N.A.A.C.P. Day is observed annually on February 12. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.) is an American civil rights organization that was formed in 1909 as an interracial effort to promote justice for the black American populace. In the 21st century, the mission of the N.A.A.C.P. is “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” The N.A.A.C.P. engages in activities such as political lobbying, publicity efforts, and litigation strategies developed by the N.A.A.C.P. legal team. The group expanded its goals back in the late 20th century by treating issues affecting the African-American populace, such as police misconduct and brutality, the immigration status of black foreign refugees, and questions of economic development. The N.A.A.C.P., which retains its name per tradition, uses the once common term of ‘colored people,’ referring to individuals who have some African ancestry.
History of NAACP Day
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People or simply the N.A.A.C.P., was founded by white and black American activists, as a way of responding to the ongoing violence against African Americans around the country. It was established in New York City in February 1909, and it is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States of America. During the first few decades of the N.A.A.C.P., its anti-lynching campaign became a significant point in the organization’s agenda. During the civil rights era in the 1950s and 1960s, the N.A.A.C.P. secured major legal victories. Today they have over 2,200 branches and over half of a million members worldwide.
The foundation of the N.A.A.C.P. was partially in response to the 1908 Springfield race riot in Illinois during which two black men who were held in a Springfield jail for alleged crimes against white folks were secretly transferred to a jail in another city. This led to a white mob burning down 40 homes in Springfield’s black residential district, vandalizing local businesses, and ultimately murdering two African Americans. Some of the early members of the N.A.A.C.P. — which included individuals advocating for the extension of voting rights to more people, especially women, social workers, journalists, and labor reformers, among others — had been involved in a previous civil rights group known as the Niagara Movement, which was led by W.E.B. Du Bois, a sociologist, and writer.
In its charter, the N.A.A.C.P. promised the championing of equal rights and eradication of racial prejudice, as well as the advancement of the interest of colored citizens regarding voting rights, legal justice, and educational and employment opportunities. The N.A.A.C.P. has worked toward the achievement of its goals through the judicial system, lobbying, and peaceful protests. In 1910, the state of Oklahoma passed a constitutional amendment allowing people whose grandfathers had been eligible to vote in 1866 to register for voting without needing to pass a literacy test. This enabled illiterate whites to avoid taking the reading test while discriminating against illiterate black people, whose ancestors did not have a guaranteed right to vote in 1866, by requiring them to pass a test to vote. The law was challenged by the N.A.A.C.P. and won them a legal victory in 1915 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the constitutionality of the ‘grandfather clause’ in “Guinn v. United States.”
Today, the N.A.A.C.P. focuses on issues like inequality in jobs, education, health care, and the criminal justice system, as well as protecting the voting rights of colored people. They have also pushed for the removal of Confederate flags and statues from public property. One of their core focuses is helping Black students get access to great education, which is often blocked by economic obstacles. The N.A.A.C.P. works to overcome this by providing scholarships, and there are many organizations helping them do this. If you’re a student looking for funding, Scholaroo has a database of scholarships for Black students that may help.
NAACP Day timeline
The N.A.A.C.P. is established on February 12 by interracial activists.
On March 20, the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense and Educational fund is established by Thurgood Marshall.
The N.A.A.C.P. is instrumental in the advancement of the Civil Rights Act.
Medgar Evers, a member of the N.A.A.C.P., is assassinated in front of his home.
NAACP Day FAQs
What is the N.A.A.C.P?
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.) is an American civil rights organization. It was formed in 1909 as an interracial effort to promote justice for the black American populace.
Who founded the N.A.A.C.P?
The N.A.A.C.P. was founded by a group of white progressives and prominent African Americans, among whom were W.E.B. Dubois and Ida Wells.
How did the N.A.A.C.P. fight segregation?
The N.A.A.C.P. used federal courts to challenge racial segregation and disenfranchisement as well as fairness in job opportunities.
How to Observe NAACP Day
Do some reading
The history of the N.A.A.C.P. is rich with many important events that were pivotal to the progress of colored people today. For N.A.A.C.P. Day, you can simply do some reading up on its history.
Support Black-owned businesses
One of the ways to mark N.A.A.C.P. Day is to support a black-owned business or one that is run by a person or people of color. See what you can do on this day to contribute.
Donate to the N.A.A.C.P.
The N.A.A.C.P. is the foremost anti-racism organization and a very good way to honor N.A.A.C.P. Day is to support it with donations. This can be done through their website.
5 Important Facts About The N.A.A.C.P
It was an idea by white progressives
The N.A.A.C.P. came into existence as an effort of white progressives, in response to violence against black people.
Suggested by W.E.B. Dubois
African-American scholar W.E.B. Dubois suggested the eventual name of the N.A.A.C.P., intending to include people of all color.
The first headquarters were in New York
The first headquarters of the N.A.A.C.P. was in New York.
The N.A.A.C.P. helped reduce lynching
The practice of lynching was significantly curtailed in the decades following the establishment of the N.A.A.C.P.
Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt were members
Genius physicist Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt were both members of the N.A.A.C.P.
Why NAACP Day is Important
The N.A.A.C.P. fights for racial justice
The N.A.A.C.P. aims to fight against racial prejudice and injustice. We love this important cause!
They have contributed to civil rights
The N.A.A.C.P., in all its years of existence, has been a major contributor to modern civil rights. We honor this day in remembrance of this.
The N.A.A.C.P. is a policy influencer
The N.A.A.C.P. constantly works to influence policy to ensure the protection of the interests and the rights of colored people. What’s not to love?
NAACP Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 12 | Saturday |
| 2029 | February 12 | Monday |
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