Sanford Bishop: “if I were asked to describe Earl T. Shinhoster in a single word, ``patriot'' would be the first that would come to mind.…”

“if I were asked to describe Earl T. Shinhoster in a single word, ``patriot'' would be the first that would come to mind. From his teen-age years until his untimely death at 47, he devoted his life to making the promises so eloquently expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution--promises such as justice, opportunity, and the freedom to pursue one's dreams--apply to every citizen. We could also call him a ``relentless fighter'' and a ``thoughtful leader.'' Earl Shinhoster exemplified all of these qualities during three decades of service with the NAACP. As executive director and chief economic officer, he achieved renewed stability by sharply increasing membership and reducing indebtedness. As director of the Voter Empowerment Project, he increased registration and opened the political process to thousands of people. During the last census, he worked diligently to boost participation by African Americans in an effort to ensure that every American would be counted. In one of his final public appearances, he urged fellow members of the NAACP to always keep fighting for the cause of humanity--and to always uphold the values they learned in their family, church and school. He was a man of courage, of commitment and of principle.”