New York, NY, July 16, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) congratulated the NAACP on the occasion of their Centennial Convention, which concludes tonight with an address by President Barack Obama.

Glen Lewy, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:

On behalf of the Anti-Defamation League, we are pleased to salute the NAACP on the occasion of their Centennial Convention.  Since its founding 100 years ago, the NAACP has diligently pursued its mission to "ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination." 

When we think back to what America looked like a century ago, and appreciate how far we have come today in terms of civil rights and equality of opportunity, it is manifestly clear that the work of the NAACP has played a profoundly significant role in this remarkable transformation of the American landscape.  

ADL and the NAACP have been pioneers together in this nation's effort to secure justice for all minorities, and we have been proud to be their partner in many coalition efforts through the decades.  We congratulate them on the occasion of their Centennial Convention, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the years to come.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.