Sanford Bishop: “this historic year marks both the inauguration of this country's first African-American president, Barack Obama, and the…”

“this historic year marks both the inauguration of this country's first African-American president, Barack Obama, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (N.A.A.C.P.) 100th anniversary. February 12, 1909 was chosen as the founding date of the N.A.A.C.P. to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday, with the hopes of realizing his vision of a unified nation overcoming racial and ethnic hatred and discrimination. The following decades have seen the emergence of new challenges along America's journey towards equality. Yet the N.A.A.C.P. has persisted and has overcome these obstacles. It currently bears witness to numerous advancements that may have never taken place had it not been for the collective will of the many N.A.A.C.P. members who were willing to fight for what they believed was right. Without the N.A.A.C.P., it is hard to say where this country would be if it never fought for African-Americans to have increased access to the ballot box. Without the N.A.A.C.P., it is hard to say where this country would be if it never fought against discrimination--from schooling to housing, and from marriage to employment.”