Founding of the NAACP - February 12, 1909

On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in the United States. This pivotal organization was established with the mission to fight for civil rights and to end racial discrimination against African Americans. The founding of the NAACP marked a significant moment in the history of civil rights in America, laying the groundwork for future activism and legal challenges against racial injustice.

Context and Background

The early 20th century in the United States was a period marked by severe racial discrimination and violence against African Americans. The Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in the Southern states, and there was a widespread disenfranchisement of Black voters. The catalyst for the NAACP’s formation was the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois, which highlighted the urgent need for a national organization to address racial violence and inequality.

Key Figures

The NAACP was founded by a diverse group of activists, both Black and white, who were committed to social justice. Some of the key figures involved in its establishment included:

• W.E.B. Du Bois: A prominent African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the early years of the NAACP.
• Ida B. Wells: An African American journalist and activist known for her work in anti-lynching campaigns.
• Mary White Ovington: A white social reformer and journalist who was instrumental in organizing the initial meetings that led to the NAACP’s creation.
• Oswald Garrison Villard: A white journalist and grandson of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, who helped draft the “Call” to form the NAACP.

The Founding

The NAACP was officially founded on February 12, 1909, chosen to coincide with the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This symbolic date underscored the organization’s commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality. The founding meeting took place in New York City, where the group outlined its goals to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination.

Early Activities and Impact

In its early years, the NAACP focused on legal challenges to segregation and discrimination, public education campaigns, and lobbying for legislative reforms. One of its first major victories was the 1915 Supreme Court decision in Guinn v. United States, which struck down grandfather clauses that disenfranchised Black voters.

The NAACP also played a crucial role in the anti-lynching movement, advocating for federal legislation to make lynching a federal crime. Although these efforts were initially unsuccessful, they raised national awareness about the issue.

Broader Historical Significance

The founding of the NAACP was a significant milestone in the American civil rights movement. It provided a structured and organized approach to combating racial discrimination and laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements. Over the decades, the NAACP has been instrumental in numerous landmark legal cases, including the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

The NAACP continues to be a vital force in advocating for civil rights and social justice, reflecting its enduring legacy and commitment to equality.

In summary, the founding of the NAACP on February 12, 1909, was a crucial development in the struggle for civil rights in the United States, marking the beginning of a sustained and organized effort to combat racial discrimination and promote equality for African Americans.