97th Anniversary of the NAACP, Febuary 12, 2006
97TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAACP, FEBRUARY 12, 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 17, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. BETTY McCOLLUM OF MINNESOTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2006
* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 97th Anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, which was founded on February 12, 1909. Throughout its existence, the NAACP has faithfully promoted equality in all areas of American society, from suffrage and public accommodation to justice in our nation's courts and equality in employment.
* For nearly a century, the NAACP has pushed for an inclusive American society, one that would grant all people the equality they deserve, regardless of the shade or color of their skin. The NAACP's principled efforts towards the advancement of people who were long denied their rightful place in the workforce, the schools, and the ballot box have continued to come to fruition with the Civil Rights Acts, the Fair Housing Act, and other breakthroughs in the establishment of justice and quality in this country.
* The mission of the NAACP continues today and the Saint Paul Branch of the NAACP continues to work towards equality, education and justice for all. My local NAACP chapter is well known for its tireless work addressing the injustices affecting individuals and the diverse communities of Minnesota. Recently, they have worked to bring our community together to seek healing and justice after an appalling act of discrimination and intimidation was perpetrated upon a local church. In addition, Saint Paul NAACP is instilling hope through its establishment of the Help a Child to Read Project, where volunteers are connected with students to develop their reading ability.
* A key component of the success of the NAACP has been the implementation of a holistic approach, through the promotion of understanding and education, to the eradication of race and other problems that have long plagued our society. This nonviolent approach has put students through college, given the vote back to the voiceless, and ensured that the American people will not continue to be divided by differences, but rather be brought together by mutual compassion and kinship.
* It is with great admiration and encouragement that I commend the NAACP on this occasion of their 97th Anniversary. The necessity of the continued push for equality and justice for all citizens presents a great burden on all our shoulders, but the work of groups such as the NAACP gives our society the necessary guidance and reminder of our responsibilities towards one another.
* Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the courageous and guiding history of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on this day of their 97th Anniversary.
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