NAACP Lifts Economic Boycott On South Carolina
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The NAACP ended the first day of its convention here in Philadelphia by passing a resolution that ended the organization's economic boycott of South Carolina. The decision comes just one day after lawmakers removed the confederate flag from its place outside its statehouse.
For 15 years, the NAACP boycotted the state of South Carolina. The organization imposed an economic boycott of the state because of its insistence in flying the confederate flag on the grounds of its state capitol.
But on Friday, roughly 3 weeks after 9 people were murdered by a white gunman inside of the historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina lawmakers permanently removed the battle flag.
NAACP leaders applauded the decision, passing and passed an emergency resolution to end its boycott on Saturday.
Dr. Lonnie Randolph is President of the DC NAACP and led the charge to lift the South Carolina boycott Saturday at the convention here in Philadelphia.
"That is 1.1 trillion dollars that African American's contribute every year to the economy," Randolph says. "Maybe South Carolina will realize we are people who deserve to be respected."
The NAACP National Convention continues this week in Philadelphia with an all-star roster of speakers, including President Barrack Obama and former President Bill Clinton.