Jul 16, 2009 7:59 pm US/Eastern
Obama: Make Your Own Breaks In Life
Addresses NAACP During Its 100th Anniversary Gala In New York City, Says It's Time For Blacks To Be Better Parents
Reporting
Lou Young
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
President Barack Obama speaks during the NAACP 100th Anniversary convention in New York on July 16, 2009.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
It was an inspirational speech that moved those who heard it.
President Barack Obama was in New York City on Thursday night for the centennial convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Taking the stage with a salute, a singular historic moment was realized as America's first black president faced the organization whose century of activism helped make his election possible.
The Midtown Hilton was a fortress while he spoke -- police barriers, surveillance towers and tourists jockeying for a glimpse of the man inside, almost scolding his audience to do better as parents.
"For our kids to excel we must accept our responsibilities," Obama told a crowd of 6,000. "That means putting away the Xbox and putting our kids to bed at a reasonable hour. It means attending those parent-teacher conferences, reading to our kids, and helping them with their homework."
Everyday folks sat there and watched in utter amazement.
"He inspired me as a parent, not just as a business leader," said NAACP member Cynthia Michaels.
Obama continued: "Yes, government must be a force for opportunity; yes, government must be a force for equality, but ultimately if we are to be true to our past then we must also seize our own future each and every day."
Actress and NAACP member Cicely Tyson said she couldn't help but be moved.
"I love him because it doesn't matter to him that he might step on one or two toes. He tells it like it is," Tyson said.
Obama talked about a lot of things during his 45 minutes on stage, including his legislative agenda and if anyone's toes were hurting they were quiet. It was friendly territory for the 44th president Thursday night -- even outside where a glimpse of presidential limo was worth waiting in the heat.
"The limo was enough," said Lilly Moses of Cambria Heights, who waited a long time just to see the Obama's ride. "Yes, it's the president."
From the Hilton the president headed over to the Waldorf for a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee. CBS 2 HD has learned he raised more than $1 million. From there he headed home and was expected to be back at the White House by 11:30 p.m.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
CPSC Announces Largest Crib Recall In History 49 mins ago 
CBS 2 Exclusive: Back From The Dead 56 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Comments