The NAACP released the following press release on 10/9 congratulating President Obama on his winning the Nobel Peace Prize:
“The NAACP congratulates President Obama on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. In less than a year in office, President Obama has tackled some of the hardest issues a United States President has had to face. He’s redefined the way the world views the United States through his diplomacy, changed the way business is conducted in the U.S through legislation like the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, promoting equal pay for equal work and eliminating discrimination measures, and continues to fight for all American’s to receive equal treatment, equal pay and quality health care,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President and CEO.
President Obama joins the likes of Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mother Teresa in winning the Nobel Peace Prize and is also only the third sitting President to receive this honor, with President Theodore Roosevelt and President Wilson preceding him. President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Al Gore are also Nobel Peace Prize winners after they left the White House.
“President Obama inspires hope and transformed the way the United States is viewed across the globe. President Obama continues to be a passionate advocate for global peace and nuclear disarmament through his diplomatic visits and speeches to nations and groups across the world,” stated Hilary O. Shelton, Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and Senior Vice President for Advocacy. “The NAACP applauds the President for his swift actions to effect change in this country and around the world and we congratulate him on receiving this honor.”
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
