LGBT Task Force is a joint venture with National Black Justice Coalition

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)  announces the rollout of the NAACP’s LGBT Equality Task Force, a new partnership of the NAACP and NBJC. The Task Force was announced in a Wednesday session of the NAACP Centennial Convention in New York this week. NBJC provided background research on LGBT issues such as Hate Crimes, ENDA, Safe Schools and HIV/AIDS.

Alice Huffman	Julian Bond
Sylvia Rhue	Jason Bartlett

Dr. Sylvia Rhue, NBJC Interim Executive Director noted, “The LGBT Task Force represents a historic moment for African American LGBT. I believe it will establish the foundation for the NAACP as a forward looking body, and finally moving it as it recognizes LGBT rights within the NAACP governing body.”

The LGBT Equality Task Force is comprised of seven members, and is co-chaired by NAACP National Chairman Julian Bond and California NAACP Chair Alice Huffman. Both co-chairs have track records as champions of LGBT rights.

"We are excited that we have the opportunity to achieve real progress on LGBT affirming resolutions with the NAACP,” noted NBJC Deputy Director Jason W. Bartlett. “The goal in mind is to have the NAACP affirm LGBT rights on hate crimes, ENDA, safe schools and more. The real test for the NAACP will be to take a stand saying marriage is a civil right. If the NAACP takes this step, true marriage equality for all Americans will be hard to stop—the NAACP's imprimatur is that powerful."

Source: The National Black Justice Coalition (www.nbjc.org)