LU Brings in Heavyweight for Commencement!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT MISTY YOUNG

(573) 681-6032

November 15, 2011

TONYA LEWIS LEE TO SERVE AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Jefferson City, MO- Tonya Lewis Lee will serve as the keynote speaker during Lincoln University’s December 2011 Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. in Jason Gymnasium.

Lewis Lee is founder of multimedia company, Madstone Company, Inc, which has produced children’s programming for the Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite networks. Her works have featured artists including Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Whoopi Goldberg and Queen Latifah. Lewis Lee is also a children’s author, having collaborated with her husband, Hollywood director Spike Lee, on three books that were published by Madstone Company, Inc. She has made numerous radio and television appearances and been featured in or written articles for several national publications including The New York Times, O, Ebony and Redbook.

An advocate for children, Lewis Lee has produced the documentary, “Crisis in the Crib: Saving our Nation’s Babies,” and is a spokesperson for the infant mortality awareness campaign, “A Healthy Baby Begins with You.” Her work has earned her national recognition, including being named by Essence magazine as one of 2011’s most influential African American women in the United States.

Tonya Lewis Lee is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, and holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia. She serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She lives in New York City with her husband and their teenage children.

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Sign the Stand for Freedom Petition today and ask a friend to do the same.

Dear Friends, If Charles and David Koch have their way, millions of eligible  Americans won't be able to cast a vote in 2012. In recent years, the billionaire political operatives have used  their vast fortunes to finance the drafting, promoting and  introduction of model bills restricting people's ability to  vote, and so far legislatures in 38 states have introduced  Koch Brothers-supported legislation. All told, this is the most  aggressive and widespread attack on the right to vote since the  voting rights restrictions that paved the way for segregation. This week, Brave New Films debuts a new video shining the  spotlight on the Koch Brothers and their role in the voting rights  attacks. "Koch Brothers Exposed" is a call to action for all Americans  concerned about protecting this most fundamental of rights. Watch the video and then sign the Stand for Freedom pledge  today to fight back: http://action.naacp.org/voting-rights-video The voter suppression laws take many forms: prohibitive  voter registration requirements, sharply reduced early  voting periods, government-issued photo ID requirements, and  discriminatory laws that disproportionately deny voting rights  to people with felony convictions. As I note in the video, these attacks on voting rights are only  the beginning. The reason that you take away somebody's right  to vote is so that you can take away the rest of their rights. Everything we care about is at stake: the right to equal opportunity,  the right for every child to attend a quality school, for clean water  to drink and clean air to breathe, and basic protection of civil and  human rights.The NAACP is organizing aggressively to stop these  rollbacks. On December 10th, International Human Rights Day,  we will organize a series of rallies and events around the country.  In New York City, we will begin our march at a demonstration  outside the Koch brothers' offices, and continue on to a rally at the  United Nations Building. Please join the resistance against these fundamental attacks  on human rights. Click the link to watch this new video from  Brave New films, then sign the Stand for Freedom petition  today and share it with your friends, colleagues and family  members: http://action.naacp.org/voting-rights-video The NAACP has never stood on the sidelines when the extremists  of any era attacked the voting right of Americans. We will fight the  Koch brothers and their ilk, and with your help, we will prevail. Standing for Freedom, BenBenjamin Todd Jealous President and CEO NAACP

Learn more about the death penalty and what citizens can do to oppose it.

AI Midwest Regional in Kansas City, October 28-30

Join Amnesty International, ACLU, Missourians Against Death Penalty and the Justice for Reggie Campaign for a Kick off Rally for Reggie!!!!  The rally is Friday, October 28 at5:30 pm at the J.C. Nichols Fountain, 47^th & Main. Reggie’s parents will be speakers.

If you are in or near the Kansas City area next weekend, make plans to attend the Regional as we intensify our efforts to save Reggie and end the death penalty in Missouri. For those in St. Louis, it’s about a 3-1/2 hour drive. For information at the conference, visit the AI website at http://www.amnestyusa.org/events/regional-conferences/midwest-regional-conference.


ALSO - 

March 5 is the new hearing date in Reggie Clemmons case - will you watch to see that justice is done?

