WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued this statement on the significance of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest and most influential civil rights organization:

“Today, we observe the 101st anniversary of the founding of the NAACP, an organization that has played a vital role in promoting equality throughout our nation’s history.  From the organization’s establishment, it has served as a legal and political advocate for civil rights as it waged anti-discrimination campaigns and played a critical role in court battles including, Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 and the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, in 1965.

“The NAACP has shown dedication and persistence in fighting racism, segregation, and discrimination.  The Cleveland branch of the NAACP is a driving force in expanding equal rights for the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District."

The Cleveland branch of the NAACP, established in 1912, continues to challenge exclusionary measures and provide services to the community. Mr. George Forbes, former president of the Cleveland City Council, has served as president of the branch since 1992.

The organization upholds its commitment to the local community through initiatives such as conducting voter registration drives, offering scholarships for college students, and hosting a leadership camp for kids. 

The NAACP has a division that focuses on young people. Ms. Stephanie Brown, the National Director of the NAACP Youth and College Division, is a native of Bedford Heights, Ohio. She oversees 600 youth councils and high school/college chapters, representing over 30,000 people under the age of 25, across the nation. 

The NAACP continues to promote its principal objectives to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality, and to end racial discrimination through democratic processes. 

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