On the political front, this convention also could be pivotal in who blacks vote for in the 2008 presidential election.
Even with the emergence of a black candidate, Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, as a legitimate contender for the White House, Bond and Dennis Courtland Hayes, NAACP interim president and CEO, say the organization's policy is to not support a candidate or political party.
"We're going to do everything we can to make sure African-American voter turnout is as high as it can be," Bond said. "We hope we can push the process where urban decay, the demise of cities and fleeing of jobs can become real issues in the campaign."
Any attention would be a change as the inner city isn't even an afterthought for the Bush administration, Hayes said.
"This attitude must change," he said. "The NAACP is very encouraged in having the opportunity to hear from the candidates themselves on just what they plan for this area."
Bond said all Democratic candidates have confirmed participation in the forum. Of the Republicans, only former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has said he will attend.
--Associated Press
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