Fashion Week Flash: Tracy Reese Fall 2012 (PHOTOS)
54 Ways to Say "I Love You" In Africa
As Judge Sonia Sotomayor undergoes Senate confirmation hearings this week in the hopes of becoming the U.S. Supreme Court's first Hispanic member, the head of the NAACP says this battle represents the next level in the fight for judicial diversity. "We've really got to get the Supreme Court beyond binary, beyond black and white," NAACP president and CEO Benjamin Jealous told Black Voices in an exclusive interview. "The idea is for it to be inclusive...we should have an Asian American Supreme Court justice, we should have a Latina on the Supreme Court."
Check out the video below for more of Jealous's remarks about Sotomayor and watch the live confirmation hearings here!
Check back with BV BlackSpin throughout the next two weeks for more portions of the interview, as well as reports from the NAACP's centennial convention in New York City.
NAACP Convention
NAACP president Ben Jealous, calls for fair confirmation hearings at NAACP 100th Annual Convention in New York, Saturday, July 11, 2009, on Sonia Sotomayor and an end to racially charged remarks by Sen. Jeff Sessions, ranking member of Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Yanina Manolova)
AP
New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks at the NAACP's Centennial Convention, in New York, July 12, 2009. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization for ethnic minorities in the United States. REUTERS/Chip East (UNITED STATES POLITICS SOCIETY)
REUTERS
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer speaks at the NAACP's Centennial Convention, in New York, July 12, 2009. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization for ethnic minorities in the United States. REUTERS/Chip East (UNITED STATES POLITICS SOCIETY)
REUTERS
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks at the NAACP's Centennial Convention, in New York, July 12, 2009. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization for ethnic minorities in the United States. REUTERS/Chip East (UNITED STATES POLITICS SOCIETY)
REUTERS
Comments: (17)
Add a comment
By: kcn9971 on 7/13/2009 8:46PM
Nobody is arguing that a latina should or should not serve. The argument is do we need political extremists serving on the Supreme Court. It is a well documented fact that Sotomayor was an active member of LARASA(A pro latino group that believes southwest America(California, Texas,Arizona, and New Mexico) belongs to the latino race, and is a key component in displacing Blacks from construction jobs by supporting illegal immigration. President Obama himself refuses to release records detailing her activities while in that group, Why??? I am surprised the NAACP would support anyone who belongs to a racist pro Latino organization whose interest would never serve that of Black America or any other minority. Once again, the NAACP has their priorities all screwed up.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: soraya on 7/14/2009 5:10PM
Please give me a break. LaRasa is no more racist than NAACP. What's wrong with being pro-who you are. I am a proud, Afro-Cubana woman.
Report This
By: Blacqbody on 7/14/2009 5:45PM
"Speak on it and tell the truth, Kcn. We KNOW what she is about."
Report This
By: Lsaunders3 on 7/15/2009 6:58AM
kcn the naacp doesn't have their priorities screwde up. This is a high profile case and it get's them in the spotlight. this group does nothing but cause chaos. And youare right laraza was the main group in in Ca. trying to get equal rights for illegal mexicans a couple of years back and if sotomayor's case wasn't national news the naacp wouldn't care less about it. All they will do is try to stay in the news and beg for money. I have dealt with them before and believe me this is a VERY SAD organization. It all comes down to how much publicity and money with them.
Report This
By: bbxperience on 7/15/2009 8:49PM
Actually no one aka you argued that another white american, John Roberts, shouldn't serve because of his white roots and his background which was not all that diverse. He became the top justice in an already predominantly white historical and current court!!!
My problem with folks such as you is that before inclusiveness in any form existed you guys didn't say a thing. In fact you assumed that the white justices were qualified and most likely didn't even view the precedings which is somewhat a farce considering that the questioners are usually mediocre or failing, long term congressional representatives!! In no way was the prior justices questioned regarding much of their pasts and their ability to adjudicate. The irony like John Roberts most of them refused to answer any questions. Historically and currently speaking many of these justices had questionable associations and were not familiar with cultures besides their caucasian aka white roots, etc. and have tended to judge as so. Any change that has occurred really had to have the cry of the predominant power structure behind it otherwise it was all but ignored!!!
Also, if you cared so much for African Americans than why would you accept such a lowly justice as Clarence Thomas to be a representative? When he is nothing more than an ignorant, below level, stepinfetchit Judge!!! The reason you did not care is apparent that it comes down to what policies you support!!! The irony is that the supreme court is a joke! Thurgood Marshall was the only judge in recent history who was a genius in life and law and fought against all odds to be the loan voice for people of color!!!
At the end of the day, the NAACP does make a valid point that the court should provide complete diversity!! The supreme court should not be lifetime nominations because much of the court has been out of step with this society for centuries!!This does not mean you will agree on all issues with the nomination but that they have the ability and the record to rule consistently. There is where Sotomayer shows that regardless of personal beliefs she still is consistent in her rule.
Report This
By: jamaicangal01 on 7/14/2009 5:22PM
kcn9971
Do you know anything about the group La Raza? Anything at all? Because it is really annoying when people speak about things where they lack any knowledge. I feel like you should go do some research on the group instead of listening to bits and pieces from the media and actually understand what it represents. Until then you should avoid sticking your foot in your mouth.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: eric on 7/14/2009 6:41PM
I agree, but that's the typical mantra here on BV's. "Speak without knowing"!
Report This
By: kcn9971 on 7/14/2009 7:03PM
Well if I'm wrong "jamaicangal01" or should I say "Mexicangal" please use this opportunity to explain in full detail about LARASA. Is it just a civil service group that delivers cookies to the homeless, and has church bake sales on Sunday......we're waiting!!!!
Report This
By: Chesyna on 7/14/2009 5:40PM
@ KCN---you are right on the money about her!
Not only is she a former member of "La Raza," she also has ties to another anti-black hispanic group, "Conquistadors." Like the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa and other prominent hispanics, their agendas ARE focused only on the hispanic population while undermining the efforts and surging forth of other ethnic groups.
You also provided an excellent example referencing construction, post Hurricane Katrina, WHY would our government "allow" illegal aliens to "come over" to rebuild New Orleans, etc. when the displaced residents themselves should have been offered the opportunity to do the work themselves? Katy, unbar the door and there came the illegals! This scenario is no different than the one from the 1960's when illegal aliens on "temporary" visas never did leave the United States.
The NAACP has definitely dropped the ball on this one! For NAACP should never support anyone who belongs to a racist pro Latino organization whose interest would never serve that of races other than their own.
"Amerikka does not have an illegal alien problem. Amerikka has a problem with EMPLOYERS that employ illegal aliens."
And, it can be stated that mainstream employers will NOT "turn in" another mainstream employer for HIRING illegal aliens!
"Amerikka does not have an illegal alien problem. What Amerikka has is a problem with EMPLOYERS that employ illegal aliens."
Black Amerikka would be making a BIG mistake in supporting this arrogant, racist latina. In comparison to other racist groups? This latina is no different.
"Nay," say I.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: kcn9971 on 7/17/2009 2:42PM
That was a well stated commentary Chesyna. I applaude your truthfullness and candor. It is a shame that so many people are ignorant when it comes to political leaders and the ploitical process. People such as yourself give me hope for the future!!
Report This