July 16, 2009
Posted: July 16th, 2009 07:13 PM ET

From
 President Obama will address the NAACP at its annual convention Thursday night.
President Obama will address the NAACP at its annual convention Thursday night.

(CNN) - One hundred years after the birth of the NAACP, the civil rights group welcomed the first African-American president.

President Obama spoke before the annual convention Thursday night in New York, the city where the organization was founded.

"What we celebrate tonight is not simply the journey the NAACP has traveled, but the journey that we, as Americans, have traveled over the past 100 years," Obama told the crowd.

The excitement over Obama was in stark contrast to the reception of former President Bush, who had a strained relationship with the NAACP and declined the group's invitations for five years.

Bush spoke before the NAACP in 2000, during his first run for the presidency, but he did not make another appearance until 2006.

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Filed under: NAACP • President Obama


Nathan   July 17th, 2009 1:03 am ET

Obama is using african american and other minorities as tools for his socialist/communist agenda

Nathan   July 17th, 2009 1:03 am ET

Obama is using african american and other minorities to as tools for his socialist/communist agenda

renea   July 17th, 2009 12:23 am ET

You can criticize this President all you want but you cant say that he is being idle. He is at least trying to do something instead of sitting and yapping off at the mouth.I voted for this President and im not going to be a fair weather supporter, yeah things may not be going the way some may want but at least he is trying to get this country back on track but he cannot do it by himself. Some things we can do for ourselves If you are out of work why sit and moan and complain about it get off your lazy behind and go look for work or go back to school, Thats what i did when i got laid off from a job years ago so dont tell me you cant do something. I Thank GOD for this president and im going to pray for him to try to do the right thing for this country.

gerg   July 17th, 2009 12:14 am ET

you know we have giving them people all they want and they are still not happy . its like you can take the horse to the water but you cant make him drink. are maybe its like this why go to school when you can sell drugs.its not the white people that holds you people back its just that you want someone to give you everything .OBAMA need to be impeached he is going to make the usa a thrid world country. its just him and his democrats those socialist pigs.

Last Honest Man   July 17th, 2009 12:08 am ET

Who gives a CRAP what the NAACP thinks.
Not the majority of Americans.

Asian4Hillary   July 16th, 2009 11:57 pm ET

Aren't you sick and tired of using race card Obama? Who is putting minorities down in this country and keeping them there, making them think they need special laws? DEMOCRATS! You have no credibility Obama, you have NO SOAPBOX to stand on!

Melvin   July 16th, 2009 11:57 pm ET

Obama has set back race relations in this country by 30 years.

His divisive political ways are exactly what this country, and African-Americans need to get away from!

Niel   July 16th, 2009 11:52 pm ET

OK. Obama, will you save the small businesses and rescue CIT ? or your speeches prove to be empty day by day.
If CIT is gone, consider my whole family's vote to Repubs all our life.

We are small business owners.

Big Joe   July 16th, 2009 11:47 pm ET

It's a shame that we still need this organization. It will be nice when racism, hatred, bigotry, fear of inferiority, and the fear of being wiped out are no longer a major factor in our society.

Proud American   July 16th, 2009 11:30 pm ET

Wow as a 5th generation African American I have mixed emotions. Sadden that is has taken 100 years and ar rhe samtime excited the first Afrrican American President of the United States marks the 10oth years of the NAACP.

Michael in Ventura,CA   July 16th, 2009 11:23 pm ET

What a wonderful speech by our President! He in inspiring and puts his words into action! Such a refreshing CHANGE from the last occupant of the Oval Office!!

sheila   July 16th, 2009 11:10 pm ET

Reporters like Nancy Grace keeps making comments about Joe Jackson BEATING his son Michael. But let me say this, that was the way 99% of families conducted their homes back then. Spanking with the belt, strap, switches and even teachers paddle you with a board, ruler, or stick. Most people adhere to Bible principles which says if you spare the rod you spoil your child. It's discipline not abuse. I'll finish by saying this let's put 10 children in Nancy's home without medicating the kids, nor disciplining the kids and see how she fair. My daughter thinks much the same way Michael thought and now she's paying the price. All kids don't need to be spanked but many do. This is why we have a throw away generation, boot camps, youth homes,jails, children murdering their parents because of the lack respect that children have for their parents, being that you give the childen all of the control. Six sons, Joe Jackson, enough said.

joe   July 16th, 2009 10:52 pm ET

it was really inspiring and I am white!

Nancy, NC   July 16th, 2009 10:45 pm ET

You CNN, why don't you publish argument that Barbara Boxer had with Mr. Alford (Black chamber of commerce leader). I think people want to see that instead of showing messiah Barack Obama going to NACCP event and open his fat mouth for nothing. Our country is drowning here with these stupid idiots and CNN wants to score points. You are totally biased.

