To: State Desk

Contact: John C. White of the NAACP, 410-580-5125

BALTIMORE, Nov. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- NAACP President & CEO Bruce S. Gordon today officially opened seven NAACP Election Day command centers to coordinate a statewide campaign to defeat Proposal 2, a ballot initiative that would eliminate affirmative action programs in the state government and institutions of higher learning.

Gordon said NAACP national and local staff would focus their efforts in areas where there is a high concentration of African American voters. "The NAACP does not plan to stand by while the architects of racism dismantle affirmative action programs that attempt to level the playing field in higher education and help create a diverse work force. This is no time for Michigan to turn its back on a proud history where diversity has been more than a slogan."

If Proposal 2 is approved by voters on Election Day, Nov. 7, it could lead to the dismantling of affirmative action in education, employment and other state level programs. Proposal 2 would ban public institutions including state and local governments, public colleges and universities from considering race, gender and ethnicity or national origin for public employment, education or contracting purposes.

The NAACP Operation Save Affirmative Action in Michigan campaign is primarily focused on meeting four objectives in an effort to defeat Proposal 2:

-- Increase the turnout of African American frequent voters by 5 percent in target counties

-- Identify and engage African American volunteers in the civic engagement process across the state

-- Educate African American voters in target counties and across the state on ballot Proposal 2

-- Increase the engagement of young adults (ages 18 to 24) on college campuses in the civic engagement process.

The NAACP firmly supports the use of affirmative action policies and practices by states to ensure equal opportunity access for minorities and women. "It is critical that voters understand the role affirmative action plays in the creation of a diverse education and business work force," Gordon said.

In Michigan, Proposal 2 could mean the loss of financial aid funds to provide scholarships that consider race, gender, national origin, ethnicity or color. Many colleges and universities use such funds to attract a diverse student body and underrepresented students.

The command centers are in the follow locations:

Michigan NAACP State Conference

Tower Center Mall, 15415 Grand River, Floor M, Detroit, MI 48227; 313-835-9671

NAACP Regional Office

17117 West Nine Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48075; 248-557-9700

Southern Oakland County

17515 W. Nine Mile Rd., 4th Fl., Southfield, MI 48075; 248- 552-8913

Northern Oakland County

28 North Saginaw, Suite 910, Pontiac, MI 48342; 248-338-6760

Macomb County

37211 Harper Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48036; 586-469-4533

Flint

3455 Lippincott Blvd., Flint, MI 48507; 810-742-8622

Western Wayne County

3640 Walnut, Inkster, MI 48141; 313-363-8969

Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor

61 North Huron St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197; 734-480-9654

Detroit

2990 East Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI; 313-871-2087

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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/© 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

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