On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded and would become the foremost largest and most widely recognized civil rights organization in the nation.
The organization was founded in response to a horrific race riot in Springfield, Illinois the previous year. And, of course, the fact that lynching’s were commonplace at that time. Appalled at this rampant violence, a call was issued for a meeting to discuss racial injustice.
Echoing the focus of Dr. W.E.B DuBois Niagara Movement for civil rights, which began in 1905, the NAACP aimed to secure for all people, the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively.
Our mission today is the same as it was 111 years ago: To ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of African-Americans in the United States and to eliminate barriers of racial discrimination through the democratic process.
Sadly in 2020, we are still working toward justice, equality, and fairness for people of African descent in this country and every day new challenges to eradicate racial discrimination appear.
Please join us in reflecting on our many accomplishments and commit to the work still yet to be done by attending our Founders Day Service on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at New St. John Baptist Church, 1307 Sycamore Street, Monroe, LA.
