Founding of the NAACP

February 12th, 1909

February 12th, 1909

Founding of the NAACP
How Long Ago?

116 years, 1 month, 3 days ago

Location

New York City, New York, USA

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

People
  • W.E.B. Du Bois
  • Ida B. Wells
  • Mary White Ovington
  • Henry Moskowitz
  • Louis Marshall
Links & References
Tags

Founding of the NAACP

The NAACP was founded in response to racial violence and injustice. A group of activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells, convened in New York City to address the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans. Their goal was to advocate for equal rights and combat racial prejudice through legal challenges and public protest. This marked a significant step towards civil rights activism in the United States.

Formed by activists addressing racial injustices.

Key leaders included W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells.

Focused on legal challenges and public protests.

Critical in advancing civil rights through the decades.

What Happened?

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in New York City as a response to the increasing violence and discrimination against African Americans at the turn of the 20th century. The organization was a collaborative effort spearheaded by a group of black and white activists dedicated to fighting racial injustice. Key figures in its founding included civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, journalist Ida B. Wells, and social reformer Mary White Ovington. The NAACP emerged during a period where lynching, voter suppression, and segregation laws were rampant, highlighting the urgent need for organized advocacy for African American rights.

At its inception, the NAACP aimed to address a multitude of issues through legal challenges, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. They focused on dismantling Jim Crow laws, expanding voting rights, and promoting educational and economic opportunities for African Americans. Their efforts included lobbying for anti-lynching legislation and mobilizing citizens to not only confront but also educate others about the pervasive racism in society. The organization's early adoption of a legal strategy represented a shift in how civil rights activism was conducted, laying the groundwork for future generations of activists.

By the 1920s, the NAACP had grown significantly in membership and influence, converting public interest into tangible change in policies and attitudes. It played a crucial role in landmark legal cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which ultimately led to the desegregation of public schools. The NAACP's adoption of a multi-faceted approach to civil rights, including legal action, political lobbying, and public education, established it as a leading force in the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.

Why Does it Matter?

The founding of the NAACP is significant for its role in shaping the civil rights movement in the United States. It provided a structured form of advocacy for African Americans and became a critical platform for community organizing and legal challenges against systemic racism. The NAACP catalyzed awareness and mobilized resources that would be instrumental in achieving civil rights victories throughout the 20th century.

Discover More Historic Events from February 12th

Politics & Government

Macedonia Renamed to North Macedonia

February 12th, 2019 6 years ago

In a significant political move, the country known as Macedonia officially renamed itself the Republic of North Macedonia following the Prespa Agreement. This agreement was aimed at resolving a long-standing naming dispute with Greece, which had previously objected to the use of the name 'Macedonia.' The name change was celebrated as a step towards enhancing relations between the two nations and furthering North Macedonia's aspirations for NATO and EU integration.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill Sign Declaration

February 12th, 2016 9 years ago

Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill met in Havana, Cuba, marking the first meeting between leaders of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches since their split in 1054. The two leaders signed an ecumenical declaration aimed at fostering unity among Christians and addressing global issues such as religious persecution and humanitarian crises. This groundbreaking encounter symbolized a significant step toward healing the long-standing rift between the two denominations.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Colgan Air Flight 3407 Crash in Clarence Center

February 12th, 2009 16 years ago

Colgan Air Flight 3407, operated by Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, crashed into a house in Clarence Center, New York, while on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. All 49 people on board were killed, alongside one person on the ground. The crash occurred shortly before midnight, highlighting issues with pilot training and safety protocols in regional aviation.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

San Francisco Issues Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

February 12th, 2004 21 years ago

In a landmark move, the city of San Francisco began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, spurred by a directive from Mayor Gavin Newsom. This decision was largely influenced by the growing national conversation around same-sex marriage and civil rights. The City Hall became a hub for couples wishing to marry, with emotional scenes as partners exchanged vows and licenses, emphasizing the need for legal recognition of their relationships. The move marked a significant challenge to state laws, which at the time did not recognize same-sex marriages.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Iran Airtour Tu-154 Crash Near Khorramabad

February 12th, 2002 23 years ago

A Tupolev Tu-154 operated by Iran Airtour crashed in the mountains while approaching Khorramabad Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 119 people on board. The aircraft, a key player in Iran's domestic aviation, encountered difficulties during its descent, leading to the tragic accident. It highlighted the challenges faced by the aviation sector in mountainous regions and prompted discussions about air travel safety.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Slobodan Milošević's Trial Begins in The Hague

February 12th, 2002 23 years ago

The trial of Slobodan Milošević commenced at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, located in The Hague, Netherlands. This significant legal proceeding focused on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. Milošević, who had served as the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, became the first sitting head of state to stand trial for such serious international crimes. The trial attracted considerable media coverage and public attention globally, highlighting the complexities of international law and accountability.

Continue Reading