Can Georgia Turn Blue?

With Election Day around the corner, the state of Georgia has already broken state records pertaining to early votes.  According to data collected by the Secretary of State’s Office, the number of votes cast has reached 1.3 million, with black votes accounting for 34 percent of the votes. This year’s election could be recorded as the largest black voter turnout event in Georgia’s history. In 2008, African Americans cast 30 percent of the votes, but that number is already up to 34 percent for this year’s election. The high turnout shows that there is enthusiasm in the Democrat party especially among African Americans. Georgia is not a swing state, so this high turnout is not suspected to turn the state blue. However, it does moves toward the goal of getting more African Americans to vote that many activists and leaders have been pushing for. It is important to note that if there was ever a chance for Georgia to be turned into a blue state, this is the time. Black votes are not enough to turn the state of Georgia blue though. Hispanics, Jews, blacks and all democrats must exercise their right to vote. To find out more about the voting results and process in Georgia you can visit http://www.sos.georgia.gov.

The YES Summit

The Awards just seem to keep coming in for the Valdosta State University’s NAACP chapter. VSU’s NAACP chapter won two awards at the Youth Empowerment Summit (the YES Summit) held at Clark Atlanta University on the weekend of Sept. 21 -23. The YES Summit’s theme was “Thinking Outside the Box.” Some topics included Juvenile Justice, 21st Century Civil Rights Problems, the 2012 election, and other issues affecting our youth. VSU’s NAACP chapter won the Chapter of the Year for their second year in a row. They have also won an award for the Juvenile Justice initiative, which they also won at the national convention.

Because of their great success at the summit, the chapter has been featured on their university's homepage, accompanied with an article and picture of the NAACP chapter’s executive board. To read the article visit the link below:

http://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2012/10/vsu-naacp-wins-two-awards-at-the-youth-empowerment-summit-at-clark-atlanta-university.php

The Absentee Ballot

It is important that college students are aware of the voting processes in the county that they are currently residing in. With this years race being predicted to be closer than last years, either political side needs as many voters as possible to stay ahead of their competitor.

Even though you may be registered to vote in your home town, the county where you attend school will put up issues on the ballot that may affect you, and even if you are not interested in voting in any other county beside your hometown, you need to know that you can be affected.

Whether you are in tune with what is going on in your hometown or not and you want your vote to count, you can get an absentee ballot. An absentee ballot “is the printed ballot marked by an absent voter, sealed in a special envelope, and given or mailed to the municipal clerk,” as stated on gab.wi.gov.  If you are interested in an absentee ballot, you can visit http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/voter_information/absentee.htm to fill out an application.

By William Garrett

Voter Registration Updates

By William Garrett

If you are planning on voting in the state of Georgia for the upcoming presidential election, being informed about the Voter ID Law can save you from having to turn around and going to get the proper identification. Georgia is one of the many states that have a Voter ID Law and I list the ID’s that are acceptable as listed on sos.georgia.gov  below:

                Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a FREE Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

                A Georgia Driver's License, even if expired

                Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state

                Valid U.S. passport ID

                Valid U.S. military photo ID

                Valid tribal photo ID

If you do not have any of these IDs, the State of Georgia offers free Voter Identification Card. Identification card can be issued at any county registrar's office or Department of Driver Services Office for free.

VSU's NAACP Chapter Recognized

Valdosta State's University chapter for the NAACP has accomplished an amazing feat, this past July. They have won first place for Juvenile Justice for the Youth and College Division at the 103^rd NAACP Convention in Houston, Texas. This was a great accomplishment because they were the only chapter in the state of Georgia to receive an award and be recognized at the national convention.

The initiative of the Juvenile Justice initiative is to educate young people about the justice system. VSU's NAACP chapter's advocacy was based on juvenile justice rights on campus through events such as the vigil for Troy Davis and the Trayvon Martin: Do We Look Suspicious forum. As an organization they strive to inform faculty and students of current issues regarding the rights of young people.

“This award was a great honor for our college chapter,” said Airyagany Hall, VSU NAACP president. “To be recognized at the national level is an outstanding achievement. Even though we are young college students, this award showed that we do care about current issues and that others are proud of the hard work we do here on campus. We could not have gotten this award without our members and supporters. VSU NAACP plans to continue striving for excellence in all that we do.”

