Clyburn of South Carolina is the second African American to serve as majority whip in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was among several Democratic lawmakers who came under verbal attacks and was spat on by protestors on Capitol Hill before the historic health care reform bill vote.

"Congressman Clyburn has come under attack recently for his leadership and for his support in seeking votes and the successful passing of national health care," branch president the Rev. Wendell Anthony said today at a news conference.

"(Clyburn) is bold, unwavering, and brings the vintage of the southern experience in the fight for justice and equality no matter what odds are against you."

The theme of this year's dinner, which is May 2 at the Cobo Center, is "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and National Health Care: A Matter of Justice, Privilege or a Right?" Anthony said the lack of affordable healthcare has "even magnified" the city and state's high jobless rates.

"It is because of these striking numbers and the impact upon families that this dinner will focus on jobs and national health care," he said. "Not since the struggles of 1964 and 1965 with the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act have we seen such vehemence, violence and vitriolic rhetoric cast at those who would seek to provide health care to all of America's citizens."

Anthony added the Detroit branch of the NAACP is "appalled and outraged at the fact that State Attorney General Mike Cox is attempting to turn back the hands of progress" by filing a lawsuit against the new health care reform bill.

"This is shameful," Anthony said. "This move should be called out and denounced by every Michiganian who will be affected by this action."

The Detroit NAACP will honor the Michigan Congressional delegation at the dinner for supporting the healthcare reform bill, Anthony said. The organization also will honor Detroit Catholic bishop Thomas Gumbleton with the Ida B. Wells Freedom and Justice Award. Longtime community organizer Annett Rainwater will be honored with the Mary Church Terrell Freedom and Justice Award and author and Princeton professor Cornel West will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the dinner.

The dinner has traditionally been billed as the world's biggest sit-down dinner. It is the Detroit branch of the NAACP's largest annual fundraiser.

Read More: Detroit News