by Maurice Sassoon

Created on: September 23, 2008

My choice of "NO" in the debate, under the above title, stands on the premise that any significant movement that promotes, protects and preserves freedom, such as the NAACP, should remain unswayed by comments that, since it has outlived its original objective, it should alter the text of its original agenda. In order to retain its name, I humbly suggest that the acronym, NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) be changed to NACACP (National Association for Continued Advancement of Colored People) The additional letter, "C" would, in my opinion be appropriate, since the advancement of colored people is already in progress, and all that the NAACP must do now is to see that it is continued without any restriction.

There is no reason why there should be a name change when it is still considered to be continually involved in the process of representing colored people. Other organizations, such as the Jewish Family Service (JFS), American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU), American Medical Association (AMA), etc. are not required to change their names. Why should this particular organization have to change its name, merely because the advancement of colored people is already in progress, in many respects.

The historical preponderance of any kind of representation, such as that of the NAACP, should be acknowledged in the light of the purpose for which it was originally established, particularly when it has become a part of the history of the United States. In spite of the fact that colored people have now attained rights that were lacking before, there is no reason why they should not continue to be represented by the NAACP, in order to continue their advancement in the right direction, guided by leaders that are well-placed in positions that are conducive to their welfare.

The NAACP should be regarded as a "mirror" that clearly reflects the blatant acts of inhumanity to which people of color were subjected. It also calls our attention to the fact that there were many abolitionists, such as President Abraham Lincoln, who had fought hard to bring about the liberation of the slaves.

There are those that never stop abusing the civil rights of people. They are the pathetic "left-overs" of the past. The Jews are not entirely exempt from racial discrimination either. While they, too, have come a long way from their experiences of abuses in the past, many sporadic acts of anti-Semetism continue unabated.

The summit of the mountain of freedom that Martin Luther King had mataphorically mentioned in his memorable speech has finally been conquered, and the flag of freedom, hoisted thereon, now flutters in the icy wind of change, while the snows and blizzards of sporadic discrimination keeps gathering from time to time.

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