We will be intensifying our efforts on the ground from now until March 5 to talk about Reggie’s case. We will be using the traditional media, social networking, petitioning, speakers’ bureau, etc. to get our message out.  Please join us, our partners and friends as we bringMissouri to the forefront.

48th Freedom Fund Dinner & Silent Auction set for November 18, 2011

Law Professor S. David Mitchell to Keynote the Jefferson City, MO NAACP 48th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner November 18, 2011

Sponsors

2011 Freedom Fund Dinner

Platinum Sponsorship 

Environmental Engineering

Missouri National Guard

Gold Sponsorship

Ameren UE

Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys

Silver Sponsorship

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Central Bank

CenturyLink

Hawthorn Bank

Jefferson City School Board

Lincoln University Foundation

Missouri AFL-CIO

Second Baptist Church

Special Contributions

Capital Region Medical Center

Dashtaki Law Firm

Darryl Driver, Esq.

Mr. and Mrs. James Gearhart

St. Mary’s Health Center

 Donations

Capital Plaza Hotel

Lowes

The Y (YMCA)

Bag Lady Exchange

River City Florist

Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart

Lee’s Chicken

Perkins Restaurant

Judge Jon R. Gray

Pizza Hut

Scholastic

Applebee’s Restaurant

Will West Music Store

AFI Gallery

Director Kevin Willmott

Glenn Bonner, Realtor

Unilever

Central Bank

Mid-America Construction Management

Oak Hills Golf Center

Sweet Surrender Farms, Russellville MO

Best Western Capital Inn

Nimrod and Denise Chapel, Jr.

Awards

PRESIDENTIAL CHOICE AWARD

Dorothy Jones

Major Gregory L. Sampson

Master Sergeant Mary L. Williams

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

Representative Jay Barnes

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

Dr. Arnold G. Parks

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.

Awardees and Criteria for Scholarships

Mr. Isaiah Edoho

Ms. Haley Johannpeter

Saundra Allen Good Citizenship Award

Awarded to a Lincoln University student who has demonstrated good citizenship.  The $500 scholarship is given in honor of Mrs. Saundra Allen, an outstanding citizen and teacher who has made significant contributions to the Jefferson City Public School System and the community through her time, resources, and leadership for the course of peace, justice, and equality for all who reside in Jefferson City.

Mr. Gregory McAboy

Lorine F. Knight Minority Education Scholarship

Awarded to a minority student majoring in Education at Lincoln University, who wishes to become a teacher and who demonstrates a need for financial assistance. This $500 scholarship is presented each year at the annual Freedom Fund Dinner and is to be applied toward the recipient’s tuition. The scholarship is given in honor of Dr. Lorine F. Knight, the first female Ph.D. at Lincoln University, a devout, courageous and honest Secretary-Treasurer of the Jefferson City NAACP for 27 years. Dr. William A. Ross, past President of the Jefferson City Branch, underwrote this scholarship for decades.

S. David Mitchell

Associate Professor of Law

University of Missouri

Professor S. David Mitchell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Political Science from Brown University in 1991.  Following a brief stint as a paralegal in a large New York law firm, he joined the history department at his high school alma mater, Collegiate School, where he taught U.S. History, South African History, and a course comparing black protest in the Caribbean and the United States entitled “Rebellions, Revolutions and Riots.”  He also served as the Director of Student Diversity, the Sophomore Class Dean, and an Assistant Track Coach. 

In 1997, Professor Mitchell matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a dual a degree in the law and sociology.  He would earn a Master of Arts in Sociology in 1999 and a law degree in 2002.  In law school, he served as a member of the Student Ethics and Responsibility Committee, the Jessup International Moot Court Team and Board, the American Inns of Court and the Black Law Students Association.   

After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk in the District Court of Maryland to the Honorable Andre M. Davis, who was recently elevated to the Fourth Circuit of Appeals.  Professor Mitchell then headed to the University of Colorado at Boulder as a Scholar in Residence in the Department of Sociology.  Two years later, in 2006, he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri, School of Law where he currently teaches courses in both civil and criminal law, was recently awarded tenure.  Professor Mitchell’s engages in an interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminal law where he focuses on felon disenfranchisement, collateral consequences and ex-offender reentry and reintegration. 