60's survivor   July 16th, 2009 10:43 pm ET

this will be a very touching moment for both Obama and the NAACP. we lived next to a family who were involved in the NAACP in the fifties and sixties. I really didn't have a clue what people were going through who were not white like me and I was just a kid. let me tell you I know now. and of is totally amazing. I never thought I would see the day when this country would have a person of color or for that matter a woman as President. I am happy though I did see it happen. there is always hope. hope is what all human beings need. amazing grace.

RONNIE   July 16th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

What a non-story this is. When the black community chooses people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to speak for them,it brings shame on their community.

Sherrol in Canada   July 16th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

Excellent, excellent speech!!!! Just like the Barack Obama of old.

Marylander   July 16th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

So did Michael Steele .....the RNC CHAIRMAN! The NAACP needs to realize that the party they seem to be more in common with ....is actually a racist party.....yes...the Democrats! They continue to feed the minorities off the Govt dinner plate. Republicans want to build an America that is a self reliant civilized community that appreciates all individuals in our country.
Read.....Liberty & Tyranny by Mark Levin

Mug   July 16th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

Wow! An outstanding speech, as always!

Obama only creates TAXES   July 16th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Obama represents the largest racist group in America. The NAACP is racist and promotes discrimination against whites as Obama does.

Skiwee   July 16th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

What a rousing and heartfelt speech – just like the Barack Obama we came to know and respect on the campaign trail.

He touched on some very important topics, especially the importance of education and the role (and we should all already know this) every parent should play in their children's lives regarding the same.

Keith in Austin   July 16th, 2009 9:57 pm ET

Obama celebrating at the NAACP while targeting America with higher taxes and outrageous spending. Brilliant!
3 and a half more then show him the door!

ronie patrick   July 16th, 2009 9:54 pm ET

What a powerful speech from our beloved President. We pray for you every night Obama for we know that you have the devils to fight everyday and most of them are foolish Republicans and mean blooded white folks. Just do what you can for all ot the American people and let God take care of the rest. Believe me there is a God and he is going to deal with this foolishness with crazy white people. You see all the bad things that are happening to whites just make you know that God is in control.

uh oh...   July 16th, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Folks,

I know this is going to ignite a lot of hatred towards me, but please understand I do not mean to offend anyone.

Why do we still have the NAACP, National Black month, Black Magazines like Ebony and Jet, BET (Black Entertainment TV)?

If we had 'white' only shows/businesses as above it would be racist.

We have a half-black president, we had african-american secretary of states, leaders of industry...we do we still need affirmative action?

If affirmative action makes sure there is a fair distribution of each ethnic group...is the make up of the staff of Jet, the NAACP, and BET meet criteria or are they exempt?

God Bless all.

Party of HELL NO!   July 16th, 2009 9:34 pm ET

"... the National uhhh uhhh Colored People," Obama said.

m smith   July 16th, 2009 9:22 pm ET

He gave a great speach as usual now some redneck repo will have something to complaine about.

Willy Brown   July 16th, 2009 9:01 pm ET

Whoopie Home boy

johnnie   July 16th, 2009 8:58 pm ET

President Obama,is covering more ground in 6monts, than (BUSH) did in(8) long years, (BUSH) did not attend any invites from (NAACP) for 5 years, that shows , how the (TRUE FACE ) of the (GOP) really is.President Obama we salute you ,for being a leader of the people,the (NAACP) celebrates it 100 year, with a (NEW PRESIDENT) and (COMMANDER AND CHIEF). Lets look at this day with (HOPE) the PRESIDENT represents all (RACES) for (UNITED STATES)..The (naacp) has been landmark for people from all walks of (LIFE). And we (SHALL OVERCOME AMERICA). WE are the greatest country on EARTH, the (MELTING POT).. President and America you makes PROUD..........

Scott, Tucson   July 16th, 2009 8:51 pm ET

And after Obama gets done bankrupting this country with his feel good sociallist porgrams, it would probably be another hundred years before another Black Man is elected president

Al   July 16th, 2009 8:40 pm ET

One of the most finest speeches I ever heard.

Susan   July 16th, 2009 8:34 pm ET

Wonderful speech! Bravo, Mr. President!

phoenix86   July 16th, 2009 8:34 pm ET

We don't need a new mindset as much as we need a new president.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   July 16th, 2009 8:26 pm ET

An organization that should not live to be 101. 95% of inequalities between races today are the result of personal choice such as dropping out of school, illegitimate births, and using drugs. 5% is due to racism.