By Maya Kellam

Valdosta, Ga Juneteenth Celebration

[Additional pictures will be added]

Saturday, June 23, 2012, was the 20^th annual Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Valdosta, Georgia at the historic Lowndes County Courthouse Square. Many came to support the history of America and to also have fun with family and friends.

Valdosta State University’s (VSU) own NAACP chapter had their own booth set up to allow people to register to vote, and to also play a friendly game of Jeopardy in order to spread light on some exciting facts about our history, in Valdosta and in the entire U.S.A.

There was also a guest speaker, Dr. Shirley Hardin, the director of the African American Studies program at VSU, who spoke on the education of the celebration. Ending with Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, Dr. Hardin's words continued to uplift the audience.

In addition to this experience, there were plenty of events for families and acquaintances to enjoy. Things, such as the Kid’s Corner, the Youth Talent Explosion, and the Gospel Fest, filled the square and graced everyone within it.  Vendors and organizations also filled the square to offer their services and products to everyone who came.

There were also tour rides that took guests and residents down to the Valdosta/Lowndes County museum to learn fun facts, such as famous people who were from Valdosta, Georgia, that contributed in some of the World’s most famous things. One of these people, that many will soon recognize, is James Lord Pierpont. Lord Pierpont was the maker of the song Jingle Bells. After the museum, the tour took the visitors and residents on a trip around Valdosta to see what this town was and has become, and then back to the square for more celebration.

NYC Stop And Frisk

Laws are made to protect our natural rights, liberty, and property, and when laws come about that disproportionately targets a certain group of people, it is our responsibility to question the law at hand. This brings me to the highly controversial law: The Stop and Frisk law.

The Stop and Frisk law is a law, in New York, that allows policemen to stop and frisk anyone they deem suspicious. Unsurprisingly, this law is the driving force behind the unjustified frisking of thousands of black and Hispanic men. Even though statistics show that this law is not working, the NYPD and conservatives alike continue to praise the intentions and results of the law while purposely and knowingly ignoring the facts about the flaws in the law.

If you are interested in finding out more about this law and how it affects people, look no further then the new, sleek app. The sleek app is an app that allows New Yorkers to record and report their run-ins with cops pertaining to the Stop and Frisk law. The app allows them to record and report any incident they deem inappropriate regarding residents and the law.

It is our job as U.S. citizens to help fight against unjustified laws, and being aware and informed is the first step. We all know the power of the social media, so take to your Twitter or your Facebook and alert your followers and friends about a law that is being used as legal from of racial profiling – The Stop and Frisk law.

Another effort that is being put forth is the NYC Silent March. Thousands of people were invited to join a “Silent March” against racial profiling. The march will be held Sunday, June 17, 2012 in New York, New York. For more information, visit the following links:

http://www.silentmarchnyc.org/

http://www.naacpconnect.org/content/main

Last Day To Register To Vote

Your votes count and your voices deserve to be heard. It does not matter if you are black or white, gay or straight. It does not matter if you are a republican or a democrat. What does matter is that you are an American citizen, and that your voice needs to be heard in the upcoming election. It is our duty as American citizens to speak up on what we believe in and how we want to live the rest of our lives, and registering to vote is the first step.

If you are registered to vote, I commend you. If you are not, don’t worry because there is still time.

According to O.C.G.A., July 2^nd is the last day for a person to register and be eligible to vote in the General Primary/Non-Partisan/July Special election and Runoff Election.

By William Garrett (VSU)
Press and Publicity Coordinator

Juneteenth Celebration Coming To Valdosta

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger rode in to Galveston, Texas, to inform residents that the Civil War ended two months earlier. Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation and General Granger delivered the order that freed the last 250,000 African Americans that were still in bondage.

The state of Texas was first to start this celebration and it became a state holiday in 1890.

The Juneteenth Celebration is the oldest commemoration that nationally celebrates the ending of slavery in America. It has become the African American equivalent to Independence Day.

Today, Juneteenth celebrations are growing with a lot of organizations and communities throughout the country. The Henry Ford Museum, Smithsonian, and other institutions have begun sponsoring Juneteenth activities, including the city of Valdosta.

Valdosta plans on supporting the celebration by having a community festival in downtown Valdosta, Georgia, by the Old Courthouse on June 23.

There will be an NAACP booth there giving individuals the opportunity to register and vote in the upcoming election in the fall.