Professor Mitchell has been honored for his teaching and service, receiving the Alpha Kappa Delta Award “For Excellence in Teaching and Outstanding Service to the Students of Sociology” at the University of Colorado.  In his time at the University of Missouri, he has received the Gold Chalk Award and a Minority Faculty and Staff Appreciation Award from the Legion of Black Collegians. 

Professor Mitchell is a member of the Boone County Offender Transition Network, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Boone County Community Partnership, and currently on the Board of the Columbia Montessori School.  Professor Mitchell is currently on leave from the university researching ex-offender reentry in Missouri as a Faculty Fellow with the Supreme Court of Missouri.  He is married to Dr. Enid Schatz, an Assistant Professor in the Women and Gender Studies Department at the University of Missouri and has one son, Langston.

OPEN LETTER OF INVITATION 

Dear Friend,

The Jefferson City Branch of the NAACP will host its 48^th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and Silent Auction at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on Friday, November 18, 2011. This is an occasion to reflect upon the past and embrace our future.  We invite you to join us as we celebrate our theme, “How Long? Not Long.”

The Annual Freedom Fund Dinner is our primary fund-raiser to support branch activities and operation expenses. These funds provide high school, college and law school scholarships, access to limited legal information, support for local prison branches as VIC’s (Volunteers in Corrections), officer training, and representative participation at state and national conferences.  In addition, chapter volunteers work with area schools to promote understanding about diversity concerns, and work with the Armed Services on equity issues.  Since this is a volunteer organization, no funds are used for salaries.  This branch requires approximately $10,000 per year and needs a small office.  We would appreciate your support as an attendee, sponsor, and/or benefactor.

Our silent auction and reception start at 6:00 p.m. and dinner follows at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $40 individually or as part of an organizational sponsorship. In conjunction with this year’s dinner, we will issue a beautiful souvenir advertisement in the News Tribune to thank our sponsors as well as create permanent posts on our blog and Facebook. The enclosed brochure provides information on purchasing tickets, ads and sponsorships. Tickets will be mailed upon receipt of your check until November 14^th , after which tickets will be reserved in your name at the door. Sponsorship tables will be reserved in the name of the sponsoring organization and/or individual.

I look forward to seeing you at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on November 18^th  at the 48^th  Annual Freedom Fund Dinner. Your participation is truly appreciated.  Please call (573) 230-6424 for tickets.

Yours sincerely,

Nimrod Chapel, Jr.

President

Jefferson City Unit 4064

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Jefferson City NAACP addresses the death penalty & education in Jefferson City

Jefferson City NAACP Agenda for the Fall - 

More information will be added to this post, but please mark your calendar now

 NOVEMBER 21, 2011

November 21st, our speaker will address the death penalty and its implications.  I am Troy Davis.  I am Reggie Clemmons.  I am every nameless faceless person dehumanized by a system of execution that is more predictable by skin color and socioeconomic stats than any other factor.  Please join us at Lincoln University Library at 6 PM for the NAACP General Body Meeting.

Our speaker this month is Tim Cisar - Mr. Cisar lawyer in the Lake of the Ozarks area who has a range of experience, defended death penalty cases and is prepared to deliver an important commentary on the death penalty in Missouri.  http://www.cisarlawfirm.com/profiles.php

Born San Antonio, Texas, February 4, 1957; admitted to bar, 1983, Missouri Preparatory education, University of Notre Dame (B.A., 1979); legal education, St. Louis University (J.D., 1983).  Municipal Judge: Lake Ozark, Missouri, 1985-89; Eldon, Missouri 2003-present.  Member: Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Camden County (Treasurer, 1984-85) and 26th Judicial Circuit (Miller County Representative) Bar Associations; National College for DUI Defense; The Missouri Bar; Missouri Association of Criminal  Defense Lawyers (Board of Directors, 1996-00; Treasurer 2001; Secretary 2002; Vice-President, 2003); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; President of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for 2004-05; successfully completed the DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Program put forth by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration on September 8-10, 2011. 

Also, we are forming a Criminal Justice Committee and would love your support and participation.  Contact jcnaacp@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 

At the October 17th Dr. Brian Mitchell will detail plans for the Jefferson City, MO School District and options available for the public to select from.   Please join us at Lincoln University Library at 6 PM for the NAACP General Body Meeting.

