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WALTER WHITE
Dynamic Walter White was the Executive Secretary from 1939 to 1955. During his tenure, the organization made noteworthy strides which culminated with the passage of the Supreme Court Order of 1954 which outlawed segregation in the school system. 

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JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
James Weldon Johnson, author, lecturer, school teacher and internationally famed musician, the writer of the National Black Anthem, served as the first Black Executive Secretary of the NAACP from 1921 to 1930.


NAACP is 75 years Old
 
July 2-6, 1984
Kansas City Convention Center 
Kansas City, Mo. 

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of that of white families.

I cite these figures to highlight the fact that although we have made tremendous progress in the area of race relations, we still have a long way to go; and contrary to the glib assertions of the present Administration, much remains to be done if blacks are to share in the economic wealth and prosperity of this nation.

We at the NAACP disagree with most of the major initiatives of the Reagan Administration. We think that its position on enforcement of affirmative action, busing, tuition tax credits is wrong. Nevertheless, we shall continue to alert the President and his officers about our concerns. We shall explain and talk to them through the press, radio, TV or in person when afforded the chance.

Tonight, we challenge the present Administration to meet with us, to talk with us, to dialogue with us. We are concerned, Mr. President, about your policies. You say we do not understand you, you say that we misinterpret you, so let us sit down and together talk about the problems that we see, the solutions we propose, and to see whether or not we indeed do have much to offer that would help move this nation forward. I mean, Mr. President, sit down and talk with Ben Hooks. Come, let us reason together. 

Come let us reason together, with Kelly Alexander, with the NAACP officers. You are "the great communicator." Come talk to us-and not by long distance. 

Like all of us, Ronald Reagan must be held accountable for his actions.

I agree with the mass media that Ronald Reagan is a great communicator, and I am calling upon Ronald Reagan to communicate with me. 

As the executive director of the nation's largest, oldest and most powerful civil rights organization, I 

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