The president's address this evening comes at a time when the NAACP is going though organizational changes – in part spurred by the group's leadership.
NAACP President Benjamin Jealous has been advocating for the group to expand its work to broader human rights causes, not only African American causes.
The president briefly touched on the continuation of their mission during his speech.
"On the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination must not stand. Not on account of color or gender; how you worship or who you love. Prejudice has no place in the United States of America. That's what the NAACP will stand for."
The president's address at the Hilton Hotel in New York City follows a week of prominent speakers including Mayor Bloomberg, Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney General Eric Holder. Chairman Julian Bond received the Spingard Medal, the organization's highest honor.
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