Carson Statement on the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP
February 12, 2009
February 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Carson issued the following statement to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP):
"One hundred years ago, amid pervasive bigotry and limited opportunities, W.E.B. Du Bois and a group of prominent activists courageously joined together to form the first national organization dedicated to the advancement of African-Americans. Since then, the NAACP has played a critical role in every hard fought civil rights victory, from the abolishment of Jim Crow to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"In our current struggling economy, minority communities continue to suffer disproportionately. Millions of African-Americans are still fighting for equal housing, education and employment opportunities. By promoting civic involvement, investing in struggling neighborhoods, and supporting local schools, the NAACP has helped to boost pride and encourage success in African-American communities all across the country.
"On this centennial anniversary, I commend the NAACP for their enduring commitment to justice and equality. Their century long fight has strengthened the fabric of American society and prepared us all to better tackle the challenges of the future."
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