First NAACP Leadership 500 Summit

On May 26-29, 2005, several hundred African American professionals aged 30 to 50 attended the First NAACP Leadership 500 Summit at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The Summit, the brainchild of Roslyn M. Brock, Vice Chairwoman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, is designed to mobilize a new generation of leadership in the NAACP. Proceeds from the conference include $100,000 raised to help defray expenses for the NAACP centennial celebration in 2009. Moreover, following the summit, several attendees returned home inspired to play an active role in their local branches. The conference theme was "Reaching In and Pulling Back." While there has been a steady membership growth among high school and college aged African-Americans, there remains a considerable gap in participation from those in the age cohort 35 - 45. Public opinion polls report the NAACP remains high in the estimation of African-Americans across all age ranges and is consistently rated the organization most trusted to carry on the battles for justice and fairness. The Summit attracted professionals and entrepreneurs in the areas of health, religion, politics, law, media, entertainment, economic development and education who were interested in shaping the future direction of social justice advocacy efforts in our nation. The Summit agenda included a series of speeches, workshops, and plenary sessions as well as a Black Film Screening, Leadership Dinner, and golf tournament. Check this link for information regarding registration for the 2006 Leadership 500 Summit.