NAACP See Triumphs, Challenges As It Turns 100

By: Black America Web Staff

The NAACP celebrates its 100th anniversary this week--which coincides with the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth—marking another milestone in the history of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization.

The NAACP was formed partly in response to the continuing practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and birthplace of Lincoln.

"The NAACP has successfully fought discrimination for 100 years and we are proud of our achievements to date," said NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Julian Bond. "Our founders could not have dreamed that our centennial would coincide with the inauguration of the first African American president. We know we played a role in this triumph; sadly, we know our work is not done."

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) said the NAACP remains relevant in America.

“Earlier this year, our nation came together to celebrate an historic moment when Barack Obama was sworn in as America’s first black president,” Cummings said in a statement.

“This victory symbolized the progress our nation has made in recognizing individuals not by the color of their skin, but by the contributions they bring to our society,” Cummings said.

“And, importantly, it paid tribute to the one hundred years of blood, sweat, and tears by the NAACP to make African Americans visible,” he added. “As we enter a new era and the NAACP’s focus shifts from civil rights to human rights, I applaud the organization for everything it has done for me, my family, and my community, and I look forward to a continued legacy of justice and opportunity for my children and my children’s children.”

Heading into the 21st century, the NAACP is focused on disparities in economics, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system while also continuing its role as legal advocate for civil rights issues.

The NAACP will partly mark the 100th year of its founding by releasing a white paper that lays out an urgent civil and human rights agenda for the 111th Congress and new Administration.

The report calls for bailout and stimulus dollars to be made discrimination resistant, highlights the need for law enforcement accountability and identifies several key areas of pressing concerns including mass incarceration, health care, the diversion of funds from Katrina victims and climate change.

"Our journey remains unfinished," said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin T. Jealous. "African Americans suffer disproportionately from the economic recession; we are seeing a rise in hate crimes and police killings, there is still not a level playing field in economic and educational opportunities for every community. The audacious dream of America, a land where opportunity exists for all and where every person is given a chance to reach their full potential, still remains elusive."

NAACP See Triumphs, Challenges As It Turns 100....