The NAACP has recently released Framework for Providing All Students an Opportunity to Learn.  It is worth reading and sharing.

Also from the school district's website you can see what changes are proposed and related information including JCMO survey results:
High School Facilities & 21st Century Education:  Survey Results A reminder to Key Communicators that we have posted results of initial surveys to determine community understanding and support of potential changes at the 9-12 grade levels.  The initial survey was implemented in May and June as a "stopping off point" to learn what people know, what they hope to see, and what else we need to share with them.  Please visit this link and look in the survey result file at the bottom of the page:  http://www.jcps.k12.mo.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=65788&

Can we save Troy Davis? Can we make Justice work for anyone?

In moments of immense sadness, moments that shake the foundation of our faith in the justice system and mankind, adequate words are scarce.

Today, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles co-signed on the decision to execute Troy Davis.

Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to his innocence -- evidence that prompted former FBI Director William Sessions and more than a million others to write in support of clemency -- Troy's execution is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21.

His family has been moved by the efforts of the NAACP and supporters around the world. They have asked us to express their thanks to you personally.

They also asked us to tell you that this is not the hour to give up.

For the past two decades that Troy has been on death row, miracles have interceded at crucial moments. Can you help us make a miracle happen now?

Please stand with Troy and his family. Tell District Attorney Larry Chisolm that he has to intercede:

http://action.naacp.org/Ask-DA-Chisolm-To-Help

Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm is the man who requested the death warrant against Troy Davis. He's the glue that holds the case together and, even after today's news, he remains in a unique position to petition the judge to withdraw the death warrant against Troy. It's a long shot, but it's Troy's best hope.

Please, our last hope is to change the heart of District Attorney Chisolm. Sign today, and we will make sure that every name is hand delivered to his office:

http://action.naacp.org/Ask-DA-Chisolm-To-Help

We will soon reach out to tell you how you and your families and communities can organize gatherings in your hometowns to reflect on Troy's experience, and to offer prayers for his family. But tonight is the time to redouble our efforts, not to back down. Tonight, we hold on to hope.

Please, take one last action and sign the petition today:

http://action.naacp.org/Ask-DA-Chisolm-To-Help

Thanks for all of your support,

Edward Dubose
Georgia State Conference President
NAACP

Will you act to spare Troy Davis from execution?

Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It's the foundation of our justice system, built to serve and protect the wrongly accused. But in the case of Troy Davis, it's a principle that has been defied, ignored and trampled on.

I'm writing to you once more, Nimrod, because Troy's execution is scheduled for next week, and there is simply too much doubt in his case for us to allow this to happen.

A week from today, on Monday, September 19th, Troy has his final hearing in front of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. They have the power to halt the scheduled execution and commute Troy's sentence, permanently preventing what could be a wrongful execution.

It is now up to us to make sure the Board hears our voices loud and clear. Send a letter to the Board asking them to grant clemency for Troy Davis, and make sure it's something from the heart:

http://action.naacp.org/write-the-board

Earlier this month I visited the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison, where Troy Davis awaits his fate.

Troy spoke to me about the pain of life on death row: his uncertain future, the isolation from his family, and the frustration that comes from being unable to tell his side of the story.

It is hard to fathom that our justice system would sentence a man to death when there is so much doubt. Consider this:

• Seven of the nine original witnesses in Troy's case have recanted or changed their story;
• One eyewitness testified for the first time in 2010 that he saw his relative, not Davis, shoot Officer MacPhail; and
• At least 10 individuals have implicated the alternative suspect as the actual perpetrator.

Right now we have two options. We can admit defeat and accept that some things are too big to change. Or we can stand behind our brother, like the NAACP has done for generations, and demand justice.

I, for one, cannot sit idly by as a justice system that is supposed to protect the most vulnerable among us imprisons and executes a man like Troy Davis. And as part of the organization that has led every major civil rights battle for generations, I know you feel the same.

Now is our chance to speak out and save Troy's life. The members of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles have the power to do this. Write to them and ask for clemency now:

http://action.naacp.org/write-the-board

Together we can save a life.

Ben

Ben Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP