WHO WE ARE
The NAACP, or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is one of the oldest and most prominent civil rights organizations in the United States. It was founded on February 12, 1909, by a group of activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary White Ovington, and Moorfield Storey, among others. The NAACP was established in response to widespread racial segregation, discrimination, and violence against African Americans in the early 20th century. The Pensacola Branch #5124 stands on the shoulders of these giants in following this amazing legacy of justice.
NAACP BRANCH 5124 HISTORY
The national organization approved the formation of the Pensacola Branch as its first branch in Florida on July 14, 1919, because of the racial tension and injustices in the area. According to Robert W. Saunders, a former NAACP field secretary and author of Bridging the Gap: Continuing the Florida NAACP Legacy of Harry T. Moore, the legal case of Vernon McDaniel, then principal of Booker T. Washington High School, bolstered the Branch. Because of this NAACP case filed in January 1940, local [school] authorities faced a probable adverse decision and offered a compromise leading to salary equalization. This was an economic, justice, and moral victory for teachers, students and citizens of color of Escambia and fostered a kinship in the struggle for equality. Click on the pdf for the complete history.
WHAT WE DO
​The NAACP, or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is one of the oldest and most prominent civil rights organizations in the United States. It was founded on February 12, 1909, by a group of activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary White Ovington, and Moorfield Storey, among others. The NAACP was established in response to widespread racial segregation, discrimination, and violence against African Americans in the early 20th century.​
Key Points
HISTORY OF THE NAACP
01
Mission
The NAACP's mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate racial discrimination. It advocates for the civil rights and equal treatment of African Americans and other marginalized communities.
02
Strategies
The NAACP uses a combination of legal action, advocacy, grassroots organizing, public awareness campaigns, and lobbying to advance its goals. One of its most notable strategies is using the courts to challenge discriminatory laws and practices.
03
Accomplishments
Over the years, the NAACP has achieved significant victories in the fight for civil rights. Some of its most notable accomplishments include its role in the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which led to the desegregation of public schools, and its efforts to secure voting rights through the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
04
Leadership
The NAACP has had several influential leaders throughout its history. Notable figures include W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, Roy Wilkins, and Julian Bond, among others. In recent years, leaders like Ben Jealous and Derrick Johnson have led the organization.
05
Memberships
The NAACP has a diverse membership base that includes individuals from all racial backgrounds who support its mission and goals. It has branches throughout the United States.
The NAACP hosts various annual events, including its National Convention, which provides a platform for discussing critical civil rights issues and setting the organization's agenda for the year.
06
Current Issues
The NAACP continues to address a wide range of civil rights issues, including voting rights, criminal justice reform, education equity, economic justice, and healthcare access, among others. It remains actively involved in addressing systemic racism and discrimination.