NAACP

by Bethany, Grade 5

The NAACP is an organization that tried to end racism and segregation in American life. The NAACP fought for equal rights, so the people would have the right to vote, freedom to purchase property, to travel without being segregated, and to eat and visit public places without problems.

The NAACP was founded in 1909. Mary White Ovington was one of the founders of the NAACP. During the race riots, Mary wanted to stop people from segregating other people. Afterwards, Mary wrote a letter to have a meeting about having an organization. A new organization was formed, and called the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People.

In the 1950's, the NAACP's legal Defense and education Fund, headed by Thurgood Marshal and a lobbyist, secured the last of the goals for Brown vs. the Board of Education. In 1954 they won the case, which led to the outlawing of segregation in the public schools. As years went by, the NAACP grew. They also won the right for civil rights in the military, and for voting rights. They had help from celebrities, and opened many branches. They helped start programs for youth and women over the years.