NAACP Statement on Obama Win

Warren Logan, Jr., the President of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga issued a statement today regarding the Election of President Barack Obama:

"After the longest and hardest fought presidential campaign in American history, the votes are now in and Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th President of the United States. The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga congratulates President-elect Obama, Vice-President-elect, Joe Biden, and their families for turning what began as an improbable journey into an historic victory for their party and our country. We welcome the new vision they bring to Washington and pledge to work with them to tackle the nation's deepening domestic challenges, including the epidemic of home foreclosures, the crisis in public education as well as rising unemployment and poverty that have hit middle class and urban Americans especially hard in recent years.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the American people for voting hope over fear and electing the first African-American president in our nation's history. This is a watershed moment that renews the nation's founding promise of freedom, equality and opportunity for all. This election has shattered what was once considered an unbreakable glass ceiling that has kept so many generations of minorities and women from dreaming big dreams and reaching their full-potential. Never again will any young boy or girl of color in America be shackled with the awful certainty of not in my lifetime.

"The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga stands ready on day-one to work with the new Administration, especially in the effort to craft a comprehensive urban agenda that expands opportunity and unleashes the tremendous untapped potential in our cities. But today we simply say congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama and thank you to the American people for this historic new beginning."