Official Press Statement from Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony

New President & CEO for NAACP Ben Jealous

DETROIT, May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a member of the national search committee for the next NAACP President & CEO and also a National Board Member of the NAACP, Mr. Ben Jealous, although very capable and possesses a great deal of potential, was not my first choice. The first choice for me was Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.

The organization is at a turning point in its 100-year history. I look forward to our centennial celebration in February 2009. We will have to get to know Mr. Jealous and we anxiously anticipate his tenure with the Association.

The Detroit Branch NAACP is the organization's largest branch. It holds monthly general membership meetings, which are free and open to the public. For more information please call 313-871-2087 or visit www.detroitnaacp.org

Source: Detroit Branch NAACP

CONTACT: LaToya Henry, Detroit Branch NAACP, +1-313-447-6404

Web site: http://www.detroitnaacp.org/

2008-05-17 20:07:43 0364472 PRNEWSWIRE