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

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.

Can't Attend The 2011 National NAACP Convention? No Problem.

The NAACP Webcast will stream all activities that take place in the main convention hall LIVE and then place the content in an online archive for on demand viewing year-round. Additional activities outside the main convention hall will be captured, edited and placed in the online archive.

Click Here To Access NAACPWEBCAST.COM

Turning Truth into Power – Student Leaders Rally for Change in Washington D.C.

by Courtney-Rose Harris, NAACP Youth & College Social Network Specialist

The 2008 Presidential election season established young people as a powerful new force capable of yielding real change. Along with many other young people across the county, I organized for now President Barack Obama and other Presidential and local candidates, directly impacting the communities I worked in by registering new voters, empowering young people with information and getting voters to the polls on a grassroots level. As our nation heads into the 2012 election season, there’s no doubt that even more young people will need to step up and step out to ensure that our issues are heard.

Campus Progress, a national organization that works with and for young people to promote progressive solutions to key political and social challenges, held its 7^th Annual National Conference on July 6^th and 7^th in Washington D.C. More than 1,000 young people convened at CPC to work towards real solutions for political, social and economic change.

The National Campus Progress Conference featured dynamic speakers, panels, caucuses and performances. Some of those presenters included: former U.S. President Bill Clinton; Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress Van Jones; United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling; Congressman Keith Ellison; Democracy Now! Host Amy Goodman; Spoken Word Artist StacyAnn Chin; Citizen Engagement Laboratory Senior Strategist Erica Williams; Center for American Progress President & CEO John Podesta; and Sierra Student Coalition National Director Quentin James.

Conference attendees engaged in meaningful dialogue around voting rights, the green jobs movement, job accessibility and mobility, race and the media and social media as a catalyst for social change.

During his plenary address, President Clinton reminded attendees of the importance of educating themselves on issues impacting their communities and the United States - using that knowledge to empower themselves and others, especially those groups who have been systemically and historically disenfranchised.

The second day of the conference, which hosted a smaller group of 120 student leaders, focused on how young people can build collective political power in the upcoming election season.

Heather Smith, President of Rock the Vote, passionately told attendees that “it is our job to make them [Congress] pay attention to us. We have to make sure that we are not letting other people make decisions for us.”

Recent University of Alabama graduate Edric Kirkman says that the conference helped him feel connected to a larger movement of community changers. “Those of us who showed up here today now have an obligation to go back to our campuses, our churches, our communities and organize,” Kirkman said. “If they [other students] could just hear what we’re hearing, just imagine how much power we can wield and how much we can change in our country.”

Help Stop Troy Davis' Execution Now

The state of Georgia may soon execute Troy Davis. Troy is scheduled to be executed for murdering a white police officer, despite overwhelming evidence that calls into question his guilt, and repeated attempts at justice.

This is Troy's last chance, and it's up to us to speak out to and save Troy Davis. By speaking out on the form, you will add your voice to our name wall below, to show the Georgia Parole Board, and the world, that we stand by Troy Davis -- and we believe in justice in America.