Journal-News.com

CINCINNATI — Sen. Barack Obama will address delegates Monday, July 14, during the 99th annual NAACP Convention in Cincinnati.

Obama, the expected Democratic Party presidential nominee, was initially going to speak during a morning session on July 17. The convention will be held at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati from July 12-17.

Sen. John McCain, the expected Republican Party nominee for presidency, will address the convention July 16, according to the organization's Web site.

An estimated 8,000 NAACP members, delegates and visitors are expected to be in Cincinnati next week, NAACP officials have said.

Representatives from NAACP branches in Hamilton, Middletown, Oxford and West Chester Twp. are expected to attend this weekend's conference.

This year's theme, "Power, Justice, Freedom, Vote," is appropriate, organizers said, as the nation could see the election of its first president of color in Obama.

Other schedule highlights include health, job and other fairs; a public address by NAACP National Board Chairman Julian Bond and panels and discussions on topics such as the juvenile justice system, education, economic development, the 2008 presidential election, housing and more.

Registration for the convention takes place at Duke Energy Center. On-site adult registration fee is $100. Youth registration is $50.

More information can be found at www.naacp.org.