NAACP Names Youngest President Ever

35-year-old Benjamin Jealous prevails in contentious vote

By Kevin Spak

Posted May 17, 2008 5:52 PM CDT

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NAACP Names Youngest President Ever — Ben Jealous, the newly elected president of the NAACP, makes remarks outside the NAACP headquarters in Baltimore, Saturday, May 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

The NAACP selected its youngest president ever today, picking 35-year-old Benjamin Jealous after a contentious 8-hour meeting. Jealous promised to bring financial stability to the organization by tapping his ties with top foundations nationwide. He said he will also "pull people into this movement" by focusing more on technology, the Baltimore Sun reports.

"I've spent my entire life in this movement," Jealous said. "I was raised to believe that there is no greater calling than to serve your people in the cause of justice. That is how I have spent my life. I have no higher ambitions."

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