The future of Juneteenth looks very bright as the celebrations are emerging among a lot of cities and states. They are creating bonds, understanding and educating others on the meaning of Juneteenth.

By: Maya Kellam (VSU)
Morgan McFarland (VSU)
Press & Publicity Coordinator

What’s REALLY Going On At NAACP’s Leadership Summit?

By Elon James White

New One

I have heavily critiqued the NAACP. I’ve spoken about how it feels very much disconnected from my generation and I’ve watched as local chapters hold press conferences about ridiculous and frivolous issues. The nation’s oldest civil rights group to me seemed stagnant—Just a bunch of old Black folks being old and Black and not growing with the times. Yes, of course there were some places where the NAACP was still doing good work but I scoffed at it being genuinely relevant anymore. 

So when my co-host L. Joy Williams — an active member of the NAACP’s Brooklyn branch — wanted to invite the National NAACP’s chairperson on to our radio show, I half-heartedly agreed and told her don’t get mad if I say something she doesn’t like. Chairman Roslyn Brock appeared on “Blacking It Up” January 23, 2012, and when I thought I was pushing back on her and the organization she pushed back on me. She challenged me directly. She asked me if I was a member of the NAACP? If I had issues with it, why not join and voice them from within? Why not work with them? It wasn’t as if I hadn’t considered it before. At Netroots Nation in 2010 during the Black Caucus, the idea of “infiltrating” the NAACP was discussed by a group of very engaged Blacks who felt disconnected to the organization — but I personally didn’t follow up on that threat. The closest I came to joining was when they issued the resolution that there were racist elements in the Tea Party—which at first I thought was silly. But when the declaration caused some members of the Tea Party to respond with racism, I realized that it was sort of a brilliant move. Then within a week or two of that high profile checkmate, the Shirley Sherrod incident occurred and I crossed my arms and said “SEE.” 

But as I spoke to the Chairman issuing a direct challenge to me, I felt as if I couldn’t just blow it off. If you’re going to talk smack about organizations you have to also be willing to stand up when asked. The historic nature of the NAACP can never be overstated. And with the challenge the chairman also invited me down to their annual Leadership 500 summit, a 4 day meeting of the minds discussing the path and focus of the organization. That’s where I’m writing from now.

See Live Coverage of The NAACP 8th Annual Leadership 500 Summit, “Protecting our BMW’s – Black Men Walking,” here.

VSU Strives To Keep Guns Off Campus

Earlier this year, Georgia House Representative Sean Jergunson proposed House Bill 981. This bill would allow concealed handguns onto the campuses of public and private elementary, middle and high schools, as well as post secondary institutions. Although the bill did not pass, on May 17, 2012, the faculty and senate at Valdosta State University (VSU) have taken on a new resolution to declare their opposition of the bill and to keep all concealed handguns away from their campus.

Those following the faculty and senate’s decision are Dr. Michael G. Noll, associate professor of geography, and Kathryn Grant, a senior at VSU. Dr. Noll was the one who introduced the resolution of joining the Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus. Kathryn Grant, also zealous about the idea, has researched gun legislation in Georgia since 2010.

With the encouragement from VSU’s decision to join the campaign, the campaign’s director, Andy Pelosi, is hoping other schools may join the battle of keeping weapons off campus. Pelosi hopes others will speak out against the bill because the battle is not yet over. He believes it will be amended and back next year.

As young adults we may not fully understand the potential danger we could put others in, especially if we are not fully aware of the responsibilities of carrying a handgun. School is supposed to be a safe environment, a place where parents trust that their children will be protected. By allowing guns on campus you are revoking students of their own security.

Thanks to Dr. Michael G. Noll and Kathryn Grant, VSU has successfully kept their campus a safe institution and may incite other campuses to do the same.

By: Morgan McFarland (VSU)
Press & Publicity Coordinator

Trayvon Martin: Do We Look Suspicious? | Panel Discussion

Creative Media & Marketing in collaboration with VSU NAACP will be hosting "TRAYVON MARTIN: Do We Look Suspicious?" Panel Discussion on Thursday, April 19th at 7pm in the Student Union Theater. The tragic event that happened in Sanford, FL back in February has left our nation and young people confused and enraged about what happened to Trayvon Martin. Dozens of students on this very campus have reached out to our organizations seeking that we cover this issue on campus and we want to make sure that we do that and have a educational conversation that goes beyond Trayvon Martin. The goal of this panel discussion is to cover human rights, racial profiling, criminal justice, and gun laws. We believe this event will shed light on the facts and what we can take from this tragic event. The panel will consist of professors and students from the History, Sociology/Anthropology and Criminal Justice departments.

