Posted on 02/24/2002 2:35:59 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
LOS ANGELES -- National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice topped a list of recipients for the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday night, a gesture that followed several public disagreements between the civil rights group and the Bush administration.
Image Awards are primarily given to entertainers, but also recognize people who have advanced the cause of minorities through leadership or example.
In her speech, Rice focused on her deceased parents, who encouraged her to reach beyond the racism she experienced growing up in Birmingham, Ala.
"Though Birmingham had its limits, they told me that Birmingham's limits should not be mine," she said.
"As I travel with (President Bush) around the world and as we meet with leaders from around the world, I see America through other people's eyes," Rice said. "I see a country that still struggles with the true meaning of multiethnic democracy, that still struggles with how to accommodate, and indeed, how to celebrate diversity.
"But it's a country that is admired because ... it does struggle to become better," she added. "It is not perfect but it is a long, long way from where we were."
The friendly reception she received was a contrast to the acrimony that built between the White House and the NAACP last summer.
At that time, leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People lashed out at President Bush over his conservative agenda, and remarks made at the group's national convention prompted counter-criticism from the White House.
At the July convention, NAACP board chairman Julian Bond accused the president of being a puppet of the conservative "Taliban wing of the Republican Party." Chief White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Bond went too far and his statement was "another reminder about why the tone in Washington needs to be changed."
That was before Sept. 11.
After the terrorist attacks, NAACP President Kweisi Mfume attempted to heal the group's relationship with the White House by toning down his criticism and even saying he supported Bush's economic relief packages.
Then he decided to bestow the group's special President's Award on Rice.
Mfume praised Rice for becoming the first woman to appointed as a president's national security adviser, crediting her with overcoming bias against women and blacks in her career as a foreign affairs expert.
"There were no role models for her to follow, because there was no one else like Condoleezza Rice," Mfume said.
Previous winners include news anchor Bryant Gumbel, former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman and singer Lauryn Hill.
Singers Alicia Keys and India.Arie and Dallas-based minister Bishop T.D. Jakes were among the celebrities taking part in the 33rd annual award show Saturday. Little Richard was chosen for the group's Hall of Fame Award.
Among the winners in the entertainment categories were Steve Harvey, best actor in a comedy series for "The Steve Harvey Show," and Mo'Nique, best actress in a comedy for "The Parkers."
Best picture honors went to "Ali," while Denzel Washington won best film actor for "Training Day," a role that also earned him an Oscar nomination. Halle Berry claimed best movie actress for the thriller "Swordfish."
Keys won best new music artist, while Ja Rule won best rapper for "Livin' It Up" and the late songstress Aaliyah, who died last summer in a plane crash, won outstanding female artist for her album "Aaliyah."
The program, with actor-comedian Chris Tucker as host, is scheduled for broadcast March 1 on Fox.
Here is a LINK to more substance.
National Security Advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice accepts the President's Award from NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, right, at the 33rd Annual NAACP Image Awards Ceremony, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, in Los Angeles, Calif.(AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson)
Two words: "Jesus Christmas!
Is Condi easy on the eyes or what? As the pictures below will indicate, this woman is extremely well muscled and cut. She definitely takes care of herself.
I mean, don't you all just want to see this fine woman in that very fine body run against Ol' Crusty Pantsuit in 2008?
Of course, it's fun to watch Kweasy and that gang of racists try to curry favor with the White House now that Bush is running at eighty percent approval.
Some choice images of Condi, your future President.... 
I hate to tell all you Ann Coulter fans to move to the back of the bus, but hey, there's a new sherriff in town....
And just for fun, let's do some comparison shopping of the choice we will face in a few years....
Okay people, any effing questions? No? I didn't think so.
Be Seeing You,
Chris Be Seeing You,
Chris
Why not aim higher? Dr. Rice was a good start.
Too bad they couldn't publish some of her remarks.
She's got a lot between her ears too!
Yes, but we knew that already!8-D
Be Seeing You,
Chris
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