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NAACP focuses on court vacancy, health
Associated Press
Published July 10, 2005
MILWAUKEE - The new Supreme Court justice must be a strong advocate for civil rights, and NAACP members are pressuring lawmakers to make that a priority in the selection process, NAACP officials said at the group's annual convention Saturday.
"We very badly want to support a nominee committed to justice and fair play," said Julian Bond, chairman of the board. Bond's comments came on the opening day of the group's 96th annual convention, where more than 8,000 people are expected to discuss issues such as reparations for slavery, renewal of the voting rights act and ways of increasing membership.
Today, a seminar will focus on who will fill the Supreme Court seat that will be vacated by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who announced her retirement July 1. NAACP members are being urged to contact the White House and their senators to influence selection of the nominee, said Hilary Shelton, head of the NAACP's Washington, D.C., branch.
The convention also will highlight the persistent health disparities between blacks and other groups, with panel discussions, free health screenings and fitness sessions planned each day.
[Last modified July 9, 2005, 23:35:17]
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