Dr. William McKinney named new President of Valdosta State University

ATLANTA – (April 13) – The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has appointed Dr. William J. McKinney as the next president of Valdosta State University. He will assume this new position beginning July 1, 2012.

“This was an excellent search and, speaking on behalf of the Board, we were delighted to identify such a strong candidate for this important position,” said USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “The response to Dr. McKinney’s candidacy at both Valdosta State and by the regents was overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to outstanding leadership by Dr. McKinney.”

McKinney, named two weeks ago by the Board as the finalist for the VSU presidency, is currently vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), a position he has held since 2008. In this post, McKinney oversees an annual $70 million budget and is responsible for more than 400 full time and almost 400 part-time faculty.

He also has overseen a 33 percent increase in sponsored research grants and contracts during his tenure, fueled in part by McKinney’s creation of new positions for research, community engagement, and sponsored programs.

Prior to his work at IPFW, McKinney was dean of the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts at Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. (2001-2008) and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Mo. (1997-2001). He has taught at these three institutions, as well as the University of Kentucky, Lexington.

As a result of his work in the area of academics and university management, in 2009 McKinney was picked as one of 25 members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) national “Red Balloon Project.” The group was charged with developing a new approach to undergraduate education that is responsive to public demands for greater accountability in higher education results in a new era of reduced state funding.

McKinney has been active in the work of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, serving on the national board of directors and in various volunteer roles. He also has been a member and held leadership positions in a range of local, state and national organizations, including Leadership Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana Aging and In-Home Services, and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.

He earned a bachelor of arts in history and a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa. Both of his advanced degrees were earned at Indiana University in Bloomington: a master’s degree in history and the philosophy of science and a doctorate in the philosophy of science.

A national search was launched to replace VSU president Dr. Patrick Schloss, who stepped down on June 30, 2011. Dr. Louis Levy has served as interim president since Schloss stepped down.

Trayvon Martin: 45 Days Later

TRAYVON MARTIN TIMELINE
MSNBC
Feb. 26, 2012: Fatal shooting Trayvon Martin, 17, is shot and killed while walking through a Sanford, Fla., community where he is visiting family. Neighbors call police to report hearing a scuffle and a gunshot. Martin is found dead by police. George Zimmerman, neighborhood watch captain, is taken to the Sanford Police Department for questioning about the shooting, which he says was in self-defense. No charges are filed and he is not arrested.

March 19: Investigation launched March 16: 911 tapes released Martin’s parents gain access to 911 calls made to police on the evening of the shooting and portions of those tapes are made public. One recording indicates that Zimmerman says he is following Martin and a dispatcher tells him that's not necessary. In another, there are audible cries for help in the background. Martin's family demands an arrest and petitions calling for the same gain tens of thousands of signatures within a matter of hours.

The U.S. Justice Department announces it has launched an investigation into the shooting.

March 21: Million hoodie march Martin’s parents join hundreds of protesters in New York City demanding justice in what is dubbed the "Million Hoodie March," a tribute to Martin, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt at the time of his death. It is the first of what will become large protests across the country.

March 22: Police chief steps aside Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee announces he will step down "temporarily" amid accusations that he has mishandled the Martin case and after a vote of no confidence by city commissioners. Thousands of people join a rally in Sanford organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton demanding Zimmerman’s arrest. (Sharpton is a host on the msnbc cable television show Politics Nation.)

March 23: White House mention President Barack Obama raises the Martin case at the end of a White House press conference in which he names Jim Yong Kim as his nominee for the World Bank president. In response to a reporter's question about the case, Obama says: "If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon."

March 24: Threats against Zimmerman At a protest in Florida, leader of the New Black Panther Party Mikhail Muhammad announces a $10,000 bounty for the capture of Zimmerman, who is in hiding.

April 10: Lawyers quit Craig Sonner and Hal Uhrig, lawyers for Zimmerman, announce they will no longer represent him because he has stopped communicating with them.

April 11: Charges pending A law enforcement official tells NBC that the Florida prosecutor will file criminal charges against Zimmerman. Less than an hour before those charges are made public, George Zimmerman is reported to be in police custody.

