[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE NAACP ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize February as Black 
History Month, I wish to take a moment to celebrate the NAACP on the 
occasion of its 100th anniversary. Over the past century, the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, has played 
a vital role in the progress of the African American community. This 
organization has advocated faithfully for decreasing racial disparities 
in the areas of healthcare, education, employment, criminal justice, 
and poverty.
  The NAACP is the Nation's largest and oldest civil rights 
organization. Through grass root efforts, the organization has 
influenced policy from the homes and communities of citizens to the 
voting booths and the classrooms around America. The NAACP has involved 
many, from children and ordinary citizens, to our Nation's elected 
officials and Presidents. The dedication of the NAACP and its fight for 
social justice has involved great leadership.
  The NAACP has played a significant role in many civil rights 
victories. Its persistent protests and steadfast support for anti-
lynching legislation was critical to making this horrible practice 
illegal. Similarly, its members championed the Voting Rights Act of 
1965 that guaranteed that no person could be denied the right to vote 
because of his or her race. It also has served as a strong watchdog to 
uphold the spirit and letter of these laws at the State and local 
levels. Clearly, the NAACP's involvement politically has contributed to 
the progress of America by saving lives and empowering minority 
communities.
  Ida B. Wells, a prominent civil rights activist and resident of 
Illinois, was the co-founder of the NAACP. Wells is most known for her 
journalism. Her writing received the interest of both blacks and 
whites. After being banned from the South for speaking out about 
lynching and the government's refusal to stop the violence, Ms. Wells 
moved to Chicago. While in Chicago, she married Ferdinand Barnett and 
together they had four children. Her nickname, ``the Constant Star'' 
provides a testament to her relentless fight for social justice and 
equality. The NAACP has embodied her nickname by remaining constant in 
its efforts in promoting equality for all.
  The NAACP has grown considerably since its inception. Today, the 
NAACP has over 500,000 members with more than 1,300 national and 
international branches, and over 45 branches in the State of Illinois.
  Recently, three students from the Chicago Westside Branch, located in 
the Seventh Congressional District, won at the 2008 National ACT-SO 
competition. The ACT-SO program, founded by the NAACP, is a year-long 
program that is used to enrich African American high school students' 
lives by encouraging high academic and cultural achievement. This 
program allows students to compete in various areas ranging from the 
sciences to visual and performing arts. Thus, I would like to recognize 
Terrence George, Eric Clark, and Aeriel Robinson for their brilliance 
and hard work.
  I commend the NAACP on its commitment to the African American 
community and its political, economic, social, and educational efforts 
in promoting social change. I tip my hat to the first centennial 
anniversary and look forward to its second.