The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is best known as the most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization and for its activism during the civil rights movement.
Many of the organization’s longtime soldiers for justice are passing the torch to today’s youth.
“We have young people working with the NAACP and learning about fighting for their civil rights. The youth that we have now look forward to carrying on the NAACP’s legacy,” said Chrystal Ratcliffe, president of the Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch #3053.
To further their values and goals, the NAACP formed the Youth Council, which is an entity of the Youth and College Division. The focus of the Youth Council is to train and develop skills necessary for leadership and activism for individuals ages 14 to 21. Mobilization, community education, and youth activities are also essential focus areas.
An upcoming activity of the NAACP Youth Council Indianapolis Chapter is the 2012 Black History Youth Quiz Bowl. On Feb. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. at Lafayette Square Mall’s food court area, youth teams will be able to compete for a prize package by successfully answering Black History questions in a bracket-style tournament.
“We’re going to have a few categories that are going to be about the NAACP. We’re also going to have Black History facts such as ‘who invented the comb?’ or ‘who invented the traffic light?’ things that today’s youth may not know,” said Aleanya Moore, chair of Youth Works, which oversees the Youth Council.
Teams of youth ages 12 to 15 must sign up as soon as possible by visiting www.soulhitzentertainment.com/quiz_bowl.html, email youthworks@indynaacp.org or by calling (317) 717-2404.
Participants will be able to study content that will be presented prior to the Quiz Bowl. On the day of the event, there will also be a live DJ, performances, guest speakers and more. Teens ages 16 and older can participate by volunteering.
Moore hopes that not only do teens sign up to play, but that others come out to support those who are participating, have a good time and learn more about what the Youth Council has to offer.
Some of the key issues the council tackles are: criminal justice, health, education, voter empowerment and economic development.
“We promote activism on a level that they understand – issues that are relevant to them. We talk about things like teens and gangs, HIV and AIDS and the high school dropout rate,” said Moore.
Being a part of the Youth Council also affords youth the opportunity to be involved in leadership positions.
Donovan Norris is a senior at Broad Ripple High School and was recently elected the president of the NAACP Youth Council Indianapolis Chapter by his peers.
“I joined Youth Council because I wanted to learn more about the NAACP and help get Black youth involved in fighting for their rights. We have a few positions and people wanted me to run for the presidency, so I said I’d try it out,” said Norris.
Once a youth member turns 21, they are able to participate in traditional NAACP issues. For the Greater Indianapolis NAACP, that most recently includes voter I.D. injustices and the right to work debate.
Moore said that at times it is difficult to get youth consistently involved in Youth Council because not only are they disjointed from the impact that the NAACP has had on society, but many of today’s youth have personal issues that may not allow extracurricular time.
Despite the challenges, Norris said that the NAACP’s Youth Council is the perfect organization where teens can voice their opinion and be heard.
“Get involved. This is a good program to be a part of. I’m kind of shy so I’m still working on letting my voice be heard, but I know it’s up to us to keep the NAACP going. It’s a pretty big thing,” said Norris.
For more information, to register or to volunteer, call (317) 717-2404, email youthworks@indynaacp.org or visit indynaacp.org.
NAACP Youth Council presents...
2012 Quiz Bowl
When: Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Lafayette Square Mall
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Register: NOW!
For more info: (317) 717-2404, email youthworks@indynaacp.org or visit www.soulhitzentertainment.com/Quiz_Bowl.html
