Congressman Al Green and Senator Chris Dodd Introduce Resolution Honoring NAACP's 100th Anniversary

(Washington, DC)--Congressman Al Green (D-TX) and Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today introduced a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives with 69 original cosponsors.  The resolution enjoys strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. 

“The NAACP has played an instrumental role in securing, protecting and enhancing the rights of every single American.  For 100 years, this organization has spoken truth to power in the defense of the defenseless, at times when it was unpopular and inconvenient to do so,” Congressman Al Green said.   

Since its founding on February 12, 1909, the NAACP has fought courageously to ensure that the voices of African American men and women are heard.  The resolution honors the legacy of pioneers such as W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune, Mary White Ovington, Joel Elias Spingarn and Roy Wilkins, along with the hundreds of thousands of others who have worked tirelessly to fulfill the NAACP’s mission. 

“From anti-lynching legislation to Brown v. the Board of Education to the implementation of voting rights laws which made possible the election of the first African-American President of the United States, the dedicated workers, organizers and leaders who comprise the NAACP have worked tirelessly on the frontlines for social, political, and economic justice.  The resolution would allow us to acknowledge the efforts of the NAACP, including its role in passing the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, and 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Voting Rights Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006,” Congressman Al Green said. 

Additionally, the NAACP vigorously supported the Emmitt Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, legislation introduced by Senator Dodd.  This law puts additional federal resources into solving many of the heinous crimes that occurred in the early days of the civil rights struggle that remain unsolved and bringing those who perpetrated the crime to justice.

“Last week we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and the next day we witnessed the inauguration of the United States’ first African-American President," Senator Dodd said.  "This is a moment to reflect on how far we have come in one century, and a time to celebrate the NAACP’s role in making so many of our nation’s steps forward possible.  As we mark this historic anniversary, I look forward to continue working with the NAACP to ensure that all Americans have equal rights."