[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E239-E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE NAACP ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on 
its 100th Anniversary. In 1909 the founders of the NAACP came together 
with the purpose of promoting the rights guaranteed under the 13th, 
14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution.
  Today, the NAACP works to ensure that all individuals have equal 
rights and to end racial hatred and discrimination. The NAACP has 
influenced some of the greatest civil rights victories of the last 
century, including: the integration of our nation's schools and the 
Brown v. Board decision; the Voting Rights Act; striking down 
segregation; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act.
  It is particularly notable that this year's 100th anniversary also 
marks the first time in the history of the United States that we have 
an African-American President. The NAACP helped pave the way for this 
landmark achievement, and continues to lay the groundwork for future 
accomplishments in minority communities.
  Despite the advancements of the past 100 years under the leadership 
of the NAACP, there is still much work to be done. The

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NAACP continues to promote new ideas and leadership in the fields of 
educational and employment opportunities, ending health care 
disparities, and economic empowerment.
  The NAACP instilled in America a sense of consciousness, and it 
continues to do so today. I commend the NAACP on this anniversary and 
the thousands of individuals who continue to fight for equality and 
justice.

                          ____________________