barack_obama_seal.jpgNEW YORK (AP) _ The NAACP says President Barack Obama will address its centennial celebration this summer in New York City.

The organization says the nation's first black president will speak as the group returns to its birthplace. The NAACP first met in Manhattan's East Village in 1909.


Obama says in a statement that the NAACP has inspired people to strive for the mountaintop even when the climb seemed steep.

 

Other speakers at the NAACP gathering include New York Gov. David Paterson, Republican National Chairman Michael Steele and Rep. Charles Rangel.

The convention takes place July 11 to July 16 at the New York Hilton.