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109th NAACP national convention held in San Antonio

All in attendance hoped to learn something they could take back to their communities.

Corpus Christi (KIII News) — Thousands of people from across the country are in San Antonio for the 109th NAACP National Convention. Some from New Jersey others from Florida, all with the same goal hoping to learn something they could take back into their own communities.

We caught up with a group of teenagers from Florida, heading into the convention center with a sense of purpose.

"I want to actually get out in the world and and make my voice and have a purpose. So, instead of sitting behind the scenes looking at the news to see, I want to go actually go out in the community and say something, to hope to make a change," says 17-year old Precious Lavender from Jacksonville, Florida.

Another young lady, 18-year old Athena Faire, also from Jacksonville says change begins with young people.

"A lot of people don't think that we can make a change of a difference but if we actually get more young people to come in and help the elderly group we can actually get people to see what we're doing and make a change," said Faire.

The students sat and listened to speakers such as NAACP President Derrick Johnson.

"Clearness of purpose is not for us to get into public debates with 45, because I was told a long time ago a fool in a wise man from a far in an argument you can't tell the difference," said Johnson.

After that speech Johnson was invited by our local chapter President Terry Mills to rally the troops in Corpus Christi.

Johnson also spoke about another big issue which involves the policy of separating children from their families when they illegally cross the border.

"It is unfortunate that the current occupant of the White House would allow his administration to take babies from parents. It's not only an American, but all citizens should stand up in opposition and demand better," said Johnson

President Johnson is pledging to get his organization involved in more issues around the country. He feels that nowadays the voice of the NAACP needs to be heard more than ever.

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