dedication, focus, and tools (e.g. education). I’m inspired, Mr. President. I hope others are as well. Thanks.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

More than five thousand NAACP activists in New York, and today was quite a day! For me, it was filled with highlights. Among the leading events was a press conference that I shared with actor Jeffrey Wright, who was gracious enough to share his experience with law enforcement to help launch the new reporting technology that we are unveiling through the NAACP website. In fact, our developing framework around shifting the public discourse from being “tough on crime” to being “smart on crime” was somewhat of a theme for the day–at least for me. Benjamin Jealous, the President and CEO of the NAACP, even let a few tears flow as he described how painful it is to watch innocent people die because of racial bias in the justice system. Then, later, an amazing panel that consisted of San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham, Isis Sapp Grant, Rob Carmona, Ethan Nadelmann, and Dr. Stephanie Bush-Baskette–all deserving leaders in the criminal justice world–shared a stage to discuss their vision of “smart and safe” justice. They were thoughtful and engaging. Check the NAACP website in the next few weeks to watch a video of the session.

This was all particularly moving because this morning, the New York Times announced that African Americans are four times as likely as their white counterparts to be unemployed in New York City. As Professor Charles Ogletree said earlier this evening, “criminal justice is an economic issue.” Indeed, he said “civil rights are economic issues”–ones we will need to continue to focus on and elevate if we are to rise from mire of injustice.

I’ll be here all week…sharing what I can, when I can.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

Around the country, incidents of police misconduct are under-reported. While there are many law enforcment officers and leaders who care deeply about ensuring public safety in a fair and equitable manner, there are others who abuse their power. Victims and witnesses of police misconduct and abuse can now report their incidents online–and include any video and audio associated with the incident-to the NAACP. Data will be collected and shared with the local branches of the NAACP, as well as to federal and state-level policymakers who are responsible for policing policy, training, and standards.

We need an accurate account of incidents that occur in our communities in order to be effective advocates for change in policy and practice. This effort is about making our communities safer. Let’s be a part of the solution.

For more information, please visit the NAACP.

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