Black people don't want special treatment, but they do want equal opportunity and their part in the American Dream, says a highly ranked NAACP official.
Although the 84-year-old organization focuses primarily on the needs of blacks, all races gain when the NAACP advances causes, said William H. Penn Sr., director of branch and field services for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People."We're not trying to get any more than anyone else - we're just trying to get our fair share," Penn said. "When we kick the doors open, we make the doors open for everyone."
Penn was in Salt Lake City this weekend to conduct an organiza
tional workshop regarding nuts-and-bolts issues such as fund-raising, handling financial reports, dealing with the IRS and membership outreach.
Penn said in an interview that he is both heartened and dismayed by the state of America's race relations.
On the plus side: President Clinton's election, the firm stand by many governors to not tolerate hate crimes, the growing observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the increased awareness of black history by young people.
On the down side: continued negative portrayals of blacks in the news and entertainment media, the rise in hate crimes on college campuses, and the pervasiveness of racism, which is subtler today than when the civil rights movement was at its height, but exists nonetheless.
Both whites and blacks must speak up whenever they see racial injustice, Penn said.
"If people are concerned about what they can do (to end racism), they should examine themselves and talk with their fellow man," he said. "The burden rests with the white community. We can't change the world, but you can."
With regard to the Los Angeles riots that erupted after four white police officers were acquitted of beating black motorist Rodney King, Penn took a strong anti-riot, law-and-order stand.
"I don't have any sympathy for people who commit crimes. I can not tell you that I understand how you go from committing a crime like burning down a building to a civil rights agenda," he said.
Penn said the NAACP has been working for 84 years to end racial injustice, "and we haven't burned down a building yet."
On a personal level, Penn said he hopes the four police officers are convicted in their upcoming trial. At the same time, blacks who attacked white truck-driver Reginald Denny "absolutely" should be convicted as well.
In the coming year, the NAACP plans to emphasize its Operation Fair Share program, which encourages corporations to hire blacks, patronize black vendors for goods and services, donate to black causes and have more black corporate board members.
Penn said the NAACP also wants to push Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), which encourages students to excel academically.