Parker charts new direction for NAACP

Created on Wednesday, 13 February 2013 09:39 Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 February 2013 09:39 Published on Wednesday, 13 February 2013 09:39 Written by Christian Morrow - Courier Staff Writer Hits: 805

For her part, Parker said she would make herself more available to the public and the media—particularly the Courier—because it’s her duty as president.
“You owe it to the people to report what you’re doing, and to let them know you’re out there. Even if it’s just a phone call, you owe people a response.”
Parker said when it comes to mobilizing people for actions, the unit is blessed with some new younger members who can and will take the lead on that. Parker also said she intends to use her position on the Port Authority of Allegheny County board to make sure Black communities are not left without mass transit if service cuts are made.
She added that she is not there simply to do what Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald wants.
“No. I’m not anybody’s rubber stamp,” she said.
She also said the unit will take a more hands on approach with the Pittsburgh Public Schools, noting that with 50 percent of Black male students dropping out, something has to be done
“We are getting short shrift in the schools, and all the board members need to be doing more about it,” she said.
Parker also said she would be naming new committee heads, which could include several new faces later this month. Current committee heads were scheduled to make presentations at the Unit’s Feb. 12 meeting.
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