The NAACP was founded in New York City in 1909. It was formed by W.E.B. Du Bois, other members from the failed Niagara Movement, and several liberal whites. Du Bois served as Director of Publications and Research and was the editor of the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis, until 1934.
The NAACP made getting out the word about the inequality of African Americans its primary focus. It engaged in lobbying activities, spoke out about important issues affecting blacks, and publicized issues through the press. In addition to these activities, the NAACP extended its fight to the courts. In 1915, it attacked a grandfather clause that was used against black voters in the South and in 1927 it challenged an all-white primary, and won in both instances.
From 1930 to 1955, Walter White served as secretary. In 1939, the organization started the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. Under the leadership of White the NAACP became a powerful force during the civil rights movement. In 1954, the NAACP’s legal council won a victory in Brown v. Board of Education when the U.S. Supreme Court declared that school segregation was unconstitutional.
The NAACP is still active in working toward equal rights, and in the 1970s it expanded its efforts around the world.
