Events on February 12 in history

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): A Century of Civil Rights Advocacy

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) stands as America's preeminent and oldest civil rights organization, dedicated to achieving racial justice and equality. Founded in 1909, this pioneering institution emerged during a deeply challenging period for African Americans, marked by the systemic oppression of Jim Crow laws, widespread disenfranchisement, and the horrific prevalence of lynching across the United States. Conceived as an audacious interracial endeavor, the NAACP sought to advance justice and uplift the status of African Americans through legal challenges, advocacy, and public education.

The Genesis: Founding and Core Principles

The NAACP was established by a diverse and determined group of visionaries who recognized the urgent need for a structured and persistent fight against racial injustice. Its illustrious founders included:

• W. E. B. Du Bois: A towering intellectual, sociologist, and activist, Du Bois was a key organizer and the editor of the NAACP’s influential journal, The Crisis, which became a vital platform for advocating for civil rights and exposing racial inequalities.
• Mary White Ovington: A prominent white social worker and suffragist, Ovington played a crucial role in bringing together Black and white activists, emphasizing the organization's foundational commitment to interracial cooperation in the struggle for equality.
• Moorfield Storey: A distinguished constitutional lawyer and former secretary to Senator Charles Sumner, Storey became the NAACP's first president, lending significant legal gravitas and strategic direction to its early efforts.
• Ida B. Wells: A courageous journalist, activist, and anti-lynching crusader, Wells brought invaluable experience in investigative reporting and grassroots organizing, shining a light on the atrocities committed against African Americans.

Their collective efforts laid the groundwork for an organization that would systematically challenge racial discrimination and advocate for the full rights of Black Americans.

Influential Leadership Through the Decades

Throughout its history, the NAACP has been steered by extraordinary leaders whose dedication shaped the course of the American Civil Rights Movement. Notable figures include:

• Thurgood Marshall: As chief counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Marshall masterminded the legal strategy that led to the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional. His distinguished career culminated in his appointment as the first African American Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Roy Wilkins: Serving as Executive Director from 1955 to 1977, Wilkins guided the NAACP through the tumultuous and transformative years of the modern Civil Rights Movement, playing a pivotal role in lobbying for and securing the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Enduring Mission: Equality in the 21st Century

The NAACP's mission has consistently adapted to the evolving challenges of racial injustice while maintaining its core commitment to equality. Its contemporary mission, as articulated for the 21st century, is "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination." To achieve this expansive mission, the NAACP engages in a multi-faceted approach, encompassing:

• Political Lobbying: Actively advocating for legislation and policies at local, state, and federal levels that promote civil rights and address systemic inequalities.
• Publicity Efforts: Raising public awareness about racial injustice through educational campaigns, media engagement, and community outreach.
• Litigation Strategies: Developing and pursuing legal challenges through its formidable legal team to dismantle discriminatory practices and uphold civil liberties, building upon its legacy of historic court victories.

Evolving Advocacy: Addressing Contemporary Challenges

Recognizing the dynamic nature of civil rights struggles, the NAACP significantly broadened its mission in the late 20th century to encompass an even wider array of issues. This expansion includes addressing critical concerns such as:

• Police Misconduct: Combating systemic issues of police brutality, racial profiling, and accountability within law enforcement agencies, advocating for comprehensive criminal justice reform.
• Status of Black Foreign Refugees: Extending its advocacy to global dimensions by addressing the unique challenges and ensuring the humane treatment and equitable integration of Black refugees and asylum seekers.
• Economic Development: Focusing on initiatives that promote economic empowerment, address wealth disparities, and create opportunities for sustainable growth within marginalized communities.

The organization's name, "National Association for the Advancement of Colored People," has been carefully retained in accordance with its rich tradition and historical significance. The term "colored people," while now considered outdated and often replaced by more specific terms like "African American" or "Black," was a widely accepted and respectful descriptor for those of African ancestry at the time of the NAACP's founding.

Honoring Excellence: The NAACP's Prestigious Awards

The NAACP proudly recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of African Americans through two prestigious annual awards:

• Image Awards: Established in 1967, the NAACP Image Awards celebrate excellence in the arts, entertainment, and literary fields, honoring individuals and works that promote diversity, inspire positive social change, and uplift the image of Black people.
• Spingarn Medals: Instituted in 1914 by Joel Elias Spingarn, then Chairman of the NAACP Board, the Spingarn Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement of any kind by an African American. This highly esteemed award recognizes individuals who have made significant and distinguished contributions to their fields or to the advancement of humanity, ranging from science and literature to activism and public service.

A New Chapter: Relocating the National Headquarters

For many years, the NAACP's national headquarters was situated in Baltimore, Maryland, a city deeply intertwined with African American history and civil rights efforts. However, a significant strategic decision was announced on June 29, 2020, when Washington, D.C., radio station WTOP reported the organization's intention to relocate its national headquarters. The new home is planned to be the Franklin D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs, a building owned by the District of Columbia, strategically located on U and 14th Streets in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Derrick Johnson, the NAACP's President and CEO, articulated the rationale behind this move, emphasizing that establishing the headquarters in the nation's capital would significantly enhance the organization's capacity to "engage in and influence change." This relocation places the NAACP in closer proximity to federal policymakers, advocacy groups, and the heart of national governance, thereby strengthening its lobbying power and its ability to shape policy that impacts civil rights across the country.

When was the NAACP founded?

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909.

Who were some of the key founders of the NAACP?

Prominent founders include W. E. B. Du Bois, Mary White Ovington, Moorfield Storey, and Ida B. Wells, among others.

What is the primary mission of the NAACP today?

Its 21st-century mission is "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination."

What are the two main awards given by the NAACP?

The NAACP bestows the annual Image Awards for achievements in arts and entertainment, and the Spingarn Medals for outstanding achievements of any kind by an African American.

Where is the NAACP's national headquarters relocating to?

The NAACP intends to relocate its national headquarters from Baltimore, Maryland, to the Franklin D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Why is the NAACP relocating its headquarters to Washington, D.C.?

According to President and CEO Derrick Johnson, the move will enable the organization to better engage in and influence change due to its closer proximity to federal government and policymakers.