Happy Founders Day 2019

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 that along with lynchings were common place. Appalled at this rampant violence, a call was issued for a meeting to discuss racial justice.

Echoing the focus of Du Bois’ 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 110 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 2019 we are still in pursuit of justice, equity and fairness for people of African descent in this country and every day presents new challenges to eradicating racial discrimination.

Join me in reflecting on our many accomplishments and commit to the work still yet ahead.