The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization that was founded in February 1909. It now has over half a million members and advocates for social, economic and political equality. It is the largest and most famous civil rights organization in the United States.
Early Years of the NAACP
In the early years, NAACP focused on education and racial justice issues. Branches were established in many communities around the country. They included Albany, Augusta, Brunswick, Columbus, Cordele, Dublin, Macon, Rome, Savannah, Thomasville, and Valdosta. NAACP also provided legal assistance to a number of Black litigants in the courts. This has included both individual and class action lawsuits. The group has also lobbied for legislation that affects racial minorities, including the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Impact and Achievements of the NAACP
The NAACP has helped to shape the history of the United States by influencing public policy and legislation in areas such as employment discrimination, housing and zoning, voting rights, and access to health care. It has also been an important force in preventing racial violence and promoting the emergence of new leaders among African Americans. Although the NAACP has a large, national presence, it is important to remember that most of its work is done locally through a variety of means. The organization relies on the mighty force of grassroots-based citizen action to sway legislators.
Role in Voter Drives and Education Campaigns
In addition to providing legal assistance, NAACP has also played a significant role in voter drives and education campaigns that have led to increased participation by African Americans in the political process. Its membership includes activists from all walks of life, races and classes. As the nation has become more diverse, the NAACP has also forged alliances with other social justice groups. These partnerships have both been beneficial and challenging. For example, the NAACP has worked to encourage entrepreneurship and economic enterprise among African American communities, while it also campaigns against youth violence. These alliances have helped the organization to garner a greater number of volunteers and increase its impact.
Global Advocacy by the NAACP
The NAACP has also been a strong advocate of civil rights in the developing world, especially in South Africa. In the 1980s, it was one of the first organizations to publicly call for the end of apartheid and has continued to raise awareness of racial discrimination. It has also pushed for a national anti-lynching law and for an end to state-mandated segregation in the schools. During the 1940s, the NAACP played an important role in bringing jobs to black Americans. It fought for legislation that prohibited racial discrimination in the workplace and for the Fair Employment Practices Committee to enforce compliance. In the face of resistance from labor unions, Roosevelt eventually agreed to open thousands of jobs to black workers.
Support Programs and Publications
The NAACP has a wide range of programs to support its members, from scholarships and child-care assistance to job training and employment services. Its publications include a monthly newsletter and several journals, most of which are written by black members. In addition, the NAACP publishes The Crisis, a magazine that is devoted to news of civil rights activity and promotes black art, writing, and poetry.
