President Barack Obama Delivers Message to the 102nd Annual NAACP Convention

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Just minutes ago, President Obama broadcast to the delegates of the NAACP's 102nd Annual Convention. His speech discussed the challenges of the job market, the importance of education and how the economy has impacted African Americans.

As he dove into the complexities of today's political landscape, the President noted the storied history of the Association -- crediting the NAACP's mission in helping lead him on the road to the White House.

These are difficult times for this country. The economic downturn has had a deep impact on our communities, and now the bitter fight over the debt ceiling poses a threat to the safety nets—Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security and student aid—that working class Americans have relied on for generations.

But President Obama's story has always been one of hope, and so it is particularly fitting that he reminds us of our legacy in these difficult times. He told the audience gathered in Los Angeles:

There is no doubt that the African American community has been one of the hardest hit. But NAACP, you also know that no matter how steep the climb, we have always persevered -- as a people and as a nation. No matter how long the road we have never grown weary. We've always kept marching ahead.

In the midst of reflection, President Obama reminds us to look ahead. It's up to us to continue the legacy of our parents and grandparents, to rise up against injustice and never to waver in the face of adversity.

Take a moment to watch as the President describes the enduring mission of the NAACP, and our duty to persevere.


Transcript:
Hello NAACP,

I'm sorry I can't be with you in person this year but I want to thank your chairwoman Rosalynn Brock your President and CEO Ben Jealous, and all of you who are doing your part to affirm America's promise. After all, it was members of the NAACP who marched in the streets and sat at the lunch counters and proved to the world that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. And I will never forget that is only thanks to you and to the giants who came before you that I'm able to sit here as President of the United States. The causes you championed are the ones that drew me to public service in the first place and they're the ones that sustain me everyday in this office.

Now I know we're going through tough times right now, too many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to find work too many families looking for that sense of security that's been missing for the better part of the decade. And although this recession has touched Americans of every background there's no doubt that the African-American community has been one of the hardest hit. But NAACP you also know that no matter how steep the climb we've always persevered as people and as a nation. No matter how long the road we've never grown weary, we've always kept marching ahead.

That's why I will keep fighting for new jobs and new opportunities. That's why I want to extend tax relief for the middle class. That's why I want to give more opportunities to construction workers who lost their jobs when the housing bubble burst, opportunities to rebuild our roads and bridges and airports. And that's why we're investing in education and making sure that all of our citizens have the skills and training they need to compete for the jobs in the future.

If we do that then I know we can overcome the challenges of our time just like so many generations of our brothers and sisters have done. And I promise to stand with you every step of the way. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

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[MrMyHistory]

Fisicamente a escuridão é a plena falta de cor, daí queria saber que tolice alguém que vão usar isto para alegar que devem desenvolver as pessoas que tenham cor branca, vermelha, amarela, azul que fosse, mas escuridão é o que foi separado de todas elas.

Nome incrivelmente sem razão de ser este, ou se é para ser, que tenha outra gente a que não percebe nem as armadilhas que colocam tapete vermelho para puxar depois e não honrar a quem não defende 2 dos seus sequer.

[samuelmc57]

Yall haters need to find a god of your understanding quickly, your shytts exposed and your azz is hangin out globally, This President just might save YOUR azz, rather than bitchin...ya need to git with him....the cowboys said fuk da farm.....

[samuelmc57]

I, as you are an American...living in a land where you can express your own opinion of and on anything you like,thank the creator thus far for your life. President Obama inherited a fukd up situation off the break that the good ole boys were skimmin for ages and still find loopholes to skim legit..all dat shytt(NEGATIVE YAK) you spittin out shows a lack of faith within your own self rather tha support THIS president today.

[deNNyTheWiseMAN1]

haha bush did more for black people than obama did.

[wetweasel56]

Why was he talking white when he was speaking to blacks? They don't like white speak and haven't been using it for 400 years!

[wetweasel56]

@vargax76....we're trying to wake you up to the reality around you.

[supportjapanwithlove]

naacp are pure racist just like obama,eric my people hold,van jones. rev. wright

[DAHOUSERECORDS]

black power

[Huboons]

@ttttoooo123 Unemployment for Black Males under Obama has tripled.

[Huboons]

This is no different that Bush attending a Klan rally. The NAACP is a racist hate group. ANY group whose goal is political power based on race is by definition racist.