The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, has been built on the individual and collective courage of untold numbers of people-individuals of all races, nationalities and religious denominations, who were united on one premise: that all men and women are created equal.

Although one could write great prose about the civil rights triumphs of the NAACP, there is nothing more powerful than the facts of how the existence of the oldest civil rights organization, now headquartered nationally in Baltimore, has changed the face of history for this country. And despite threats of violence, and official government policies that were racist, the NAACP continues to persevere.

Just about everyone in the African-American community has been impacted historically by the NAACP from school children to laborers, from professionals and even presidents to just ordinary men and women, many of whom have championed for what's right and just in this nation on an extraordinary level.

Youth have historically played a significant role in the social and economic justice issues promoted by the NAACP. The first NAACP youth meeting was held in Baltimore in 1936. More than 200 NAACP youth delegates held a national conference simultaneously with adult members to outline a national program that addressed four major areas: equal educational opportunities, equal economic opportunities, civil liberties and physical security against lynching. The spirit of solidarity among Black youths then was sparked by years of racial discrimination, segregation, and mob violence. According to NAACP President and CEO, Kweisi Mfume, African Americans have made large advances since 1936, but the challenge continues for our youth today. Mfume remarks that Republican U.S. Sen. Trent Lott's recent divisive rhetoric serves as a stark reminder that much remains to be done before African Americans are totally free.

In our recent interview with Mfume, the civil rights leader touched on a number of vital areas important to the future plight of African Americans.

TBC - Tell us about some of the strategic initiatives of the NAACP.

Mfume - A year ago, the NAACP Board of Directors adopted a five-year strategic plan to propel the NAACP forward in the areas of advocacy, litigation, social and criminal justice issues, economic development, health advocacy, political empowerment and youth outreach. The strategic plan includes a set of initiatives to build membership, enhance training programs, and rebuild the legal capacity of the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. One of its goals is to nearly double the organization's 500,000 membership by the year 2006. There are also initiatives to develop an advocacy agenda to address the major criminal justice and crime prevention issues; address the recent erosion of government resources needed to comply with, and enforce, civil rights laws; advocate for more equitable distribution of government benefits to African-American and other minority and impoverished communities and; promote strong enforcement of fair housing laws.

TBC - What is your vision for the NAACP and how can you make it a reality?

Mfume - The vision of the NAACP is the principled mission to attain the goal of eliminating race prejudice and removing all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes. The NAACP has worked successfully with allies of all races who believe in and stand for the principles on which the organization was founded. Throughout its history, some of America's greatest minds have worked to effect that change. From corporate partnerships to scores of tireless, dedicated volunteers, the NAACP will continue to evolve to meet the challenges of the day that threaten to eliminate or turn-back civil rights gains, while remaining true to its original mission. With renewed commitment, the new NAACP is poised to champion freedom, equality and justice for all in the 21st century.

TBC - What role can college students play in the NAACP?

Mfume - The NAACP believes strongly that future leaders must be developed today, and such development is ongoing in each of the more than 400 Youth Councils and College Chapters nationwide. Each unit is actively involved in grassroots civil rights mobilization. The NAACP has one of the largest organized groups of young people of any secular organization in the country. College students who work with the NAACP will benefit from its stated objectives to inspire, motivate, and create interest in civic, economic and political activities; provide young people with an understanding of pertinent issues; and develop organizational skills for implementation of community-related activities. Youth units attend NAACP conventions, sponsor tutorial programs, conduct voter registration drives and hold representation on the Board of Directors, which sets policy for the Association.

NAACP - supportive college students have access to workshops for college-bound students, focusing on: financial aid, curriculum selection and scholarship applications; guidance and consultation for at-risk students; youth voter registration; youth seminars on the cause and effects of racial discrimination; and the facilitation of multi-racial meetings.

TBC - Why should African-American students become active in the NAACP?

Mfume - Students have been at the forefront of most major social movements from the civil rights movement of the 1960's to today. The lifeblood of the NAACP is young people and many of our future leaders will come from college campuses.

TBC - Tell our readers about some of the programs of your most successful college chapters.

Mfume - There are several key ones to mention.

1. 1 National Day of College Preparation: One Day SAT prep clinic provided by the Princeton Review Foundation and the Sallie Mae Foundation that included "How to Pay for College" workshops for the parents of the participating students.
2. Voter Empowerment: College Chapters register large numbers of student voters. Example: In Louisiana, Grambling State University was successful in turning out record numbers in the 5th District affecting the turnout of the overall election.
3. Task Force to End Campus Racism: College chapters work with local and national partners to address issues of racism at institutions of higher learning.

TBC - What are some of the problems that students ought to be concerned about?

Mfume - Political education and action such as Sen. Trent Lott/Senate Judicial Hearings, Affirmative Action and access to higher education are areas of major concern.

TBC - How would a student go about forming a college campus chapter of the NAACP?

Mfume - Students should contact their local Regional Youth Field Director or the National Office to receive a charter or reactivation packet which is also available online at www.naacp.org. The packet includes all the information needed. You should form an organizing committee and have a minimum of 25 students willing to become members.

TBC - If there is no campus chapter, how can students get involved with the NAACP and what role can they play?

Mfume - Students can contact their local NAACP branch.

TBC - Why are you so excited about the NAACP and why should students be excited about the NAACP?

Mfume - At the NAACP, young people are of paramount concern. The NAACP is committed to identifying and developing a new generation of leadership by increasing our street ministry and outreach to this invaluable segment of our population. Our local branches are more aggressively involved with including youth in meaningful NAACP roles and activities. The NAACP welcomes its responsibility to provide examples, opportunities and guidance that help instill our youth with a profound sense of accountability and commitment to them and their communities. As a result, our youth membership is actively growing.

TBC - Tell us about your background and how you got to be President and CEO of the NAACP.

Mfume - I was unanimously elected president and chief executive officer of the NAACP in February 1996. I was born, raised and educated in Baltimore, graduating magna cum laude from Morgan State University and earning a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. During the 1960s and '70s, my civic involvement grew as I took on the roles of city activist, community organizer, and radio commentator. In 1979, I was elected to a seat on the Baltimore City Council. In 1986, I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where I served for 10 years. In Congress, I co-sponsored and helped to pass the Americans with Disabili-ties Act, and co-authored the amendment that made the Civil Rights Act of 1991 apply to U.S. citizens working abroad for American-based companies. During my service in Congress, I served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 1993-1994. My autobiography is titled No Free Ride.

Mfume added the challenge for African-American college students today is enormous. "They must prepare themselves to step into the shoes of leadership and be ready to lead rather than be led. As architects of their own destiny, they must find ways to speak out against injustice, although it may not be popular. And they must speak out not just against injustice to African Americans, but also against injustice to everyone," said Mfume. "As Black people, we have long and often been the targets of bigotry and hatred and oppression; and yet, through it all, we have continued to find in the genius of our being the ideas and the principles that defy the enemy. Now is the time for us to be eternally vigilant in protecting the constitutional principles on which our nation was built. The NAACP's goal is not to recapture yesterday or to make things better than they were a few months ago, or a few moments ago. The NAACP's goal is to improve conditions for African Americans and to create an America that is better for everyone."

Robert G. Miller is the vice president of editorial for IMDiversity, Inc., and the editor of THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Magazine.