Supporting the Efforts of the Constituency for Africa and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD)

WHEREAS, the NAACP recognizes that Africans and African Americans are linked by mutual struggles for self-determination, equality and justice; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP has a rich history of support for Africa and remains a staunch supporter of Africa as Africa faces numerous challenges, including debt relief, education, famine relief and conflict resolution, HIV/AIDS and trade and investment; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP recognizes the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) as a innovative development plan, created by Africans, well-deserving of the full attention and support from African Americans and Africans throughout the Diaspora; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP has a pre-existing, positive working relationship with the Constituency for Africa (CFA), an African American led education and advocacy group based in Washington, DC; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP and CFA agree that ongoing future collaboration is essential to the continued mobilization of support among African-Americans for Africa and NEPAD; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP and CFA agree that the future for Africans and African Americans can be improved provided constructive political, commercial, social and cultural linkages are forged.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP commends and urges support for the objectives and goals of NEPAD; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP commends and supports the efforts of CFA to educate African Americans and Americans about Africa and to build a foundation of support for Africa in the United States; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP will cooperate with CFA, through the CFA's Town Hall Meeting Series on Africa and other appropriate vehicles to help African Americans become better informed on issues facing Africa and how African Americans might play a constructive role; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP encourage its members to become more involved in Africa and to support organizations, such as CFA, that seek to unite Africans and African Americans.