Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton on Wednesday downplayed an NAACP resolution condemning “racism” within the tea party movement, saying focus must remain on jobs and an upcoming march in Washington.

"We will not be diverted or otherwise distracted by any other message except putting America back to work," Jackson was quoted as telling reporters during the annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Kansas City.

Sharpton said the tea party's focus on states' rights puts people at risk.

"They talk about restoring dignity. They are really talking about restoring a time before the federal government intervened and protected the rights of people," Sharpton said. "There clearly are some racial leaves in their tea bag. But this is not just about race. It is about how you see government."

NAACP delegates approved the resolution Tuesday. It called on tea party activists and others to "repudiate the racist element and activities" within the political movement.

Tea party organizers deny claims of racism and asked the NAACP to withdraw the resolution.

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