Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

Youth, Empowerment, Substance, Service

SAY YESS

Volume 1, Issue 1                                                                                                 August 31, 2005

Quotes from Supporters

The Honorable Daniel Blue former speaker of the NC House of Representatives stated, “Rev. Dr. William J. Barber is one of the most focused, committed, and dedicated person that I’ve ever known. Both in advancing human rights and fighting for concepts of equality and in spiritual dedication.”

“Thousands of young Americans have died in an unjust war to protect the names of “freedom and liberation” in a foreign land. Yet, right here in North Carolina our citizens are still fighting against desegregation of schools, unfair labor practices, educational, societal, and economic bondage of the poor. The NAACP needs a lender that’s not afraid to speak truth to power and demand change to improve life quality for all citizens. Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II is that leader. We can’t afford to leave things as they are.”

Archie Black, CEO
Rebuilding Broken Places

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, reflects on his run for the Presidency of the North Carolina NAACP State Conference

Grace and Peace! Let me thank so many of you for your prayers and support. It has been a marvelous and invigorating experience to move around the state of North Carolina and discuss new vision and direction for the NAACP with so many of you. I have been deeply moved by the passion you have for critical issues and your deep concern that this State Conference regains its integrity and its focus on the work of civil rights and justice. These are critical times and I believe together we must forge a vision comparable to meet the challenges of racism, poverty, and regressive public policy that continually invade our reality. The prophet Amos said, “You can not be at ease in Zion.” The freedom song writer said, “we who believe in freedom cannot rest.” As I have moved around the state you have told me over and over again that we must get back to the business of civil rights. And, you are right. The mission of the NAACP is more than banquets, ballrooms, and business as usual. More than a place for rubbing shoulders with VIPs. The NAACP was the birth into existence to be the conscience of this nation and the foremost proponent for the advancement of all people. We have a mission to accomplish. Internally, too many branches are inactive, fundraising consumes too much time, and state conferences are too expensive. Socially, African Americans are 20% of the population, but 65% of the prison industrial complex. There is a 30% - 40% educational achievement gap between African American and white children in our state. We still don’t have a moratorium on the death penalty. Payday lending is still nothing more than institutionalized robber. There are still 500,000 eligible to vote who are not registered. And thousands who are eligible but don’t vote. We make up 27% of those in poverty. We are only 8% of those elected to public office. And we still don’t have the political muscle to pass a living wage of 10 dollars but have people with the audacity to still burn crosses and hang nooses in public buildings. Resegregation of schools is happening at a rapid speed and providing workers the ability to engage in collective bargaining is not even moving at a snail’s pace. And, to the nation’s shame race and class have sadly impacted how citizens have received relief after Hurricane Katrina. We have work to do!

Just a few of my friends wanted to share with you their points of view about this election and my candidacy. I have included several of their comments in this letter and will share some more with you later.

Remember:

We must come to Greensboro October 6 - 8, 2005 for the State Conference.
Make sure all of your branch (unit) assessments are paid so that you are eligible.
Bring all your delegates 50 - 100 members - 4 delegates, 101 - 500 members - 6 delegates, 501- 1000 members - 8 delegates.

Yours in the Grace of God,
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

“Its time for us to have strong courageous leadership that is for us and not just for me.”