Precisely 106 years ago, a daring group of activists from all races united to rid America of social, educational, political and economic inequality. This union was called the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It was formed partly in response to the ongoing lynchings and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois.
A group of white liberals including Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villard, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, issued a call to meet regarding racial justice. W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells and seven other African Americans signed the call, which was released on the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Aligning with Du Bois’ Niagara Movement in 1905, the NAACP’s goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments of the United States Constitution, promising an end to slavery, equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage. This formation of the NAACP impacted not only African-American history, but set an imprint in American history.
[WATCH: NAACP Celebrates 106 Years of Service in Fight for Equality and Freedom]
Today, the NAACP continues to advocate for the needs of black people, whether eliminating barriers for those formerly incarcerated or partnering with local schools to combat childhood obesity. The organization has over ten active platforms to aid in its dedication to justice.