On February 12^th, the NAACP will mark its 100^th anniversary, which coincides with the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Across the country, NAACP units in over 1,200 communities will cut cakes, reaffirm their commitment to the struggle ahead and celebrate the historical journey that has culminated in the election of the first African-American president. The biggest birthday party, the 40^th NAACP Image Awards, will be co-hosted by filmmaker Tyler Perry and actress Halle Berry in Los Angeles. Awards will be given to numerous artists in the entertainment and literary industry with special nods to former Vice President Al Gore, environmentalist Wangari Muta Maathai, and Muhammad Ali.

But the celebration of progress is tempered by a sober realization of the civil rights goals still unachieved. The NAACP will release an urgent white paper that issues a civil rights challenge to the new Congress and Administration for the first 100 days.

“Our journey remains unfinished,” says NAACP President Ben Jealous. “African-Americans suffer disproportionately from the economic recession, we are seeing a rise in hate crimes and police killings, there is still not a level playing field in economic and educational opportunities for every community. The audacious dream of America, a land where opportunity exists for all and where every person is given a chance to reach their full potential, still remains elusive.”

The white paper, which also forecasts key long-term goals, will emphasize the issues that need urgent immediate attention and will be released prior to the Image Awards celebration.

NAACP Image Awards Chairperson Clayola Brown states: “The success of artists like Halle Berry and Tyler Perry remind us of the immense progress that has been made in the last 100 years and gives us continued hope for the progress that our nation will achieve in the future.”

“This year’s Image Awards is not just a special event, it is an historic occasion, and I hope all Americans will tune in,” adds NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck, who serves as executive producer of the awards telecast.