[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 51ST ANNUAL DINNER OF THE CLEVELAND CHAPTER OF THE 
                                 NAACP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 51st 
Annual Dinner of the Cleveland Chapter NAACP. The Cleveland Chapter and 
all NAACP Chapters were a driving force behind our nation's civil 
rights movement. Founded in 1912, the Cleveland Chapter continues to 
serve as a source of support and strength on behalf of the rights and 
freedoms of minorities.
  While the Cleveland Chapter began as a small group, they quickly grew 
to 1,600 members by 1922. The population of African Americans in 
Northeast Ohio increased during the 1920s and 1930s, allowing political 
leadership to organize and emerge. In 1923, supported by the Cleveland 
Chapter of the NAACP, Thomas W. Fleming was elected the first-ever 
African American to Cleveland City Council. A few years later, three 
more African Americans were elected to serve on the Cleveland City 
Council. In 1927, Harry E. Davis was elected to serve on the Cleveland 
Civil Service Commission and Mary Martin Brown was elected as a member 
of the Cleveland City School Board. They too were the first African 
Americans to hold these positions.
  During its first few decades, the Cleveland Chapter of the NAACP 
fought fiercely against racism. Chapter leaders and members rallied and 
organized for fair housing, educational and job opportunities, and an 
end to segregation. The Cleveland Chapter of the NAACP filed lawsuits 
against theaters, restaurants and other establishments that 
discriminated against African Americans. Chapter members also worked 
diligently behind the scenes to persuade white business owners to stop 
discriminatory practices.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the members and leaders, past and present, of the Cleveland Chapter 
of the NAACP as they gather to celebrate their 51st Annual Dinner. 
Since their formation in 1912, members have risked their lives and 
their livelihoods to fight for equality and tear down the walls of 
racism. In their quest for freedom they paved the way for a society 
where equal opportunity and justice exist for many as never before and 
where someday, will exist for all.

                          ____________________