It’s fitting that the Imperial Valley chapter of the NAACP would announce its reformation and introduce its new officers during Black History Month, as the group sets a new course in making its own local black history.
Imperial County’s NAACP had let its charter become inactive a few years ago, after, its new president Wallace Phillips says, the organization lost its focus. But today, Phillips said, there is a clear mission ahead and a path toward helping the black community in Imperial County achieve.
The group will focus on employment issues and teen mentorship. Both are good areas to focus on, but we see the potential for some really powerful work being accomplished in teen mentorship, as this is something we have not seen before.
Regardless of race, color or creed, teenagers — young men and women alike — would benefit from the guidance of an adult who can give them a real-world perspective on academics, career, social and cultural development, and a host of other areas that make for a more well-rounded, adjusted and responsible adult.
We see informal and formal situations like this occur for Hispanic teens and even Anglo teens to some extent, but because there are so few African-Americans in the Imperial Valley, the outreach could be lost. Hopefully no more.
And on the job front, local NAACP officials have said finding jobs for African-Americans is important. While making that goal and mission one that can be accomplished is questionable for anyone in this economy, we like the narrowed focus in teaching job seekers basic skills like filling out applications more effectively, which we imagine would turn into resume building, improving interviewing skills and those types of building blocks needed in a congested and tightly contested job market.
Bringing back the NAACP in the Valley comes at an essential time. African-Americans make up just under 4 percent of the population. As such, it is probably easy for young black men and women to feel lost in the community. Here they once again have strong men and women, leaders in the educational, civic and business community, who will be there for guidance and direction.
THE ISSUE:
NAACP reformed.
WE SAY:
Narrowed focus ensures succes.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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