More than 70 people were present at Wednesday’s general meeting in the UC of the UTM chapter of the NAACP.

Kody Tate, NAACP president, introduced himself and asked for the committee chairs to give brief descriptions about what their committees do, in hopes of receiving new members on each committee. The chairs stressed the importance of a voiced opinion. After the committee chairs had made their comments, Tate opened the floor for discussion and presentations of new ideas.

UTM’s local NAACP chapter adviser is Dr. Rossetta Wa-shington, assistant professor.

“I would like to see more of all the minorities on campus get involved with the chapter,” said Washington. “One of the goals is to help be a voice for all people, both African Americans and other ethnic groups. We want to be an organization that brings people together and help them understand each other's talents and abilities. We appreciate the opportunity for the NAACP to be apart of the UTM community.”

The NAACP is an organization that establishes leadership and political activism among students through training, mobilization and education.

“The goal of the NAACP chapter here at UTM is to bring unity to the campus and togetherness,” said NAACP secretary Naishia Person.

Person added that the NAACP is not just for minorities, but for all people, and that it was actually started by Caucasians.

“We are not a racially motivated organization,” said Person. “We cannot force people to believe that statement, but we must continue to encourage them to the best of our ability. We also want to get the international students involved.”

The chapter wasn’t just concerned with getting people involved. Washington elaborated on the students' good grades and encouraged them to work hard to keep them. Washington also played a fun game to help get everyone acquainted.

The organization announced that Rev. Al Sharpton will speak on campus next week at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 in UC ballroom. Students, staff and others are encouraged to come out and support the NAACP. For more information, students can contact Kody Tate (731) 588-0174.