[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 133 (Monday, September 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED 
           PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 21, 2009

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on 
the occasion of their 100th anniversary, which is being celebrated at 
the annual Freedom Fund Banquet at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in 
Plains Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, September 
24, 2009.
  The NAACP, with more than a half million members, is the largest and 
oldest civil rights organization in the United States that dedicates 
itself to the advocacy of civil rights, social justice and equal 
opportunity under the law.
  Founded on February 12, 1909, the NAACP is widely recognized and 
frequently conducts voter mobilization and advocates for equal 
opportunity in both the public and private sectors.
  From the ballot box to the classroom, the dedicated workers, 
organizers and leaders who forged this great organization and maintain 
its status as a champion of social justice fought long and hard to 
ensure that the voices of all ethnic minorities would be heard. For 100 
years, it has been the talent and tenacity of NAACP members that has 
saved lives and changed many negative aspects of American society.
  As honorary co-chairs of this event, Robert Soper, president and CEO 
of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and David Lee, president of the United 
Way of Wyoming Valley, deserve credit for raising awareness to the 
valuable place the NAACP holds in our American society.
  Likewise, the founders and current officers and executive committee 
members of the Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP, deserve recognition 
and appreciation for the role they play in preserving the traditions of 
the NAACP and highlighting the organization's positive influence for 
future generations to emulate.
  The Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP was formed February 10, 1930, 
when it received its first charter. That charter was re-activated in 
1984 and the NAACP subsequently has provided uninterrupted service to 
northeastern Pennsylvania.
  Since the re-activation of the local charter, presidents of the 
organization have included: Audrey Spence, Bob Crawford, Tyrone 
Edmunds, Constance Wynn, Bonnie Wynder and Ronald Felton, who has held 
the office of president since 1997 and is the longest serving president 
to date.
  In 1998, President Felton was elected to the Executive Committee of 
the Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP Branches and he 
continues to serve in that capacity to this day.
  Under President Felton's leadership, the Wilkes-Bane NAACP has 
handled complaints of racial discrimination, hosted racial summits, 
improved race relations, hosted diversity picnics, endeavored to 
increase representation of minority teachers in the region, raised 
awareness of constitutional rights, promoted voter registration and 
participation, promoted awareness of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
and the holiday named in honor of him, promoted the first ever NAACP 
history tour to Colonial Williamsburg for NEPA high school students, 
advocated for juvenile rights in the justice system, participated in a 
presidential summit on America's Future headed by Gen. Colin Powell, 
participated in League of Women Voters discussions to encourage citizen 
participation in the election process and helped raise awareness of the 
injustice associated with racial profiling.
  Serving on the Wilkes-Bane NAACP executive committee are: David 
Barber, Peggy Felton, Clinton Harrison, Angel Jirau, David Wallin and 
Sid Williams.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the NAACP for 100 
years of remarkable service to this nation. In fostering appreciation 
of and justice for racial minorities, the NAACP has become a champion 
for human rights and a beacon of human civility and deserves the 
respect and admiration of the entire nation.

                          ____________________