Donald Edmond Esq   July 16th, 2009 8:15 pm ET

I cannot be more disappointed or less surprised. President Obama demonstrates this offensive "hands off" approach to black America after getting the votes and political mileage out of race that he needed to become POTUS, now he ignores the issues plaguing the African American community at a disparate rate and opts for rock star treatment and pandering to other demographics and voting blocs.

An absolute disgrace. Had Barack Obama been a product of the 1950s he would likely be chastising Rosa Parks for not following established rules. My write in vote for Hillary Clinton last November continues to be vindicated. This African American was never fooled by the media myth of Barack Obama.

RealityKing   July 16th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

"We need a new mind set" -Obama

i.e. A higher standard of family unity, self respect and self responsiblitity. The same form of republican idealogy that MLK believed in..

pam Eugene OR   July 16th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

It has been obvious for many many years that the Republicans do not care about ANY minority group.
They only care about rich white people. The demographics are rapidly changing in the United States and they want to ignore that. Hannity and Limbaugh are now saying that Martin Luther King was a republican. I about drove off the road when I heard that! These looser think we are so stupid that they can rewrite history and we will believe it. They are so desperate to get back in power they will say anything.

annie for Palin   July 16th, 2009 7:56 pm ET

When will the African/Americans of the USA wakeup and realize this man is half white & half arab/kenyan. He is not a proud African/American as the citizens of this country. He is a marxist and his programs will destroy everyone in this country regardless of race.
I am sure cnn will never publish this comment even though they know it is true. What is cnn and the rest of the government run networks getting out of not speaking the truth?

Jon in CA   July 16th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

So when will Obama be speaking to the NRA??

Tatianna   July 16th, 2009 7:47 pm ET

As a resident of Mass., I see real parallels between the rise and fall of our first African American governor Deval Patrick, and the rise and coming fall of the first African American president Obama. The ballot became the race card, both of them had the same campaign guru Axelrod.History in the making, both Patrick and Obama had something going for them that few enjoy in their whole political career: voting against Patrick and Obama would be seen as backward thinking and worse, youre a racist. The next African American who runs for the seats, if they have any hope of winnin will be reps, because memories of those who broke ground before them will be an open wound. Patrick ana Obama will quickly become stereotyped adjectives, and we all know most stereotypes have a basis in truth.

way to go   July 16th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

I am happy for the NAACP and for Obama

I do think the nation needed him, more than for the fact that he is a bright man, but also as the first black president

he is bringing the nation forward in so many ways, and at a natural progression, not with riots etc.

we live in an exciting time

GI Joe   July 16th, 2009 7:43 pm ET

Hmmmm – looks like W went there only to try and get some votes.

Susie   July 16th, 2009 7:37 pm ET

This guy hasn't helped ANY RACE in ths country. He's only helping HIMSELF. The MOUTH just TALKS and NEVER WALKS!!!!! Big blabbermouth, words but NO ACTIONS!!!

GGG   July 16th, 2009 7:36 pm ET

so what!!!!

Debby   July 16th, 2009 7:27 pm ET

Oh please Obama didn't go either with a couple of invitations when he was to busy campaining for himself. Hillary Clinton went though during the primaries. Why doesn't Susan M. get her stories straight instead of blaming Bush all the time.

AJ   July 16th, 2009 7:22 pm ET

Obama needs to stop with the sef aggrandizing public appearances and concentrate on our economic future. The need Obama has for constantly feeding his ego is pitiful. I am a lifelong Democrat who thinks this President is a disaster.

Enough   July 16th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

Yeah that's just great!! If there was a organization that supported the advancement of whites.............there would be total outrage. The NAACP should be put out to pasture, the time has come to live in the world RACE free. Everyone claims to want equality, but in reality they are seeking superiority and using the past as an excuse!

Michael, Pensacola, FL   July 16th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

For the first time ever, a comment about "you people" will be appreciated!

Zoey, MI   July 16th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

I love this president. I'm sure he'll do a wonderful job tonight, and I will pray that he is able to live a full life. He has changed a lot of things, but mostly he gives us a sense of hope. The future does not have to look so bleak as the Bush administration painted it.

Obama only creates TAXES   July 16th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

Strained relationship equals that the NAACP are racist and discriminate against whites.

The power be with you   July 16th, 2009 6:45 pm ET

To those African-Americans complaining that race relations haven't improved since Obama took office: Please, be patient...centuries of bigotry cannot be erased in 6 months.

Zero.   July 16th, 2009 6:38 pm ET

No! landing on the moon will be nothing. CNN. Only The Moment. The stupid,CNN Moment. The stupid Black American moment.

When will you learn.America?? One step for man. One drop in sewage for the future. Barack Obama

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