National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP)

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was formed at a tumultuous moment. Savage racism, race riots, social Darwinism, and eugenics all conspired to classify African Americans as biologically inferior to whites. The efforts of enlightened whites had failed to elevate the status of African Americans, and black activists had little success. The time had come for an interracial organization committed to advancing civil rights and economic opportunity for African Americans. The NAACP would be that organization. With the leadership of blacks and whites and philanthropy from white elites, the organization sought to overcome the evils of racism. Although the pursuit of civil rights has figured prominently in many accounts of the NAACP, it has also been important in advocating economic justice ...