So, is the NAACP still relevant?

Back when I was in high school, my principal faced a daunting task during Black History Month. Should he go ahead and allow the program to continue, or should he risk scrapping it all together because of the complaints of white students and their parents?

The answer was a compromise of sorts - a Jazz ensemble - that highlighted one aspect of the African American experience, and at the same time was less polarizing to the white students, who had complaints about the original Black History program.

Both sides could not understand the importance of each other's position. White students felt as if the program was too off putting and ignored their culture; black students felt as if the program was much needed and that it was the one time of the year that they were able to celebrate their heritage or history. Ultimately, the principal had to question the celebration's relevancy. Was it truly worth it, in a time where black history was being incorporated more and more into the student curriculum.

Pretty deep stuff for a 16-year-old to be involved in, in the early 90s, eh?

At any rate this is a similar argument that ranges on today with a lot of black civil rights groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). While it can be argued that the organization has done much in the past to help with the advancement of minorities, is it truly time to perhaps consider that this organization is indeed running on an outdated model?

After all, we're not fighting for integration anymore. Some would argue that we have a black president - the fight is over!!!! (They would be wrong). And as far as discrimination goes - what group on this planet right now doesn't have a claim that they haven't been discriminated against in some form or fashion.

I think the NAACP has to try and reinvent itself in the near future. I think the organization needs to retool its brand and look at ways to catch up with the times and make itself more relevant to this generation.

When I was growing up in the 80s being a member of the NAACP was something of prestige. Sadly, now it seems as though it has become far less prominent.

More African Americans are coming into wealth and can afford high priced lawyers that can accomplish far more than a non profit that was founded in 1909.

NAACP needs to see that its new mission should involve a campaign of refocusing.