NAACP

Definition

The NAACP, or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a civil rights organization founded in 1909 to fight for racial equality and justice in the United States. This organization played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of African Americans, especially during the Harlem Renaissance, as it sought to combat racial discrimination and promote social change through legal challenges, political activism, and cultural engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NAACP was established by a diverse group of individuals, including both black and white leaders, highlighting a collaborative effort toward racial justice.
2. One of the NAACP's most notable achievements was its legal strategy in cases like Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of public schools.
3. During the Harlem Renaissance, the NAACP was instrumental in promoting African American artists and writers, providing platforms for their work to reach broader audiences.
4. The organization's magazine, 'The Crisis,' was a key publication during this time, showcasing African American literature, art, and political commentary.
5. The NAACP's advocacy efforts contributed to the larger Civil Rights Movement, laying groundwork for later activism in the 1950s and 1960s.

Review Questions

• How did the NAACP influence the cultural landscape during the Harlem Renaissance?
  • The NAACP played a vital role in promoting African American culture during the Harlem Renaissance by supporting artists and writers through initiatives like publishing their works in 'The Crisis.' This not only provided a platform for black creatives but also helped raise awareness about racial issues within broader American society. Their advocacy encouraged a celebration of African American identity that was integral to the cultural flourishing of the Harlem Renaissance.
• Discuss the strategies employed by the NAACP to combat racial discrimination in the early 20th century.
  • The NAACP utilized a multi-faceted approach to tackle racial discrimination. It engaged in legal battles against unjust laws, advocated for civil rights legislation, organized peaceful protests, and raised public awareness about racism. This strategic combination allowed the organization to challenge systemic inequalities effectively and laid a foundation for future civil rights activism.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the NAACP's efforts on subsequent civil rights movements in America.
  • The NAACP's efforts had a profound and lasting impact on subsequent civil rights movements in America. By laying essential groundwork through legal challenges, political lobbying, and cultural advocacy, they inspired later activists during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The organization's legacy includes significant legal victories and a continued commitment to fighting racial injustice, demonstrating its integral role in shaping America's approach to civil rights over decades.

Related terms

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement in the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, leading to significant legal and societal changes.

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural and artistic movement during the 1920s that celebrated African American culture, fostering creativity and intellectual exchange in literature, music, and art.

Plessy v. Ferguson: An 1896 Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which the NAACP worked to overturn through legal challenges.