Recharging The Mission

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Others believe that the growing conservative voices within the N.A.A.C.P. only reinforce its elitist image. Topics like AIDS, programs for ex-offenders, and reproductive issues for poor black women are often ignored, says Mary Pattillo, professor of sociology and African-American studies at Northwestern University, because "these are issues that can't be portrayed as completely respectable."

One concern that almost everyone shares is the need for more young people to join the organization. Efforts like the National Day of College Preparation have helped increase the number of college chapters to 190, from 50 nine years ago. Younger people are taking on leadership positions. Rick Callender, president of the N.A.A.C.P. branch in San Jose, Calif., is a third-generation member. His mother Norma helped mobilize support for the class action against Denny's in the early 1990s. Callender, 35, says he raised membership in San Jose from just 100 in 2000 to 2,500 in 2004. With an operating budget of $100,000, his local group weighs in on everything from racial profiling to employment discrimination. "For me, it's about giving back," says Callender, a water-company lobbyist, when explaining why he got involved. He is training the next generation of leaders through the chapter's Youth Leadership Academy. After all, the future of the civil rights movement will be in their hands.