100th Anniversary of the Milwaukee Naacp
Floor Speech
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Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, today I rise to recognize the Milwaukee NAACP on its 100th anniversary. It gives me great pleasure to honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate this historic milestone.
The Milwaukee NAACP branch was established in 1924, which grew out of the national quest to eradicate the eruptions of anti-Black violence. For 100 years, the Milwaukee NAACP has stood at the forefront of the civil rights movement, unwavering in its efforts to achieve parity in politics, education, society, and the economy, while striving to eliminate racial prejudice.
During the emergence of the NAACP, millions of African-Americans were migrating from the south to northern States like Wisconsin in search of greater opportunity and a better quality of life. The newcomers soon learned that they had not escaped racial discrimination in jobs, education, and housing.
Throughout its early years, led by prominent middle-class African- American professionals, including Wilbur Halyard, Ardie Halyard, and James W. Dorsey, the Milwaukee NAACP was instrumental in battling the racial discrimination through political lobbying, legal intervention, and direct-action protest.
Over the past century, the NAACP has achieved significant progress in empowering African-Americans to reach their greatest potential. By supporting initiatives to improve the lives of those who are often left behind, the NAACP has instigated substantial transformations in Wisconsin's largest city.
Despite the NAACP's tireless efforts, the African-American community in Milwaukee continues to face daunting challenges. Factors such as wages, educational outcomes, economic conditions, neighborhood safety, and the opportunity to achieve the American dream are regretfully still influenced by a person's ZIP Code or the color of his or her skin.
By working together, we can ensure that African-Americans and all community members are educated, employed, and empowered to succeed. The NAACP's persistent commitment to improvement fosters hope for the next generation of leaders in Milwaukee's communities of color.
As we honor the Milwaukee NAACP's achievements and contemplate future challenges, I will be forever grateful for the branch's achievements over the past century, and I look forward to its continued success in the years to come.
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