Four Compelling Arguments for the Existence of the NAACP Today

A 15-year-old boy was charged with several counts of murder in Saint Paul. Certified as an adult, he was indicted by a grand jury. The young man was offered 17 years in prison to plead guilty to the murder charges. Distraught, overwhelmed and frightened by the possibility of a case of mistaken identity, the young man's mother anxiously sought the help of the St. Paul NAACP. Through diligent investigative work and persistent dialogue with key contacts, the St. Paul NAACP was able to secure the young man's release without any charges.

A weekend trip to Selby, South Dakota turned into a living nightmare for a Brown Institute College student. The student took the road trip with a good friend, to this sleepy town of 736 citizens, to socialize and visit friends during a school break. The weekend of youthful romantic notions, ended unexpectedly with the young man facing federal charges of kidnapping, sexual assault/rape and more. A 30-year prison term was the intended fate of this young man if the Selby authorities had their way. The friend's family with whom he was traveling with contacted the St. Paul NAACP. The NAACP immediately got involved by contacting offcials in Selby South Dakota to ascertain what really happened that weekend. "I was concerned that a real injustice had taken place. Figuratively, it conjures up the making of a modern day lynching," noted St. Paul NAACP President, Nathaniel Kaliq. A call by the NAACP was directed to the Selby Sheriff, advising that calls would be made to the detainee on a daily basis, to assure that the defendant was well and being treated fairly. The young man spent many days in jail during which time the NAACP contacted the public defender, prosecutor and the judge. The NAACP gathered an arsenal of witnesses who attended the parties at which the alleged offences had taken place. Consistent stories of harmless affection provided by witnesses corroborated with the jailed student's story. After 30 days, frustrated and afraid the young man pleaded guilty to minor charges and was released. He was instructed to pay $1500 to the young woman for allegedly experiencing harassment for kissing a black man.

An example of the St. Paul NAACP supporting equal opportunities for business involved a defunct community development corporation which supported economic development by helping minority-owned businesses set-up operation and provide training. The Selby Community Development Corporation (SCDC) found itself struggling to stay afloat. With the burden of back taxes, late mortgage payments and the inability to fill its grant obligations, a board member contacted the St. Paul NAACP to assist them in redirecting their course. Following a year of brainstorming meetings, capital institutions provided technical and financial support. The WIND Organization and Western State Bank was able to vitalize SCDC. The result: buildings saved from foreclosure, debt reduced, payments arranged for back taxes and a new executive director hired. Today the SCDC still is alive and well. Recently the SCDC, built a house and partnered to construct a 45-unit apartment building. It also assists other businesses in securing loans.

When the news headlines covered the story of "Five African-American Children Killed in Arson House Fire," there was no mention of local, city or state government offcials expressing outrage or demanding that justice be served. In fact, the initial reaction consisted of a monetary reward totaling $3000-that's $600 a life! However, this did set off outrage in our community and when the St. Paul NAACP was briefed, their heated response was instantaneous. Consequently, the Governor was contacted by the NAACP and the demand was made for more money, action and involvement. The Governor responded favorably by increasing the reward to $30,000. The NAACP offered assistance and assurance that justice would be done. "This heinous crime should have been a top priority of the local and state criminal justice system, and it would have been if the children were white." Nathaniel Kaliq sorrowfully concluded. The NAACP held an annual vigil during the four years it took to see justice done. During that time, the NAACP challenged the Governor, Minnesota Attorney General, U.S. Attorney Janet Reno and President Bill and Mrs. Hillary Clinton, through ongoing written communications. The U.S. Attorney General for the District of Minnesota came forth and assured family members that the federal government would allocate all the necessary resources to solve the crime. The individuals were then caught and arrested for the crimes committed.

These are only a few stories of injustice relating to the lives that have been positively impacted by the St. Paul NAACP. There are more calls for help than we can serve with the current resources available. Often cases are forwarded to the appropriate agencies for assistance. There is more to do because the need is great. Help increase the resources necessary to meet the demand. We need you. Become a St. Paul NAACP Chapter member and volunteer your skills, abilities and/or your time today!