N.A.A.C.P. Votes to Endorse Same-Sex Marriage

"The board of the N.A.A.C.P. voted to endorse same-sex marriage on Saturday, putting the weight of the country’s most prominent civil rights group behind a cause that has long divided some quarters of the black community."[1]

When leaders lead, especially on difficult social issues that demand the end of an injustice or the expansion of liberty, people will follow. The announcement Saturday that the NAACP passed a resolution supporting marriage equality is the most important sign yet that President Obama's public support of it had the power to change hearts and minds. [...]

According to the New York Times, [former NAACP chairman Julian Bond] said that Obama's May 9 announcement "was 'a tipping point' for many of the board members." Turns out it was a tipping point for many African Americans, as well.

Rev. Jesse Jackson touted his newfound support for same-sex marriage to culture writer Toure'. House Assistant Democratic Leader Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) did the same with NBC's Chuck Todd. A Post-ABC News poll released last week showed that 54 percent of blacks supported the president's position on same-sex marriage.[2]