NAACP Missouri State Conference Legislative Day at the Capitol February 2, 2010 9AM - 4PM Hearing Room 2

Legislative Day at the Capitol

9:00 am Opening President Mary Ratliff

Invocation Rev. George Coleman, Religious Affairs Chair

Registration Table & Sign-in Pick up evaluation to win a door prize, Wilhelmina Stewart, State Conference Secretary

9:15 am Dissemination of Legislative Packets

9:30 am Review of issues to discuss with Governor Nixon, Attorney General Koster, legislators and the Director of Public Safety John Britt

9:45 am Why the 2010 Census Matters to You and Missouri, Lori Simms, Census 2010

10:30 – 12:00 Share information with legislators

10:30 am State Executive Committee Mtgs with Missouri Attorney General Koster

11:15 am State Executive Committee Mtg with the Office of Missouri Director of Public Safety John Britt

12:00 – 1 pm Lunch with remarks from

• Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder,
• the spokesperson for Secretary of State Robin Carnahan,
• Rep. Martin Rucker, Dist 29 St. Joseph, Chair of Missouri Black Caucus,
• Rep. Paul LaVota, Minority Floor Leader,
• Rep. Don Callaway,
• Senator Jolie Justice and other legislators

1:30 pm State Executive Committee Meeting with Governor Nixon

2:30 pm Reassemble for information sessions on minority contracting initiative, Allen Green, Director of Workforce and Supplier Diversity

3:00 – 4:00 pm Closing Ceremony (turn in your evaluation for the chance to win the door prizes) Adjourn

NAACP is Thankful This Thanksgiving For Generous Donor Tyler Perry's $1,000,000 Donation Towards the Promotion of Civil Rights for All

ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR, WRITER AND ACTOR TYLER PERRY DONATES ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO NAACP

GIFT IS THE LARGEST RECEIVED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST IN THE NAACP’S HISTORY

Washington, DC (November 23, 2009) - The NAACP, the country’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, announced today that acclaimed film director Tyler Perry has donated one million dollars, marking the largest gift ever given by an individual artist. In addition, Perry purchased several NAACP commissioned Jacob Lawrence lithographs and additional lithographs by celebrated artists Jonathan Green, Elizabeth Catlett and Sam Gilliam. The gift was made to commemorate the organization’s Centennial anniversary.

“Tyler Perry exemplifies an unyielding commitment to uplifting and bringing hope to the disenfranchised and those less fortunate,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP, “Both in his films and in his life, he reflects an impressive ethos of caring and conscientiousness. We are deeply grateful for his support.”

“We are honored that Tyler Perry chose to support the NAACP,” said Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP. “Tyler is a courageous pioneer in bringing positive images of African American culture and struggles to the screen. His remarkable journey from poverty and childhood abuse to become one of the world’s most successful filmmakers and entrepreneurs is an inspiration to us all,” Bond said.

“I feel so honored and blessed to be in a position where I can give to the NAACP.” Perry said. “Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am in today. I continue to be thankful for the tireless work of the NAACP, and I am proud to be able to help in their mission to fight for the equality of all people, and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against race.”

“This is a paradigm shifting moment in black philanthropy. Here is a civil rights organization that is receiving a donation that is usually targeted only at education or cultural institutions. Tyler Perry is setting a high standard for others to follow,” said Maxim Thorne, Senior Vice President of the NAACP.

“The generous gift by Tyler Perry will be used to support our Second Century Society advocacy programs on economic equality, education, health care and criminal justice” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP.

About Tyler Perry
Since making his film debut in 2005 with Lionsgate's Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Tyler Perry has become a multimedia phenomenon. Eight of his nine films have debuted at #1 at the North American box office. Perry's first book, Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Life and Love, debuted at #1 on The New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestseller list the week of April 30, 2006, and was named both Book of the Year and Humor Book of the Year at the October 2006 Quill Book Awards. Last year, Perry unveiled Tyler Perry Studios, a 200,000-square-foot studio created from a former Delta Air Lines facility in Atlanta, where his films and television shows are filmed.

This fall, Perry released his ninth film, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, co-starring Taraji Henson and Mary J. Blige. Along with Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate, he also helped release Lee Daniels’ critically acclaimed film, Precious. Perry has a long history of supporting programs that help the hungry and the homeless.

