In response to Mr. Bruce S. Gordon’s resignation from the NAACP (“As Gordon exits, NAACP pledges focus on activism,” March 8, 2007), I agree with his reasoning. I strongly support what he envisaged for the organization. As a black citizen, I too have come to question what the goals of the NAACP are. They certainly have not grown with the times in assisting the population they represent.

Gordon should be reinstated and allowed to lead the now-stagnant NAACP into the 21st century. The NAACP’s leaders fear change and upsetting the powers that be. Reminder: that’s how Martin Luther King Jr. made change.

I must admit I was happy yet saddened viewing the NAACP Image Awards ceremony recently. I wondered if this is the easy direction they now choose to take. What about the less fortunate who are struggling within their communities to make a difference and are making a difference? I don’t see the NAACP out there applauding these people or even trying to assist. Ask them what have they done to help the people of New Orleans — I don’t know, and would love for them to respond.

Clearly, the monies spent to finance the Image Awards should have been moved from the gala event and used to buy building supplies, food, clothing, etc. Have all the award recipients and their families, invited guests, building contractors and everyone else wear work clothes and spend a week in New Orleans cleaning, building and restoring hope to the people in the worst-hit areas. They are the unforgotten people the NAACP represent.

The week’s event could be televised at a later date to show the intensity with which the NAACP, along with the award recipients, had chosen to make “that difference.”

Please send this to the board of the NAACP. I would like them to see how working people like myself currently view their organization.

Susan Stephen
Via e-mail

In response to the editorial entitled “It’s about the solutions,” published in the March 15, 2007 edition of the Banner, let me direct your attention to the letter I wrote to the Banner entitled “Race factor overplayed?” published on August 20, 1998.

You presented an issue in your article that is very similar to the issues I presented nine years ago.

I believe it is time for more African Americans in position of leadership to adopt and adapt to Bruce S. Gordon’s position. There have been and are too many African Americans who bow down and kowtow to the African American old guard status quo for their 30 pieces of silver. In the process, there is a lack of inclusiveness and a considerable amount of exclusion.

Please don’t misunderstand — I do not discount, nor do I take for granted, the accomplishments and achievements of the old guard and the keepers of the status quo. Without them, we would not have the opportunities afforded to us today. Nevertheless, I believe those contributions are only stepping stones to the future and/or something greater which will require new leadership, attitudes, ideas, action plans, missions and processes.

The Banner is in a better position than most to make what you write about a reality. Can you walk the walk?

Doris M. Richardson
Via e-mail