By James Rucker | SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER

The NAACP is a critical point in its history. It is challenged with changing political and social landscape, with many Black Americans and others holding their breath, hoping that the NAACP will find a way to live up to the expectations that many of us hold for the oldest and most recognized advocacy organization for Black people and Black interests in this country.

George Curry, in a recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, gives his assessment of the process and the candidates as the NAACP looks for new leadership. In his opinion piece, Curry declares that what's needed is either the pastor of a Dallas mega-church (Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III) or a member of Senator Hillary Clintons campaign (Alvin Brown), citing respectively their oratorical skills and D.C. connections as key assets - all but completely dismissing the other finalist, Benjamin Todd Jealous, president of the Rosenberg Foundation. I think hes got it completely wrong.

Either Curry either doesn't appreciate the situation that the NAACP in which it finds itself, or he fundamentally doesn't understand what it will take to revive the NAACP. As the executive director of ColorOfChange.org, an organization of nearly 400,000 members focused on amplifying the voice of Black Americans, I understand the context and the stakes. Black folks and those who care about our issues are yearning for a rehabilitated, powerful NAACP. We, as Black folks, need every bit of advocacy and political power we can get.

In short, I am acutely aware of the challenge. The NAACP doesnt need someone who is primarily known for giving great speeches - we have leaders, old and new, who can do that. And it doesnt need someone whos primary credentials consist of being in bed with a political machine — i.e. the Clinton machine — that has proven as of late its ability to use race as a wedge to manipulate the psychology of the electorate, as well as the ability to open political doors already open to the NAACP by virtue of its history with those on Capitol Hill. It needs a professional who can help right the ship of the NAACP in accordance with its soul.

I am being blunt because the stakes are high. I know Benjamin Todd Jealous. My mother is a former branch president of the NAACP, and he has her blessing. Jealous is known as someone who has put his power to work on behalf of others. Jealous is a young, daring, bright, well-connected brother who brings not only a critical eye, but a background in organizing, an incredibly strong intellect, an ability to manage difficult situations, and an ability to communicate with folks across the political and social spectrum. In my mind, this is exactly what the NAACP needs.