2007 News: Youth Works Report on 98th National Convention

Des Moines NAACP Adult Branch and Youth Council returned from the 98th Annual NAACP National Convention held, July 6th – 12th in Detroit, MI. Twenty-four delegates made up the Des Moines NAACP contingency. Des Moines representatives included eleven adult delegates and alternates; ten youth council delegates and alternates; and three members from the newly formed College Chapter.

Convention delegates, alternates and observers attended the nationally covered mock funeral for the “N” word, leadership training session on education, health, and juvenile justice. Some of the national resolutions that Des Moines delegates voted on included: eliminating racist, misogynistic, violent words and images from the airways and other public media, reparations for unpaid labor rendered by enslaved persons of African descent, a resolution for comprehensive election reform, a resolution for the automatic restoration of voting, civic engagement and employment rights for ex-offenders, and the support of full voting rights for the citizens of the District of Columbia.

The national ACT-SO competition is held the first three days of the national convention. Six students competed at the national ACT-SO level representing the Des Moines Branch.

Kiah Aikoriegie, a 2007 graduate from Roosevelt High competed in Instrumental Music Classical. She is the daughter of Denise Aikoriegie and attends Cornerstone Family Church. Kiah is enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa this fall. Jessica Avant, a senior attending East High, competed in Playwriting and Drawing. Jessica is the daughter of Anna Avant. Marcus Johnson, a sophomore attending Urbandale High, competed in Painting. He is the son of Michael and Regina Johnson. Makea Sanders, a 2007 graduate from Johnston High competed in Poetry and Vocal Music Contemporary. Makea is the daughter of Andrea Sanders and attends Union Baptist Church. She will be attending Hampton Institute this fall. Chayla Stanton-Robinson, a senior attending Roosevelt High, competed in Vocal Music Classical. She is the daughter of Beverly Robinson. Arnold Woods, III, a 2007 graduate from Hoover High, competed in Photography. He is the son of Arnold Woods, Jr. and Gretchen Haynes Woods. He attends Shiloh Baptist Church and plays the drums for the mass choir. Arnold will be attending Iowa State University this fall.

The Des Moines students presented a tremendously positive representation for us. Although our students did not receive national competition recognition, there is no doubt that the quality of their performances and presentations was comparable and definitely equal to national level competition.

There were five students who traveled to the national competition as observers. These students will make up the initial group of students who will participate in the 2008 ACT-SO program. Those students were: Eric Hall, Jasmine Hayes, Mathew Knight, McKenzie McCracken, and Lavinia Rumbly. The students said it was a tremendous opportunity to see how ACT-SO works first hand. It is also very inspiring to see the outstanding talent and to meet so many wonderful students from across the country.

The ACT-SO program for 2008 begins by registering on October 1, 2007. Information regarding the ACT-SO categories, category description, competition workshop schedules and committee contact information can be found on the local NAACP website (www.naacpdesmoines.org) Go to the programs menu, click on youth and select ACT-SO or Youth Council for information regarding tremendous community program opportunities.

The Des Moines Youth Council unit was a media magnet. Eric Hall, Youth Council President, was interviewed by Fox News on Monday during the march to the funeral of the “N” word. Kiah Aikoriegie, Keryna Thompson-Banks and Carissa Smith were interviewed by National Public Radio, Cierra Cason was interviewed by the New York Times and Arnold Woods, III was interviewed by the Detroit Free Press. Arnold, Eric and Darron Haygood were captured in photo by the Detroit News as they listened during the democratic candidates’ debate on Thursday morning, July 12th. All of our students represented the Des Moines Youth Council and the Des Moines community with poise and tremendous leadership authority.

Des Moines Youth Council leadership was also demonstrated as Kameron Middlebrooks served as the chair of the National Convention Region IV youth meeting. This is the second year that position was held by a Des Moines Youth Council delegate. Arnold Woods, III was elected to that position last year.

Kameron Middlebrooks was nominated for the youth seat representing Region IV on the NAACP National Board of Directors. This is a two (or three?) year appointment to the National Board representing the youth interest. If elected, Kameron will serve on the NAACP Image Awards Planning Committee, the NAACP National Convention Planning Committee, and the National ACT-SO Planning Committee. Kameron reports that, if elected, he has been asked by Mr. Hillary Shelton, the NAACP Washington Bureau Chief, to serve on the Political Action Committee. Kameron is a 2007 graduate of Roosevelt High. He will be attending the University of South Dakota this fall, with an undecided major. Kameron is the son of Kimberly Middlebrooks and attends Union Baptist Church.

Arnold Woods, III was elected to the NAACP national nominating committee as the youth representative from Region IV. He will be on the committee that serves to nominate youth to the at-large seats on the National Board. Also, Arnold was awarded the Medgar Evers Youth Leadership Award. Arnold served as president of the Des Moines Youth Council last year. Under his leadership, the Youth Council partnered with Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated Teens Division to plan and implement the first annual Teen Summit. The Teen Summit was an event of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance.

The Des Moines NAACP is doing a tremendous work in educating and training the next generation of youth leaders and youth advocates. The youth delegates were able to attend the national convention due to the support of the adult branch and the community, those who participate in the annual Youth Council Black History banquet.

Membership is the key ingredient to the productivity of the organization. Both the adult branch and the youth unit have a strong presence in the Des Moines community. Our leadership is recognized at the state, regional and national levels.

The need for civil rights advocacy is as strong today as it ever was. The NAACP continues to be an ever present force in this community and has a strong commitment to training youth leadership to follow in the footsteps of great leaders such as Robert Wright, Sr., Larry Carter, and Rev. Keith A. Ratliff. We expect an even stronger presence when you get involved.

Your involvement begins with a membership. If you want to be involved, contact our membership chair, Mrs. Michelle Taylor-Frazier by calling 727-5223 or 243-8700. Let her know what your interests are. If you have a passion for helping to empower youth and train our next generation, contact Mrs. Gretchen Woods, by calling at 515.254-1947 or email: gretchenahw@peoplepc.com.

Membership is power! When you support the NAACP by purchasing an Adult, Youth or Life Membership, you add to the power and strength of the organization locally and nationally. As the NAACP approaches 100 years, its goal is to be one million members strong speaking for justice and equality in health, education, criminal justice and economic empowerment.