Sees NAACP branches as means to close social foundation gaps, connect young people to 'real life'
By Kathryn Mobley
COLUMBUS — A Columbus-area businessman is working upstream to catch the attention of teenagers on behalf of the NAACP. He has recruited a cadre of high school students he hopes will support the organization's mission and visions for decades to come.
“Most of our young people are not involved with organizations around social justice and equality,” explains Dr. Carter D. Womack, a life-long member of the NAACP as well as the president/CEO of Leadership At Its Best, based in Columbus.
The 71-year-old entrepreneur fears many young people live in 'social media silos', not connected with 'real life' political and economic issues. “They strictly live on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and on other social media platforms. They worry about who'll attend the next party, the next big song to drop, or who's setting the latest fashion trend,” says Womack, who joined NAACP when he was 20 years old.
According to NAACP.org, there are 550 junior youth councils, youth councils, high school chapters and college chapters under its national umbrella. Units across the country develop new civil rights and community leaders through social action programs.
In September, Womack attended the 92nd State Convention of the Ohio Conference of the NAACP, where representatives from sixteen cities and counties across the state gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Columbus North-Worthington. He met a group of high school students from Columbus Academy at the two-day conference.
“They didn't know about the NAACP, its history, and what units are doing today,” says Dr. Womack. “They also had no clue young people could join.”
He explained the organization and connected the dots of how its work benefits their lives today. Then he told them, “I'm going to pay your membership for the next year.” They all raised their hands and almost in unison they said, 'We'll take it'. So, I wrote a check for 13 memberships, and they joined the Columbus youth unit.”
Alexis Cunningham is among the group sponsored by Womack. The 16-year-old senior loves chemistry, mathematics and music. She plays both the viola and the upright bass, contributing her talents to her school's jazz band, the Urban Strings, and the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. She proudly sports large, gold hoop earrings and wavy, natural hair pulled up in a top bun.
“For nine years, I've attended a predominantly white institution, so it's been hard for me to make my way as a young African American woman,” says Cunningham. “I think being a part of NAACP will give me a sense of pride and of community. I'll have others around me to uplift me as I figure out who I am.”
Womack told the students he would follow up with them to confirm they are participating with the Columbus Youth Unit. Their thanks echoed around the room as each student reached out to shake his hand or hug him.
Later, the businessman confides he bought their memberships because he's observed another lack in the Columbus school curriculum.
“Many of our schools don't have student councils where you learn about running for office, … how to be an officer, how to conduct a meeting according to Robert’s Rules of Order and how to lead people to actually get something done.”
Womack believes the NAACP can bridge some of these social foundation gaps by teaching teamwork, educating about the importance of voting, walking youth through the election process, and promoting motivated youth capable of stepping into leadership roles.
Meanwhile, Cunningham sees the NAACP as a vehicle that will help her make a difference in her city and in this country.
“There are many African American children who are not as fortunate as I am. They don't have a lot of family support. As a member of NAACP, I will be a role model for young African Americans, especially females. I can encourage them, show them my passion. My generation is going to make a great impact and be a wonderful benefit to this country,” she concludes, as broad smile consumes her caramel face.
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