106th Annual NAACP Convention Opened In Philadelphia With Ribbon Cutting
By Mike Doughery
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 106th annual NAACP convention kicked off Saturday in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Officials cut the ribbon, officially opening this year's convention. NAACP president Cornell William Brooks is excited about the events that will take place over the next four days.
"We have not seen this number of civil rights challenges in quite some time." said Brooks. "It's a serious moment, but it's also a fun moment."
The theme of this year's convention is "pursuing liberty in the face of injustice" and Brooks said it comes at a time when there are a number of civil rights issues to tackle.
"This is a moment for the country to come together. There's no better place to do that than at the 106th convention of the NAACP."
For the first time in the convention's history, two presidents, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, are scheduled to speak. Attendees came from throughout the county to be here, including Vera Kelly from Davenport, Iowa.
"We all need to come together and be like unity and the NAACP is part of that." said Kelly. "It's not about white, black it's about all people."
Philadelphia native Wayne is excited about the all-star cast of guest speakers and he counts on this to stay informed.
"I think the NAACP is one of the most important African-American organizations in the United States because it's one of the most progressive. It's one of the most activist."
There are dozens of exhibitors and speakers who will cover a wide array of topics. For more information visit NAACP.org.
