When the founders of the NAACP came together in 1909, they could hardly have imagined that the organization's centennial celebration would be marked by the presence of our nation's first African American president.

The NAACP, our nation's oldest civil rights organization, has been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice. I commend the steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment the NAACP has demonstrated in their never ending quest to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality for people of color communities.

I welcome the NAACP to Manhattan as this stellar organization celebrates 100 years of 'bold dreams and big victories' and look forward to tomorrow's address by our nation's 44th President Barack Obama. My best wishes to my friend Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference of Branches and Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO.

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