[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING AND PRAISING THE NAACP ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 98TH ANNIVERSARY

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                               speech of

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 12, 2007

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 44, ``Honoring and praising the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 98th 
anniversary.''
  Coretta Scott King once said that ``struggle is a never-ending 
process and freedom is never really won--you earn it and win it in 
every generation.'' And since 1909, generations of Americans who have 
fought for racial equality and the expansion of liberty have had a 
friend and advocate in the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People.
  While its name entails that the NAACP seeks to advance the fortunes 
of African Americans, I believe that its true mission is to advance the 
goals of all Americans--for when we move closer to becoming a beacon of 
hope and opportunity for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, 
we all reap the benefits.
  When the light of social justice is shined in the dark corners where 
prejudice and bigotry still exist, our nation becomes stronger. When 
people who had been mistreated and oppressed become empowered to take 
steps towards the American Dream, our nation becomes stronger. And when 
we take actions that elevate the things that unite us above those that 
drive us apart, our nation becomes stronger.
  And that is what the NAACP is all about--strengthening our nation by 
reminding us that while we have come a long way in our struggle for 
freedom and equality, we are not yet perfect, and must always remain 
vigilant in pursuit of a world where all men and women are treated with 
the respect and dignity that all human beings possess.
  I'm proud to be a member of the NAACP. I'm proud to be from the state 
that the NAACP has called home for so many years. And I'm grateful that 
the NAACP has provided such strong and talented partners in working for 
social justice both in Maryland's Fifth Congressional District and 
throughout our nation as a whole.
  I'd like to congratulate the NAACP on 98 years of promoting what is 
best about America--and I look forward to continuing to work together 
with NAACP members toward our shared goals of equality and prosperity 
for all.
  I urge all Members to support this important bill.

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