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NAACP Names Youngest President Ever

35-year-old Benjamin Jealous prevails in contentious vote

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 17, 2008 5:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – The NAACP selected its youngest president ever today, picking 35-year-old Benjamin Jealous after a contentious 8-hour meeting. Jealous promised to bring financial stability to the organization by tapping his ties with top foundations nationwide. He said he will also "pull people into this movement" by focusing more on technology, the Baltimore Sun reports.

"I've spent my entire life in this movement," Jealous said. "I was raised to believe that there is no greater calling than to serve your people in the cause of justice. That is how I have spent my life. I have no higher ambitions."

Ben Jealous, the newly elected president of the NAACP, makes remarks outside the NAACP headquarters in Baltimore, Saturday, May 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

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NAACP Names Youngest President Ever

35-year-old Benjamin Jealous prevails in contentious vote

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Tea Partier: Black Guys Prefer Drugs to Education

But not minority women—they have kids

NAACP Has Better Things to Do Than Bash Tea Party

It's an 'unhealthy obsession,' argues Jason Riley

Black Councilman Told to Work in Cotton Field

City council exchange gets NAACP's attention

Tea Party's Whip-Wielding Obama Float Stirs Anger

NAACP official calls it 'sad'

Black Tea Partiers Take Heat

Talk about a minority

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35-year-old Benjamin Jealous prevails in contentious vote

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

African Americans • race relations • black culture • NAACP • Benjamin Jealous

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Tea Partier: Black Guys Prefer Drugs to Education

But not minority women—they have kids

NAACP Has Better Things to Do Than Bash Tea Party

It's an 'unhealthy obsession,' argues Jason Riley

Black Councilman Told to Work in Cotton Field

City council exchange gets NAACP's attention

Tea Party's Whip-Wielding Obama Float Stirs Anger

NAACP official calls it 'sad'

Black Tea Partiers Take Heat

Talk about a minority

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?