Published: October 24, 2009 10:01 pm         

100 years and going strong

Terre Haute hosts state’s NAACP convention in its centennial year

TERRE HAUTE — Allegra Allen was breaking from one meeting and preparing for another before noon Saturday.

More than 200 people from across Indiana gathered at Terre Haute’s Holiday Inn this weekend for the state’s NAACP convention in its centennial year. Wearing a black and gold T-shirt with “NAACP 100 years” emblazoned across it, Allen said 200-plus attendees did not factor in the youth groups. “And we still have people registering as we speak,” she said.

Delegates from Indiana’s 20 NAACP branches attended, as well as college and youth chapters, she said, noting their excitement at hosting the event.

“I was lucky enough to win the bid,” she said, explaining branches compete to host the convention which is planned three years in advance.

This year’s convention theme, “100 years of blood, sweat and tears” offers a nod to the organization’s birthdate in 1909.

“It took 100 years to get here, and hopefully it will take less years to complete our journey,” she said. High among the organization’s goals is the eradication of racism against all ethnic groups, as well as advancing progressive social causes. Police brutality is of particular concern to Allen, as she noted the increase in departments’ usage of tasers. “We have horrifying pictures of what those tasers can do,” she said.

The group also supports President Barack Obama’s health care reform bill, and several booths lined the Holiday Inn’s foyer with petitions and literature about the cause.

“We’re clearly standing behind this health referendum bill,” she said.

But in addition to those ideals, Allen said the organization and its events provide “a training ground” for youth they hope will carry on the torch. A life member now, Allen first became affiliated with the NAACP in 1965 and served as the first vice-president of the Terre Haute branch for a decade before assuming the presidency last year. Meanwhile, she is employed at the National Able Network, a community organization which assists senior citizens in finding work.

“So I have a full schedule,” she laughed.

The Terre Haute branch has more than 300 members, she said, noting that number has been rising in recent years.

Later that evening, the group prepared for its annual awards banquet as Elkhart branch president and member of the national board of directors for the NAACP Cora Smith Breckenridge arrived with her family.

“Terre Haute has done a wonderful job of hosting the convention,” she said, complimenting the numerous speakers participating throughout the day.

Breckenridge’s husband, Rev. Franklin Breckenridge, was formerly state president of the organization for 25 years, and she recalled their trip to Terre Haute on official business 45 years ago at a convention the city was then hosting.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.