About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil and human rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and advocating for equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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Journey for Justice: Largest Civil Rights Rally In Missouri Set For Kennett Missouri Monday, November 16, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Does She Look Like A PreMed Student

or

a Perp that needs 15 Years to keep her from cutting in line?

Short answer - Neither. Heather Ellis' dreams of medical school were trashed three years ago when she was arrested for assaulting 5 Kennett, MO police officers. You can learn more at TheHeatherEllisCase.

Now the question is - will Heather Ellis get a fair and just trial in Kennett? And where is the evidence (a hidden Walmart videotape) that Kennett, MO, Prosecutor Stephen P. Sokoloff has yet to show? Maybe Reverend Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, Professor Watkin, Michael Baisden, the national media and concerned American can help promote justice and equality in Kennett.

What makes matters worse is the fact that the Ellis family alleges that admitted KKK card carrying police officers (not all of Kennett's police carry KKK calling cards, but one is too many) have intimidated them by distributing KKK calling cards.

Donations for Heather Ellis' legal defense fund will be presented to the family with checks made payable to THE HEATHER ELLIS LEGAL DEFENSE FUND (or click the link to donate through Paypal if you cannot personally attend).

Lets go meet the Ellis' on this "Journey for Justice." eams of practicing medicine away by assaulting 5 police officers in a parking lot.

If you want to go. If you want to support justice. If you want Missouri's criminal justice system to find the truth, e-mail jcnaacp@gmail.com so that you can march in defense of core American values.

On November 16, 2009, the van leaves at 5:30 AM from Jefferson City, MO Community Center at 621 E. Dunklin. We will arrive in Kennett at 10AM and then at 11 AM, we will meet at the Walmart where she was arrested (1500 1st St., Kennett, MO) and march to the steps of the courthouse square (200 Slicer St) where Prosecutor Sokolof says she will be sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Anyone with an interest in justice is welcome.

This is just one opportunity to help set justice on the right path. Missouri needs your help.

Local Law Enforcement Gets Help In the Investigation & Prosecution of Crimes Motivated by Hate

PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS HISTORIC

MATTHEW SHEPARD, JAMES BYRD JR. HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT

INTO LAW

Google the names of Heather Ellis and Walter Currie, Jr., and you will know that hate crimes are an issue in Missouri. Reports of violent hate crimes are increasing. Walter Currie, Jr.'s attacker set him on fire reminiscent of lynchings thought long in the past. Heather Ellis reports that the Kennett Police force has officers/members of the KKK who are intimidating her family while the prosecutor files criminal charges unequally. Both cases have drawn the nation's attention to the Show Me State. In the face of local inaction, the federal government has once again passed legislation to protect all Missourians because Missouri's existing state laws are not being properly enforced at the local level.

October 28, 2009, President Barack Obama signed legislation into law that significantly expands the role the federal government can play in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. The full House of Representatives passed this legislation on October 8, 2009, by a vote of 281 to 146; the Senate passed the final version of the bill on October 22, by a margin of 68 to 29.

Hate crimes remain a festering and horrifying problem in the United States. This form of domestic terrorism is designed to intimidate whole communities on the basis of personal and immutable characteristics – and can spark widespread neighborhood conflicts, even damaging the very fabric of our society. Although there are laws on the books that help deter hate crimes and protect their victims, significant gaps remain unfilled. Sadly, the number of hate crimes in America continues to increase, and the number of “hate groups” (an organization that promotes hate or violence towards members of an entire class of people, based on characteristics such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation) in the United States increased to 926 in 2008, up 54 percent since 2000.

Prior to enactment of the legislation earlier today, the federal government was allowed to intervene in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes only if they occur on federal property or if the victim was participating in one of six very specific activities, such as voting. The Matthew Shepard, James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expands existing hate crime prevention laws and allow the federal government to assist local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by hate, regardless of where or what the victim was doing at the time the crime occurred. It would also expand the definition of a hate crime to include those motivated by the victim’s disability, gender or sexual orientation and it would provide money to states to develop hate crime prevention programs.

In short, this proposed hate crimes prevention legislation would allow the federal government to work with state and local authorities to prevent or, if necessary, punish hate crimes to the fullest extent possible. As past cases have clearly demonstrated, the federal government is often needed to compliment state and local efforts to investigate and prosecute these very complicated and expensive cases.

