Whereas, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization in the world; and,

Whereas, NAACP members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunities in the public and private sectors; and,

Whereas, The Michigan State Conference of NAACP, under the presidency of Yvonne White, is the largest state conference in the Association with more than 25,000 members throughout the State of Michigan; and,

Whereas, The Detroit Branch NAACP, under the presidency of Rev. Wendell Anthony, is the largest NAACP unit in the Association and has been bestowed with the honor of hosting   the NAACP 98^th Annual Convention at COBO Hall Convention Center, July 7-12, 2007; and,

Whereas, The theme of the convention is "NAACP: Power Beyond Measure" and offerings for this year will include political forums, an Author's Pavilion with signings and readings, and a community funeral for the "N" word; and,

Whereas, More than 10,000 NAACP members, delegates, and observers are expected to participate in this year's convention; and,

Whereas, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Board of Directors named our own Michigan Congressman John Conyers, Jr. the 92^nd recipient of the Spingarn Medal, the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed upon a NAACP member; and,

Whereas, NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond stated "John Conyers' record of service is unparalleled and speaks volumes.  He has been an extraordinary advocate and consistent supporter of civil rights and civil liberties and a major ally of the NAACP's agenda.  He has suffered and survived many attacks from extremists, but has always stood strong in the cause of equality for all Americans.  He is one of the legislative giants of our time"; and,

Whereas, Prior to the opening of the NAACP 98^th Annual Convention, the 2007 NAACP Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) began at the Hyatt Regency in the City of Dearborn, featuring hundreds of youth contestants competing in 26 different disciplines to win college scholarships, internships, and a chance to be named a presidential scholar; and,

Whereas, NAACP Branches in Michigan proudly brought home 12 National ACT-SO Winners, 16 percent of the total awards presented last year during the convention held in Washington, D.C.; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of July 7, 2007 as NAACP Week in Michigan.   I am grateful for your tireless pursuit to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination, as well as your persistent efforts to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons.