NAACP members hear from their president at Vegas convention

Published July 21, 2014 at 6:02 p.m.

By Sandra Gonzalez from KSNV-TV (NBC)

Thousands of members from the NAACP heard from their new president today, as the organization opened its 105th convention. The focus is on voting rights and getting people to the polls. Many leaders rallied members to get involved and push forward.

"They ask the question, 'Is the NAACP relevant?'" NAACP President Cornell William Brooks told a large crowd of members.

Brooks not only believes the organization is relevant, but is undergoing a revolution.

"There was a beginning of a revolution reconstruction period," he said, "If you're paying attention, eyes are wide open, you're in the middle of a revolution," Brooks said.

He says the NAACP is committed to the next generation, and sees the future of the organization reaching one million members across the country.

Leaders say the biggest obstacle is changes to voting laws following a Supreme Court decision.

"Some 22 states, 22 states have enacted laws that negatively impact the voting power of seniors, young people, minorities and the disabled," said Congresswoman Dina Titus.

"We cannot let the Supreme Court functionally disregard this cornerstone of democratic progress," said Congressman Steven Horsford.

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio received a standing ovation as she rallied people to get to the polls.

"Vote like your life depended on it; vote as if the lives of your children depended on it," Fudge said.

Members were encouraged to move forward and keep fighting.

"We should be able to go and vote as registered. Makes it real simple, kind of a no brainer," said Cynthia Ford of the Phoenix NAACP.

"We've got to get people organized and mobilized and get them excited about continuing our mission of civil rights," said Arlene Anderson of the Cleveland NAACP.

NAACP members attending the convention in Las vegas say they can't wait to get more energized and they're looking forward to hearing from Vice President Joe Biden. He will be at the convention Wednesday. Biden is also coming to help campaign for congressional candidate Erin Bilbray.