Students try to form U. NAACP chapter

Although W.E.B. DuBois, who taught at the University at the beginning of the 20th century, helped found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, there has never been a chapter of the NAACP at the University. But last night, about 14 students gathered at the W.E.B. DuBois House to hold a founding meeting for a University chapter. William Gray, a College sophomore and one of the organizers of last night's meeting, said there is a need for a national black organization on campus. "We felt the need to bring a national aspect to campus," Gray said. "We need national resources which African-Americans can take advantage of." And Wharton sophomore Robert Smith, another organizer, said a chapter of the NAACP will bring many advantages to blacks at the University. Smith said members qualify for scholarships and are able to network at a national level for jobs and internships. In addition, he said members have a national voice and can influence change on a national level. Gray added that a chapter of the NAACP will work in cooperation with the Black Student League and not compete with the BSL. "We will work hand and hand with the BSL," Gray said. The NAACP will work on a national level, while the BSL will remain a support network at the University level. "I do support it [the forming of a chapter] 100 percent," BSL President Jessica Dixon said yesterday. "Their focus is different than ours." To apply to become an official charter member of the NAACP, 25 members need to pay dues, but only 15 students came to the meeting. Still, Gray said 14 students had already paid dues before the meeting, and he expected to get enough members to apply for national membership. In addition, Smith said the small turnout was not disappointing because some of the NAACP's greatest accomplishments had been achieved by a small number of people in the past. "Big is not important; the quality of people is," Smith said. Dues for members under the age of 21 are $3 to join, but for $5 members receive the NAACP national magazine. For members over 21, dues are $10 and include the magazine. The NAACP is open to people of all races, Gray said. Temporary officers were also elected at the meeting. Gray was elected chairperson and College junior Mia Pittman was elected secretary. DuBois House Assistant Dean David Biggs was named faculty advisor.

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