Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People celebrated its centennial anniversary this week at its NAACP Annual Convention in New York City. Members also celebrated the 45th anniversary of the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub.L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 241, July 2, 1964).
To mark the 100th anniversary of the NAACP, the organization realized what could have been only a dream when it was established – the convention was addressed by the first African-American president of the United States.
President Barack Obama gave due respect to the achievements of the giants of the civil rights movement who preceded him and made his candidacy and election as president possible. For those of us who have participitated in the civil rights movement at times throughout its long march through history, it was a moving moment. It brought back memories of all those who had gone before to lead the way to this day. President Obama duly acknowledged that he is standing on the shoulders of giants. And he correctly noted that the task is not yet over — there is still much work to be done for the civil rights movement:
"On the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination must not stand. Not on account of color or gender; how you worship or who you love. Prejudice has no place in the United States of America."
President Obama heavily emphasised education as the civil rights movement of the 2st Century. For a transcript of his prepared remarks, see Remarks by the President to the NAACP Centennial Convention 07/16/2009