Voices from the Top
National President's Update
By National President Joseph A. McMillan
Nov 11, 2008 - 4:00:07 PM

National President Joseph McMillan

Before I address several issues related to our great organization, it goes without saying that along with many of you it was with great pride and admiration last week when I witnessed God’s blessings on our country in the election of Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States.  This historic event will resonate, in the annuls of history for centuries to come.  In celebration of this golden opportunity for our country, NOBLE provided a congratulatory press release to Senator Obama and Senator Joseph Biden on their historic achievement and our desire to work with the new administration on issues impacting our communities. 

As part of my ongoing commitment to maintain an open dialogue with our members, I want to take a few minutes to bring you up to date on several activities that I have been involved with during the past month in representing our great organization at a variety of events.  

Recently I served as a panelist on youth and gun violence at the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Forum.  In addition, I represented NOBLE at the African American Drug Policy Coalition Symposium along with Past President Chief (Retired) Clarence Edwards and Congressional staff members to advocate policy issues related to NOBLE’s goals and objectives.  I also represented NOBLE at the annual wreath laying ceremony, which was held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. 

Finally, while traveling to Chicago to represent NOBLE at a Technologies for Critical Incident Preparation Conference, I was able to witness first hand the Chicago Chapter’s efforts in advancing our Domestic Violence strategies initiative at a town hall forum and workshop. 

There should be no doubt that all engagements supported a central theme –NOBLE is actively engaged in being an active partner in policy making decisions and is at the forefront of identifying effective strategies to positively impact communities across our great country.  First Vice President Ernest Greene, Executive Director Jessie Lee and Mark Logan, Chair of our Education and Training Committee are aggressively developing the agenda and infrastructure to make our winter Bracey Leadership Symposium a resounding success. 

As you begin to plan efforts for the first part of next year, please block out the dates of February 6-7, 2009 and plan on joining us in Atlanta, Georgia for a symposium that will “drill into identifying contemporaneous solutions to pressing issues in the areas of offender re-entry and police excessive force.”  Only when we collectively come together and strategically approach criminal justice issues that impact our communities, will we be capable of developing sound solutions, which can be implemented.

In an effort to develop long term strategies related to our youth, I have placed the Law and You Advisory Committee under our Youth Committee.  This reorganization will ensure the activities of both are seamless and integrated.  In addition, we recently engaged the National Association of Black Prosecutors in discussions to host joint “Law and You” presentations in the ensuing months.  As you receive information related to supporting our various youth initiatives, please be diligent within your communities in advancing NOBLE’s goals.  Collectively we can make a greater impact than singularly.  So let’s come together for the common good of our communities and advance these programs various initiatives in an effort to change behavior and keep our kids out of the proverbial “system.”

Please remember those members in Region 5 adversely impacted recently by a natural disaster.  Where possible please donate to this worthy cause.  We need and appreciate your support for this effort.

Finally, by now you should have received information related to our National fund-raiser.  As I stated in my prior correspondence, if you are unable to sell the car raffle tickets in your communities, please consider purchasing one.  The combined efforts of the entire membership are needed to make this initiative a success and meet our financial obligations.  Only with your help can we ensure NOBLE remains on the right course.  Through the effective stewardship of your elected officials and the National Office, coupled with support from you and our sponsors we are able to advance various organizational programs. 

Since our past Annual Conference, we collectively embarked on a journey to elevate NOBLE to a higher level and address vital issues consistent with our organizational goals and objectives.  Our combined efforts will ensure success and achievement of results as we identify and enhance policies and methods of policing in our communities.