In an appeal to Black voters, NAACP Interim President & CEO Dennis Courtland Hayes, said in a statement, “… I don't need to remind you of the importance of this election. Your participation is key in influencing the outcome in November. Make sure you take part by using your vote.”

African Americans, of which a high percentage traditionally votes Democrat, make up a significant voting block that cannot be ignored in the general elections. Therefore, with the outcome the democratic primaries high on the priority list and the eventual November elections a major concern, being a part of the process has become extra important for all groups in America and crucial to African Americans.

The Democratic Party has grown immensely with two formidable candidates, senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton still actively vying for the Democratic nomination, with just 9 states remaining, and what could be the decider, Pennsylvania, the next up on the block. Republican senator John McCain, who has wrapped up the nomination for his party, and is in the process of choosing a running mate, will be up against either Clinton or Obama in November.

While the NAACP does not have any affiliation to or promote either political party, Hayes said it was necessary for Blacks to exercise their rights and have a say in the election of the next president.

In fact, Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP's Washington bureau, while addressing Voter Suppression in early February said, “From 2000 to 2004, we saw a significant increase in African American voters, particularly among African American young people, that is, 18 to 24. We have seen African American voters, male and female, coming to vote in a much more partisan way than ever before.”

He said while many improprieties have occurred in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, it has not deterred Blacks from taking part in the process. “We have determined that very well we must vote, we must make sure that those who gave so much in the past, including sweat and blood, are very well vindicated and that we continue to participate in that process.” His statement has renewed meaning, especially around this time when we remember the assassination of one of America’s top civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed on April 4, 1968. (See related article on A5).

Shelton said judging by the turnout in the primaries and caucuses across the nation, the “African American community is mobilized and actively engaged like never before,” which he cited as evidence of the their commitment to elect a president that is the “right President for all their concerns.”

Some of these concerns are about the candidates’ stance on “equal opportunity programs like Affirmative Action… health care reform and housing for low and moderate income families…. issues like racial profiling and hate crimes in the United States.” He said a viable candidate should be able to answer the question, “What will be your program to address African Americans and others being able to more fully participate in our system as being hired by people, that is, being fully employed?”

Hayes encouraged people to register for the upcoming primaries and “keep that momentum going from now until Election Day… and don't miss the opportunity to participate in this historic election. Make sure you are registered and make sure that you vote.”

The interim president added that, “While this moment represents a milestone in our struggle for equal rights for all people, our work is not done. We must keep fighting for civil rights for all Americans, and in order to keep the movement going forward, we must have a President that understands and cares about civil rights.”

To register to vote go to www.credomobile.com/registertovote or call the National Voter Registration Hotline at 1-866-MYVOTE1 (1-866-698-8683).