[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            97TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAACP, FEBRUARY 12, 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
97th Anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People, NAACP, which was founded on February 12, 1909. 
Throughout its existence, the NAACP has faithfully promoted equality in 
all areas of American society, from suffrage and public accommodation 
to justice in our nation's courts and equality in employment.
  For nearly a century, the NAACP has pushed for an inclusive American 
society, one that would grant all people the equality they deserve, 
regardless of the shade or color of their skin. The NAACP's principled 
efforts towards the advancement of people who were long denied their 
rightful place in the workforce, the schools, and the ballot box have 
continued to come to fruition with the Civil Rights Acts, the Fair 
Housing Act, and other breakthroughs in the establishment of justice 
and quality in this country.
  The mission of the NAACP continues today and the Saint Paul Branch of 
the NAACP continues to work towards equality, education and justice for 
all. My local NAACP chapter is well known for its tireless work 
addressing the injustices affecting individuals and the diverse 
communities of Minnesota. Recently, they have worked to bring our 
community together to seek healing and justice after an appalling act 
of discrimination and intimidation was perpetrated upon a local church. 
In addition, Saint Paul NAACP is instilling hope through its 
establishment of the Help a Child to Read Project, where volunteers are 
connected with students to develop their reading ability.
  A key component of the success of the NAACP has been the 
implementation of a holistic approach, through the promotion of 
understanding and education, to the eradication of race and other 
problems that have long plagued our society. This nonviolent approach 
has put students through college, given the vote back to the voiceless, 
and ensured that the American people will not continue to be divided by 
differences, but rather be brought together by mutual compassion and 
kinship.
  It is with great admiration and encouragement that I commend the 
NAACP on this occasion of their 97th Anniversary. The necessity of the 
continued push for equality and justice for all citizens presents a 
great burden on all our shoulders, but the work of groups such as the 
NAACP gives our society the necessary guidance and reminder of our 
responsibilities towards one another.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the courageous and 
guiding history of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People on this day of their 97th Anniversary.

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