A Morning with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City

October 25, 2009

Worship service: Sunday, 10:30 - 11:30 A.M

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
P.O. Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1245

Telephone: (573) 636-0684 (answering machine)

Meet with the Fellowship this Sunday as we discuss the impact of the NAACP on America over the last 100 years as we look forward to next year. Imagine faith in action. Proud partners for justice and equality.

100 Years: Living the Legacy

NAACP Announces Centennial Awardees

Jefferson City, MO, October 3, 2009 — “Ideas such as Justice and Equality are

only as relevant as we make them.” Says Nimrod Chapel, Jr., president of the Jefferson

City, MO, Branch of the NAACP. “These individuals and organizations we are

recognizing have shown a sincere interest in turning democratic concepts into reality.

It’s a fitting tribute that they are recognized at this year’s 46th Annual Freedom Fund

Dinner, Silent Auction and Centennial Celebration on October 3, 2009 at the Capital

Plaza. I encourage each of you to get to know these individuals and organization and

continue your support for these most American of ideals.”

The 2009 Awardees are:

ROY WILKINS AWARD – Vera Thomas (Mother of Reginald Clemons)

The Roy Wilkins Award is given in recognition of individuals who have devoted their

lives to finding solutions to racial inequality, promoted educational excellence, and

demonstrated courage in the fight for equality, justice, and civil rights.

ROSA PARKS AWARD –Phyllis Launius

The Rosa Parks Award is given to individuals who have committed their lives, and have

exhibited dedication and commitment to the cause of equality and justice in the face of

personal sacrifice, and for standing up against racism and discrimination.

CORPORATE/PUBLIC IMAGE AWARD

The Missouri Supreme Court - Public

This Corporate/Public Image Award is given to a company or individual in the

public/private sector, in recognition of its/their commitment and dedication to equal

opportunity, employment, diversity, community support and leadership.

PRESIDENTIAL CHOICE AWARD

Larry Weber, Esq., Chuck Hatfield, Esq., Lieutenant Colonel Christina Case,

Master Sergeant Percy Johnson

This Presidential Choice Award is given to an organization or individuals in the

public/private sector, in recognition of its/their commitment and dedication to equal

opportunity, access, employment, diversity, community support and leadership.

MYRTLE SMITH ODEN YOUNG ADULT SERVICE AWARD – Cyrus Dashtaki, Esq.

The Myrtle Smith Oden Service Award is given to individuals who have worked faithfully

in the NAACP or other civic organizations for the overall betterment of the community.

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD – Nimrod and Dr. Cynthia Chapel

The Lifetime Service Award is given in recognition of an individual for a lifetime career,

dedicated toward the cause of justice, equal opportunity and civil rights for all people.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Tyronne Allen, James Tippin, Esq.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given in recognition of an individual who has

worked diligently and given honorable and dedicated service in the safeguard of justice

and democracy.

“Honor those who have worked in their professional and private capacities as citizens to

make our Community, state and nation a better place to live and truer to the ideals set

forth in the Bill of Rights and Constitution.” Said Chapel. “Civic duty is the debt we

owe for being a part of society and it is our only real opportunity to make communities

better.”

Founded in 1909, the 100 year old NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights

organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier

advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and

monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Freedom Fund Dinner Approaches Saturday

PRESS RELEASE THE 46’TH ANNUAL NAACP FREEDOM FUND DINNER & CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2009 5:45 pm SILENT AUCTION AND RECEPTION 7:00 pm DINNER & AWARDS BANQUET CAPITOL PLAZA HOTEL JEFFERSON CITY MO GUEST SPEAKER, JEROME REIDE, JD, PhD NATIONAL FIELD ORGANIZER OF THE NAACP, WASHINGTON, D.C. TICKETS: ADULTS-$50.00 STUDENTS-$15.00 CHILDREN-$10.00 NAACP CELEBRATES 100 YEARS 1909-2009 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY JAZZ BAND FOR INFORMATION OR TICKETS CONTACT NIMROD CHAPEL SR. @573-659-3560 jcnaacp@gmail.com www.naacpjc.org