For Immediate Release

	July 12, 2004 NBA SPONSORS CIVIL RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM AT 95th ANNUAL NAACP NATIONAL CONVENTION Monday, July 12, 2004. President Clyde Bailey extended greetings at the Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Lecture Luncheon during takes the 95th Annual NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Honorable Stephen G. Breyer, Associate Justice, United States Supreme Court, was the keynote speaker for the event that attracted over 350 delegates. The NBA has co-sponsored the Clarence Mitchell, Jr. CLE symposium for over a decade. Clarence Mitchell, Jr. was NAACP labor secretary from 1946 to 1950 and director of the NAACP Washington Bureau from 1950 to 1978, when he retired. In his comments, President Bailey told the delegates that "The National Bar Association takes great pride in co-sponsoring this important Symposium which will focus on the struggle for racial equality as it developed in a legislative context." The National Bar Association, founded in 1925, is the nation's oldest and largest association of attorneys of color, representing a professional network of over 20,000 lawyers, judges, educators and law students . The Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Luncheon Program (PDF 1.1MB) and remarks by President Bailey are available. Remarks Of Clyde Bailey, President National Bar Association At the 95th Annual NAACP Convention Philadelphia, PA The Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Symposium Monday, July 12, 2004 The Honorable Mr. Justice Breyer, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Honorable Mr. MFume, and Board Chairman, the Honorable Mr. Bond and other dignitaries and NAACP delegates present today, Good Afternoon! As President of the National Bar Association, the pre-eminent voice of the Black legal community and our nation's oldest and largest Association of African American lawyers, judges, legal scholars and law students, I am indeed honored to extend greetings to you, the attendees and participants of the Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Legal Symposium. Mr. President, the National Bar Association takes great pride in once again co-sponsoring with our natural ally in the struggle for civil rights, the NAACP, this important Continuing Legal Education Seminar which will focus on the struggle for racial equality as it developed in a legislative context. As you know, the National Bar Association has historically been deeply involved in the struggle for civil rights as its lawyers were among those that lead the battle to dismantle state sponsored discrimination and racism in the landmark Brown V. Board of Education. You can rest assured that we shall continue to vigorously pursue our mission of improving the administration of justice and protecting the political rights of all citizens, particularly citizens of the underserved community. Again welcome and we hope that as a result of our program today, each of you will emerge with a better appreciation for the role of the legislative branch in the development of our civil rights laws. Thank You.