[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E205-E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED 
                                 PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The NAACP, more than 
any other single organization, reflects the history and aspirations of 
African Americans in twentieth century American society. As it 
celebrates its 90th anniversary it is important to reflect on its 
critical importance, not only to African Americans but to the whole of 
the nation.
  Since its founding in 1909 by a multiracial group of progressive 
thinkers, the NAACP has waged a continuous fight against racial 
discrimination and segregation. Its goals have and continue to be to 
help create a truly democratic society by integrating African Americans 
into the mainstream of American life, by eliminating racial injustice 
and intolerance, and by making equality of opportunity for African 
Americans a reality.
  From the ballot box to the classroom, the dedicated workers, 
organizers, and leaders who forged this vital organization and maintain 
its status as a champion of social justice, fought long and hard to 
ensure that the voices of African Americans would be heard. The legacy 
of pioneers such as W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall and Roy Wilkins 
and the hundreds of people, including past Philadelphia leaders such 
as: City Councilman Cecil B. Moore; Pennsylvania State Representative 
Alphonso Deal and Thornbill Cosby, who worked tirelessly cannot and 
must not be forgotten.
  Born in response to racial violence, the NAACP's first major campaign 
was to have

[[Page E206]]

anti-lynching laws enacted. As the organization grew it investigated 
mob brutality, staged protests against mass murders, segregation and 
discrimination and testified before congressional committees on the 
vicious tactics used to bar African Americans from the ballot box. In 
the courtroom, pulpit, and lecture hall, the men and women who 
represent the NAACP have been in the forefront of the fight for 
justice. In spite of lynchings, church burnings, legal setbacks, 
congressional filibuster and presidential indifference, the NAACP would 
not be deterred from its mission.
  As Chairman Julian Bond has stated, the NAACP ``has made progress 
throughout this century. No more do signs read `white' and `colored'. 
The voter's booths and the schoolhouse door now swing open for 
everyone, no longer closed to those whose skin is `dark' ''.
  As we prepare to step into the new millennium, the new NAACP will 
also step boldly into the 21st century to face the formidable 
challenges that are ahead. Under the national leadership of Chairman 
Bond and President/CEO Kweisi Mfume, and the local leadership of J.W. 
Mondesire in the First Congressional District, and armed with a strong 
network of seasoned members and a growing contingent of young leaders, 
the organization is united to awaken the conscience of a people, and a 
nation, with renewed vigor and hope.

                          ____________________