________________________________________________________________

Benjamin Todd Jealous, President & CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of 

Colored People

Benjamin Todd Jealous, President & CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People issued the following statement on the charges filed against George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin:

“Forty five days after Trayvon Martin’s life came to a violent end, the wheels of justice have finally begun to turn. This is an important first step toward bringing justice for Trayvon and his family.

As we have seen, the system does not always work perfectly. But we have shown that when we stand together as a nation we can compel it to work. For the NAACP, this case has always been about the rule of law. We are encouraged by today’s charges, but we know that this is just the beginning. We anticipate and expect a thorough federal investigation of the Sanford Police Department and their role in exacerbating this tragedy.

Trayvon’s case moved the nation because it underscored the twin tragedies that affect so many of our young people: Trayvon was profiled because of his race—looked upon as a threat rather than the loving son he was. And then, once he became a victim, he was neglected by the very police department tasked with protecting our communities and families. As a nation, we’ve got to address the issues of racial profiling and the valuation of black men's lives by law enforcement. In the months ahead the NAACP and our allies in the civil rights community will continue to take these issues on as well as the urgent need to repeal stand your ground laws.

Tonight our thoughts and prayers are with Trayvon’s family. We are grateful for the courage and tenacity of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin that continue to help shape a national movement for justice for their son and for all of America’s children.”

BSL presents "An Evening with the Queen"

VSU for Trayvon Martin

Last night at the "Rally for Change" our Political Action Committee Chair, Amber Worthty announced that our chapter will be taking the lead on the discussion of the Trayvon Martin incident in Sanford, Florida with our "Do I Look Suspicious?" campaign in the wake of a national outrage and concern for how the Trayvon Martin incident is being handled. The "Do I Look Suspicious?" campaign will be an organized, committed and responsible effort to educate the campus about Trayvon Martin and why we should all be concerned whether you are Black, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian or what ever you consider your ethnicity or background to be. As Amber said last night "We want justice!... Not only because of the concern of racial profiling but because a 17 year old boy has been murdered and no arrest has been made". The VSU NAACP along with millions around the nation are demanding justice for Trayvon Martin. Our "Do I Look Suspicious?" campaign on VSU campus starts now! 

VSU Diversity Seminar

Thursday, March 29th at 7pm at Pound Hall Auditorium (North Campus) Beta Alpha Psi will be hosting a "Diversity Seminar" which will include a panel discussion on diversity and how important it is on campus. Our President will be a part of the panel along with reps from the Black Student League, Gay Straight Alliance, an the American Sign Language Club.

VSU NAACP at the 2012 Southeast Regional Convention

March 23rd through March 26th VSU NAACP traveled to Raleigh, NC along with Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Georgia State University, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, and Washington County Youth units to the 2012 Southeast Regional Convention where we attended workshops, meetings, and networked among the 100's of youth that attended. 


Also at this convention our state was awarded the Alethea R. Bonello State Youth And College Division Of The Year Award and our chapter was awarded Best New Youth/College Unit. We want thank all of members and supporters for their outstanding commitment. Fired up, ready to go!

Justice For Trayvon Martin Rally

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

VSU NAACP MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS, Please read below:

The Valdosta-Lowndes County chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference will hold a rally at the Courthouse in downtown Valdosta Thursday evening, March 22, at 6:30. P.M.

Thousands of people of all races are outraged at the murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. He was killed on February 26 in Sandford by a self-appointed neighborhood wartchman, named George Zimmerman.  Hundreds of Valdostans are expected to assemble at the Courthouse to express their outrage and support for Trayvon and his family. The rally will co-incide with rallies and marches across the United States. We will also call for an instenfied search for the killer(s) of Staphon Edgerton (Juan Gatti).

We're asking the public to join us at 6:30pm tomorrow evening.

Floyd Rose
President

SCLC

... With that said, we need every available student to come out and support this rally for Trayvon Martin. Any of us could have been Trayvon. Please reply to this message if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Valdosta State University

NAACP College Chapter

1500 North Patterson Street

Student Union – 2^nd Floor 2121

Valdosta, GA 31698

vsunaacp@gmail.com

www.VSUNAACP.blogspot.com

 

The Honorable Lt. Col. Leo R. Gray of the Tuskegee Airmen

March 16, 2012

Malynda Dorsey Communications Specialist

Tuskegee Airman Visits Valdosta State University

VALDOSTA -- “The Tuskegee Airmen legacy is one that is best told by the airmen themselves,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marsha L. Aleem, commander of AFROTC Detachment 172 at Valdosta State University. “Movies have been made about them but only they can convey the struggles they faced fighting for a country that saw them as second-class citizens.”

