NAACP Washington PA Branch And National Headquarters

By Jeffrey Murphy


In 1909, a bi-racial endeavor was formed to advance justice for African Americans. For, it was during this time that a group of forward thinking people began organizing what is now known as the National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People, an organization which now host a National Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland with branches all over the country, including the NAACP washington pa branch.

The primary mission of the association is to assure that all individuals, regardless of race, have the same economic, social, educational and political equality and rights as others. Whereas, it is hoped that focusing on this mission, race-based discrimination can be eliminated in its entirety. On a National scale, the organization participates in litigation strategies, publicity and political lobbying.

After an expansion in the 20th century, the association now also assists individuals when it comes to police misconduct, immigration and economic development. By including the term, colored people in the name of the association, the organization is continuing a long tradition while also being more inclusive of all those with African American ancestry or heritage. Considering that the founding members started with what was called a bi-racial endeavor, it is only fitting that this is the case.

The NAACP has six primary departments which include federal advocacy, education, economic opportunity, criminal justice, health and the department of environmental and climate justice. Each department within the organization serves a specific need in the community. As such, individuals in need of service can obtain professional focused attention on that particular area.

When it comes to African American youth, the NAACP is committed to creating happy, healthy and successful human beings. As a method of doing so, the association provides a competition with an Olympic style platform. The competition known as ACT-SO takes place over the course of a year and is intended to motivate, stimulate and reward African American high school students whom show cultural and academic achievement. For, the NAACP considers children of today, the adults of tomorrow.

There are 32 different categories in the competition which include the culinary arts, science, technology, math, humanities, business, performing and visual arts and video performance. To date, more than 300,000 have become involved in these competitions. Due to the success of the program, the association hopes to continue the program in the future for as long as funding remains available.

In addition to ACT-SO, while primarily focused on civil rights, the NAACP provides annual awards to African Americans in two different categories. These include, achievement in arts and entertainment and a Spingarn Medal which is awarded for outstanding achievement of any kind. As such, any African American of any age or gender can submit an achievement or list of achievements to the association in hopes of winning a medal.

Currently, the association is focused on several recent events including church burnings in the South and racists comments within the U. S. Government, including the President. In addition, the strong presence of White Supremacy which has returned since the 2016 election, while a tough challenge, is one which the association believes needs to be met head on. Even with these current issues, the association hopes that through a great deal of effort, organizing, planning, political lobbying and protests, equality for all people will some day come to pass.




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