[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE NAACP MID-MANHATTAN BRANCH 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
 ITS FOUNDING CHARTER AND IN CELEBRATION OF THEIR 10TH ANNUAL FREEDOM 
                    FUND ROY WILKINS AWARD LUNCHEON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Mid-Manhattan 
Branch's 45th Anniversary as they celebrate their 10th Annual Freedom 
Fund Roy Wilkins Award Luncheon on Saturday, September 17 at the 
elegant Marina del Rey in the Bronx, New York.
  In the mid 1960's a group of citizens, concerned that there was no 
NAACP Branch in the Mid-Manhattan area, met for several months to plan 
a branch. Over 500 letters co-signed by Roy Wilkins and Ralph Bunche, 
invited hopefully interested residents to a meeting at Freedom House 
(120 Wall Street, New York, NY). The meeting began the enrollment of 
members that continued until the 50-membership requirement for the 
Charter was obtained. On June 8, 1966, The Mid-Manhattan Branch 
received its Charter from the National Office of the NAACP.
  Among those playing a key role in securing the Charter were Tom 
Allen, Harold Bailer, Gloster Current, Max Delson, Shirley Stewart 
Farmer, Bernard Leannan, Stanley Lowell, Morris Milgram, Bill Morrison, 
Frederick O'Neal, Betty Stebman and Roy Wilkins. In 1973, branch 
members agreed that a building was needed to maximize the services to 
the community. On May 25, 1978, Roy Wilkins and Benjamin Hooks 
dedicated the Roy Wilkins Center Building in a special ceremony.
  For forty-five years, the Mid-Manhattan Branch has been an advocate 
for all its citizens in the struggle for civil rights and equality in 
playing an active role in confronting the gaps and disparities in 
healthcare, economics and education funding.
  Today, under the leadership of Branch President Geoffrey E. Eaton, 
the Mid-Manhattan Branch has over 760 members, with ten working 
Committees--Act-So, Criminal Justice, Civic Engagement, Education, 
Fundraising, Health, Housing, Membership, Veteran Affairs and Youth 
Council. The NAACP, under the leadership of our Chairman Roslyn M. 
Brock, and President Benjamin Todd Jealous is more diverse and more 
active than before and the Mid-Manhattan Branch continues to be 
actively and directly involved with voter education, registration and 
mobilization, as well as youth development and enrichment programs like 
mentoring and mentorship.
  The Mid-Manhattan Branch has brought their informative General 
Membership meetings closer to the community and to the public at large 
and are broadcast monthly on Manhattan Neighborhood Network Cable 
Television (MNN). This year, they held their second annual Criminal 
Justice forum featuring the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. 
Marshall Service, NYPD, featuring the role of women in law enforcement 
at Wadleigh School for the Performing Arts. They are empowering more 
parents on issues of education and focusing more time on HIV/AIDS 
Awareness, Obesity and other health concerns. At the 102nd National 
Convention in Los Angeles, Mid-Manhattan took 2nd Place in the 
Thalheimer Award competition.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting all 
the officers, executive committee and members of the NAACP Mid-
Manhattan Branch as they celebrate their 45th Anniversary of their 
founding Charter and 10th Annual Freedom Fund Roy Wilkins Award 
Luncheon.

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