RENO — NAACP Reno-Sparks Branch 1112 has recently received numerous phone calls generated by the controversial statements of Chicago pastor Jeremiah Wright.

"People obviously feel the need to express their opinions on every conceivable side of this political controversy and apparently lack the forum in which to do so," stated NAACP President Lucille Adin.

"As with so many issues, they contact us. We have had calls condemning us for supporting Rev. Wright and encouraging us to support Sen. Barack Obama, neither of which lie within our purview as a non-partisan organization," she added.

"Some people have apparently become confused as to Rev. Wright's status. He was a guest speaker before a meeting the Detroit branch of the NAACP, one of several speeches and many interviews he gave last week. His remarks were neither official policy statements nor endorsed by the local or national NAACP," Adin said.

"Our purpose involves protecting and defending civil rights of all people. We do not endorse candidates. We educate the public about many areas of concern but cannot become involved in partisan politics," she noted.

"Our annual Freedom Fund Banquet on June 7 will have a 'Power of the Vote' theme as part of our century-long advocacy of increased public involvement in the political process. Our branch is very active in voter registration drives, but we neither support nor oppose candidates. Calls about Sen. Obama should go to his headquarters. Complaints about the news media should be directed to the news media," the longtime community activist stated.

"If anyone has a civil rights or discrimination complaint which should come to the attention of our legal redress committee, they should certainly contact us," Adin said.

The branch's 63rd Annual Freedom Fund Dinner will be held at the Atlantis Hotel-Casino-Spa on the evening of Saturday, June 7. Tickets may be ordered by calling Dolores Feemster at (775) 323-3677. More information about personal and corporate ticket reservations may be obtained at renosparksnaacp.org.

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