The NAACP, the nation's oldest and most influential civil rights organization, in February celebrated 100 years of fighting for equality and justice. In a letter to the organization's president, Benjamin Jealous, AFT president Randi Weingarten congratulated the NAACP for its outstanding efforts "to strengthen democracy and empower minority communities," and reaffirmed the AFT's commitment to working with the historic civil rights organization.

"As you know, the NAACP and the AFT have a long and rich history of working together to strengthen public education," wrote Weingarten, noting that many AFT members actively participate in local NAACP chapters.

Together, the AFT and the NAACP have been instrumental in defeating state and national legislation that would have been harmful to public education, pointed out Weingarten. She also noted that the two organizations have worked together to increase civic participation "to ensure that we elect officials who share our passion for high-quality public education."

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the NAACP, along with its 1,700 local units nationwide, will host celebrations and observances throughout the year that highlight the significant role the organization has played in leading social change in the United States.

In recent years, the AFT has regularly co-sponsored workshops and an educational resource center during the NAACP's annual convention. This year's NAACP convention will take place in New York City, July 11-16. More information about the NAACP and its centennial anniversary is available online.

March 4, 2009