Genarlow Wilson Honored by NAACP

WINSTON, Ga. (AP) -- When Genarlow Wilson arrived as the guest of honor for a local NAACP fundraiser, hundreds rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation before honoring him with an award.For three years, the West Metro NAACP chapter led the fight to free the 20-year-old after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on felony charges for having sex with an underaged girl at a New Year's Eve party, an incident that was videotaped. Wilson refused to accept a plea deal that would have required him to register as a sex offender."Free Genarlow" became a rallying cry across the country as the case turned him into an example of racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The Georgia Supreme Court freed Wilson on October 26th on a four-to-three decision that called his sentence "cruel and unusual punishment," and now he is being greeted with a hero's welcome.He is the latest young black man to blur the lines between being a cause celebre and someone worthy of being lionized. Wilson, the Jena Six in Louisiana and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick have NOT only drawn support but also praise from many in the black community who seem willing to overlook their alleged offenses for the bigger picture.The attention is sparking a debate over whether accolades are in order. Wilson himself even acknowledges that the accolades are a bit awkward, saying "I really wasn't trying to be a hero. I was just trying to do what was right," last night before accepting the chapter's first Staying the Course Youth Award.In the years since his conviction, Wilson appears quite humbled by his experience. Sheepish and soft-spoken in interviews, he comes across as polite and respectful -- a contrast from the cavalier teen seen smiling in grainy video footage as a 15-year-old girl performed oral sex on him.Still, some say others are more deserving of the recognition.Democratic State Senator Emanuel Jones and former Republican state Representative Matt Towery -- who helped advocate for Wilson's freedom -- have been nominated by civil rights icon Andrew Young for the prestigious Profile in Courage Award, which is presented to those who exemplify courageous political leadership.