U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the following statement regarding the 100th Anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP):

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation's oldest civil rights organization. As the President's champion for education, I am privileged to help celebrate this historic event.

When the founders of the NAACP met on a mission 100 years ago, they were not concerned about making history. They were committed to making a difference by promoting equal rights on all levels: at the ballot box, in the boardroom, and in classrooms. Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, W.E.B. Du Bois, Roy Wilkins, Harry T. Moore, and Myrlie Evers-Williams are just a few of the many leaders whose names stand out as voices for the NAACP's goals and achievements.

This is an exciting time for the nation and for the NAACP. While the world watches America's first African American President lead the country toward a brighter future, the NAACP continues its work to ensure that children of color have access to schools that are excellent while working to broaden its focus to ensure that a high-quality education and other human rights are attained by all. I applaud this effort and say the time could not be better.

While we rejoice and reflect on the NAACP's first 100 years, let us work together during the first 100 days of this new, historic Administration to lay the groundwork for this century's achievements in social justice and quality education.

Thank you for being on the forefront of the fight for equal rights and justice, and, in particular, for recognizing that equal access to a high-quality education is the civil rights issue of our generation—the surest path to a more equal, just, and tolerant society. Congratulations on reaching this landmark year.

Arne Duncan

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