Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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Armstrong, director of human resources with Thomasville City Schools, was the keynote speaker for the Thomasville Branch NAACP’s 23rd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Thomasville Woman’s Club. Speaking to a packed house, with school and city officials in attendance, Armstrong lived up to this year’s banquet theme, “NAACP on a mission – fighting for children, not just ourselves.”
Researching before presenting her speech, Armstrong presented some facts to those in attendance. Based off statistics from the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, she said that 34 percent of Thomasville’s population is minorities. Armstrong noted 9 percent of the workforce is 18 to 24 year olds.
“These are the people that you and I are hoping will help make the sovereignty of the Social Security Administration,” Armstrong said from the podium. “One thing that is critical about that age group is that they’re the ones advertisers come after.”
Recently, Armstrong said she heard a local radio station, geared toward 18 to 24 year olds, advertising buying rims at the price of $1,300 for your “hoopty” which is a vehicle that is barely in working condition.
“I can think of a few things I can do with $1,300,” she said. “In the top one million of the things I could do, it does not include rims. Yet, we are allowing for our young people to make that depreciable investment. $1,300. For those of you who are saying, ‘She is speaking the prosperity ministry.’ Let me tell you something, being poor isn’t what it is cracked up to be.”
Armstrong said in particular, advertisers go toward 18 to 24 year olds around tax refund time. She emphasized that those in attendance should do something as parents, such as not cosigning on items such as rims.
The former TCS Wachovia Principal of the Year also spoke in reference to getting the youth back in church, and the need for parents to enroll students in advanced placement classes.
“All of my education buddies will tell you that a lot of families are not maximizing the educational opportunities presented before them,” she said. “[Not enrolling them in] higher classes are setting them up for failure. They can be competitive in this society.
“Education is the way out of poverty. They have to know that getting a high school diploma just doesn’t cut it anymore. They have to know that getting an associate’s and bachelor’s degree almost doesn’t cut it anymore.”
After finishing her keynote address, Armstrong received a standing ovation.
Before Armstrong made her speech, Thomasville NAACP Chapter President Francine Bowens presented NAACP President Awards. Recipients of the awards were Donna Canty, who Bowens said “has done a lot for the NAACP,” and Jane Wilder, community relations director of Thomasville Medical Center.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.