| Written by Yussuf Simmonds, (Asst. Managing Editor), on 07-24-2008 09:29 |
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A powerful ally in the fight for justice and equality throughout the country Named by one of the leading newpapers in the nation, as one of the most powerful persons in California, Alice Huffman has been on the frontline fighting to end discrimination and ensure equal rights for all for many years. As the first woman to become president of the California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1999, Huffman continues to use her position and influence as an advocate and social activist to bring about meaningful changes in society. In 2002, she was elected to the national board of directors of the NAACP. “It’s very important for the NAACP to live true to its mission,” Huffman said, “and to have the courage to speak out for people who may not be so popular.” California has 67 local branches, over 30 college chapters and youth units, and because of her leadership, they have increased NAACP membership over the past decade. Huffman oversees the NAACP Century 21 web page to make sure it provides up-to-date and timely information regarding the status of civil rights in California and throughout the nation. As a result of her work, the California Chapter of the NAACP took the unusual step of supporting the controversial Civil Marriage Protection Act and though it failed in the state assembly, the NAACP has still rallied for the California Family Code to be changed to cover some of the same ground. She has always been involved in politics and civil rights causes having served in various posts in California state government. Having graduated from the University of California (U.C.) Berkeley with honors, Huffman continued her advance studies at the University of Pennsylvania, UC Davis, and University of Southern California (USC). Huffman is the founder and president of A.C. Public Affairs, Inc, a firm that advocates for grassroots causes and allows her to extend her social activities in other areas. In that capacity, she has spearheaded petitions to end racial hatred in America; to support the patients’ Bill of Rights; to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act; and to promote voter turnout essential to election outcome. She has been listed in Who’s Who International, Who’s Who Professional and Who’s Who of Politics for the past 20 years. In addition, her local newspaper, The Sacramento Observer, annually includes her in its 100 most influential citizens. And for her social activism, Huffman was inducted into the Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee’s Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements. During the recent presidential primary, she was an ardent supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton saying, “Over the years, Hillary Clinton has earned my respect as a staunch advocate for the rights of people invisible to our nation’s government, including women, minorities, children and seniors.” As a super delegate during the 2008 primary, Huffman was there when the Democratic officials met to iron out the delegate problems that resulted from the early primaries in Florida and Michigan. She fought aggressively to protect the rights of the citizens of those two states. Huffman believes that learning is a life long process and to that end through the NAACP, she keeps an eternal watch on the nation’s voting rights, which, for too long, had been denied, to all Americans.
Last update: 07-24-2008 09:33
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