With this in mind, AFROTC, Detachment 172 at VSU will welcome retired Lt. Col. Leo R. Gray, one of only 40 surviving black pilots who fought in World War II, to tour VSU and the Valdosta community on Wednesday, March 21 and Thursday, March 22.

On Wednesday, Gray will meet with the university’s administration, students in the African American Studies program and airmen at Moody Air Force Base. He will end his day with a special visit to the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta. The next day he will spend time with cadets from AFROTC Det. 172 at VSU, AFJROTC cadets from Lowndes High School and students from Valdosta High School.

A special viewing of the Tuskegee Airmen documentary, In their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen, will be held Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Jennett Lecture Hall. The documentary will be followed by a question and answer session with Gray. The event is open to the campus and community. Gray will be available for pictures and autographs after the program.

The first black military pilots to serve the United States, the Tuskegee Airmen played a significant role in World War II contrary to the military’s belief that an all-black air unit could not be successful.

“They endured the battle in the air against the Germans as well as a battle within the U.S. Army Air Corps to shatter the belief that Negroes were not fit to fly,” said Aleem. “They turned this adversity into victory with a successful record defending bomber aircraft. Lt. Col. Gray’s visit to Valdosta, a town rich in military history, is important because it gives the community an opportunity to get to meet him and hear his personal accounts first hand.”

Gray joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and began his aviation cadet training in 1943. He graduated from the Tuskegee Army Air Field a year later as a second lieutenant, single engine pilot.

While stationed in Italy as a fighter pilot, Gray flew 15 combat missions, with a total of 750 hours of flying time. He left active duty in 1946 and served in U.S. Air Force Reserves until 1984. During his 41-year service, Gray earned a Coveted Air Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Gray holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 30 years serving in many capacities including technical assistant, agricultural economist, economist and director of program planning. He has also served as an economic consultant to the USDA in West Africa.

Gray is a past president, vice president and treasurer of the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., founder and past president of the Forum on Blacks in Agriculture, past president of Good Hope East Civic Association and a former member of the Richmond, California Model Neighborhood Citizens Board.

Other memberships include the Air Force Association, the Retired Officers Association and the NAACP. Gray has also done extensive travel around the world. He is a widower and has six children and ten grandchildren.

For questions, please contact VSU’s AFROTC Detachment at 229-259-2032 or send an email to afrotcadmin@valdosta.edu.

KNOWLEDGE > IGNORANCE Campaign

Too many times in our communities it has not been the opposition or forces of nature but yet us who have allowed ourselves to be be marginalized and excluded from the political and economical process which has left our communities prone to poverty and misinformation. This is why we have launched the "Knowledge > Ignorance" campaign which will  be a campaign dedicated to equipping you with information and tools that will help you be independent! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

59th Annual NAACP Southeast Regional Convention

http://vsunaacp.blogspot.com/p/59th-annual-southeast-regional.html

The Crisis Magazine - Winter 2012

VSU African American Studies Presents The Langston Hughes Project

February 3, 2012 12-26

Malynda Dorsey Communications Specialist

African American Studies Presents The Langston Hughes Project

VALDOSTA -- In the spirit of Black History Month, the African American Studies Program presents The Langston Hughes Project, to be held Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater.

The Langston Hughes Project is a multimedia concert performance of Hughes’ kaleidoscope jazz poem suite. The project includes on-screen visual imagery from the Harlem Renaissance, spoken word and scores from Dixieland, blues, boogie woogie, bee bop, cha cha, German Lieder and Jewish liturgy.

The presentation will be performed by Dr. Ron McCurdy and The Ron McCurdy Quartet. McCurdy is a professor of music and jazz studies and artistic director at Thornton School of Music University of Southern California.

The performance pays tribute to the late Langston Hughes, a poet, social activist, novelist and playwright who is recognized as a pioneer of jazz poetry. He is well known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, a literary, cultural and artistic movement dominated by African Americans during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Langston Hughes Project is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Social Equity, Department of English, Department of Music and Division of Student Affairs.

For more information about the event, contact Dr. Shirley Hardin, director of African American Studies, at (229) 249-4843.

Happy Birthday NAACP!

Today we celebrate the 103rd birthday of the NAACP! The NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization and for over a 100 years, it is the NAACP that has the largest youth membership of young African Americans under the age of 25, it is the NAACP that has registered over 10 million African Americans to vote in the past decade, it is the NAACP who has put 100% of all efforts to eliminate the "War on Drugs" that has resulted in almost 1 million African Americans in prison today, and it will be the NAACP that will continue to organize and mobilize in courtrooms, neighborhoods, and campuses all around this country as we continue to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination everywhere.

So today we celebrate. We celebrate a legacy and a future. We are the NAACP! Fired up and ready to go!

Thank You,

DeAndre Jones

President
VSU NAACP

VSU Presidential Search Narrowed Down

Provided by VSU's "The Spectator"

The Official VSU Black History Week

After our Black History Celebration Program on Thursday, Rep. Alisha Morgan will be having a book signing. Come out and get your autographed copy.

February 2, 2012
12-24
Malynda Dorsey
VSU Communications Specialist

Black History Week: Celebrating the Legacy, Building Our Own

VALDOSTA -- As the nation observes the accomplishments of notable black men and women in history throughout the month, Valdosta State University will host events and activities on campus from Monday, Feb. 6, to Feb 10 that focus on the contributions of African Americans in America. VSU’s Second Annual Black History Week is sponsored by the VSU NAACP, Black Student League (BSL), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Creative Media & Marketing.
The theme for Black History Week is “Celebrating the Legacy, Building Our Own.”

“American history was and still is being shaped by people from different countries, cultures, religions and backgrounds everyday and it is important that we acknowledge the contributions of everyone,” VSU NAACP President DeAndre Jones said. “The contributions and roles of African Americans in America for over 400 years are without a doubt an important subject and cannot be ignored. I see this week as an opportunity to share our culture and history with the entire campus community.”

Jones added that there is nowhere better to celebrate diversity and education than at the university.

“As Carter G. Woodson, the originator of Black History Month (or week in those days) once said, ‘Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.’ With that said, history no matter what color, needs be celebrated. It's our history, it's your history, and most importantly it's America's history.”

Schedule of Events

VSU Black History Week Jump-Off Unity Cookout
Monday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. on the VSU Front Lawn
All students are invited to enjoy food, music and games.

A Catwalk Through the Past Fashion Show
Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Bailey Science Center
The show will feature various fashion trends.

Organizational Meet and Greet
Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Meeting Rooms A & B
This will be an opportunity for students to meet members of the hosting organizations.

Black in America Panel Discussion
Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater
The panel will include VSU students and faculty members who have shown leadership and outstanding service on campus. The panel will discuss issues about education, diversity on campus, leadership and opportunities.

VSU Black History Celebration Program
Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater
The program will feature keynote speaker, Georgia Representative Alisha Morgan. There will also do a book signing afterward.

“Ambitious: An All Black Affair”
Friday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. at Fruits of the Garden, located at 115 W. Central Ave.
VSU students are invited to enjoy live entertainment and open mic. 

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We Still March: MLK March and Candlelight Vigil

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We Still March: MLK March and Candlelight Vigil

"We Still March: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Candlelight Vigil"

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

University Center Brick Patio

The life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. redefined the civil rights movement and acted as a catalyst for many of the freedoms we currently enjoy. We are inviting the entire campus community as well as the citizens of Valdosta to join us as we celebrate the legacy of this influential pioneer and reflect on the impact he has had on our nation. The VSU NAACP College Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Mu Omicron Chapter, and the Office of Social Equity will be hosting the event.

We will start assembling for the march at 4:30 PM in front of the University Center at the intersection of Ann and North Patterson Street. At 5:00 PM we will begin marching down to the front of the campus front lawn and we ask that everyone proceed to the front of West Hall (in front the fountain) for the candlelight vigil ceremony. Please do not bring your own candles. Candles will be provided but limited. Our very own President Dr. Louis Levy and Reverend Floyd Rose of the local Valdosta SCLC branch will be speaking at the ceremony. If the weather conditions do not allow us to have the event outside, there will be an alternative location.

We hope that you may be able to attend and celebrate with us. This will be nothing short of a historic event for VSU!