September 16, 2007

NAACP Seems More Relevant Today

I questioned the relevancy of the NAACP here and here over the past year. Today, I feel much better about them. It turns out the the NAACP Detroit Branch created a public education program called the George W. Crockett Jr. Community Law School. Classes are taught by attorneys, judges, civil rights advocates, and community leaders.


George W. Crockett, Jr.


of you knew him as a legendary civil rights leader, a brilliant attorney, and outstanding constitutional scholar. He defended labor unionists and civil rights activists when such causes were unpopular. He represented the late Coleman A. Young, when Young was called before the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

Many of you knew him as one of the first African American judges to sit on Recorder's Court. When Detroit Police Officers randomly arrested 142 people after the infamous New Bethel Church incident, Crockett ruled they could not be held indefinitely without probable cause, and released most of them.

Many of you knew him as a congressman elected to represent the old 13th Congressional District, where he became one of the House's foremost experts on foreign affairs and the U.S. Constitution. In Congress, he introduced the Mandela Freedom Act, which eventually passed. He also sued President Ronald Reagan under the War Power Act for unauthorized military actions in El Salvador.

I knew him as 'Granddaddy'.

All of a sudden the NAACP seems more relevant to me.

9 comments:

Sleeperwithheavyeyes said...

Wow, thats an awesome personal connection to history. I'm glad you posted about your family, and all of our, history. I grew up in the D so that kinda hits home in a special way to me. Good post.

Anonymous said...

Hey Villager!

Just echoing Homeland Colors. And as someone else who calls the 'D' home, I wanna say thanks for the positive recognition of our Detroit NAACP branch. Rev. Wendell Anthony has been a strong leading force for that organization for a long time now, and they all deserve props for what they're doing.

You may be wondering where I been? Let's just say life has its moments. Hopefully I'll be back in the saddle again and kicking it full throttle soon.

Easy.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for dropping the personal knowledge, Villager.

Derrick said...

I still don't feel any better about them. They're the same ones who just a month and a half ago were holding press confrences to advocate for a million (Mike Vick) who can pay his own PR; rather than using their media draw to bring attention to things like the Jena 6.

Plus they do little of nothing around here in Nashville that actually matters.

Unknown said...

Homeland Colors - I lived for eight years in Detroit. My parents were married there after graduating from Univ of Michigan. My maternal grandparents lived most of their lives in Detroit. The D has a special place in my heart as well.

Keith - I was in D when Anthony was first elected. He was a controversial choice that first time around. Nice to see him taking care of business. Nice to see you back in cyberspace as well!

Enigmatik - It was fun to do!

Yobachi - All politics is local (smile)

AJ said...

Good to hear the NAACP is doing proactive work to help our youth.

Anonymous said...

Omo (Son),
What a thoughtful tribute to
Daddy!

Iya (mom)

credo said...

Hey Villager:

Power to the people runs in the family..Black Power fist to your granddad.

I'm still trying to get pass edthe "colored" in NAACP, but I am currently working with a group that is a arm of the NAACP.

Unknown said...

Credo - There aren't any telegraphs in the nation any longer ... but it doesn't seem to stop the profits at AT&T (smile).

Good to 'see' you again!

peace, Villager