Information provided via press release from NAACP.org
HOUSTON — Vice President Joe Biden addressed the final plenary session of the 103rd NAACP Annual Convention in Houston Thursday, July 12. President Barack Obama also sent a televised greeting to the audience.
Vice President Biden reviewed accomplishments in the White House and laid out his vision for America’s future. He sharply criticized attacks on the right to vote in the wake of voter suppression efforts in states across the country, and also called for an end to racial profiling.
“Today’s engaging presentation laid out a solid agenda on how to affirm America’s promise for all, not just the wealthy few,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “From the Senate to the White House, Vice President Biden has had a strong value system in line with the NAACP’s historic mission. Today’s speech revealed that he remains committed to protecting civil rights and protecting the right to vote. We are proud to have offered him a forum to address the key constituency represented by communities of color.”
Images made from screenshots of KHOU.com video
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“Vice President Biden offered an inclusive vision for moving our nation forward, not backward,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “His life-long commitment to civil rights shone through as he directly addressed pressing issues facing communities of color. We were glad to hear his robust defense of voting rights in the wake of attacks on the franchise, and his timely critique of racial profiling should send a message to anyone looking to replicate New York City’s failed policy of stop-and-frisk policing.”
In his televised greeting, President Obama thanked the NAACP for their work advocating for civil rights and human rights.
The theme of this year’s convention was “Your Power, Your Decision – VOTE.” The convention builds on the Association’s voter engagement and empowerment initiatives, with advocacy workshops on a myriad of vital issues, including civic engagement, health care, criminal justice, and climate justice.
More information is available here: http://www.naacp.org/pages/convention.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
