History of National Association for Advancement of Colored People - Assignment Example

History of National Association for Advancement of Colored People Submitted by: Submitted to: Outline Introduction 1. NACCP is one of the leading organizations to fight for the rights of the colored people in US. Over the period of time, it has been able to pursue for achieving many rights for the blacks of America and has been instrumental behind the civil rights movement of the country. 2. However, it has now become a complacent organization with no longer serving the interest of poor blacks of the country. History of NACCP 1. NACCP was founded in Feb 1909 with philanthropic support from the White Population which was instrumental behind providing effective support to the black people. 2. The principle objectives of the association were to provide political, social as well as economical support to the already suppressed ethnic minority of the country Historical Achievements 1. The real struggle for the association begun with the Pink Franklin case 2. The struggle during 1945 to 1968 was mostly focused on fighting for the rights of minorities in courts and it is during this period that it has been able to achieve most in terms of achieving many rights for the blacks. Criticism 1. It is generally argued that the association generally takes a very liberal view of the issues which may not have any direct link with the civil rights or struggle for minorities. 2. Its position on many issues now clearly indicate its inclination towards those blacks who can otherwise compete on their own but are utilizing the platform of NACCP to achieve their own objectives against the backdrop of black civil rights Introduction National Association for advancement of Colored People is one of the oldest organizations in US which has played significant role in the advancement of colored people. A torch bearer of civil movement in the country, this association was founded in 1909 and now have more than 500,000 members across the US and World. Over the period of more than 100 years, NACCP proved itself as one of gross root level organization which is also supported by Whites who are willing to erase the racial injustice in the country. The major achievements of the association include a long struggle for achieving different rights for the colored people within US most importantly their right to vote as well as forcing Federal government to end discrimination against black people. What is so significant about the history of NACCP is its ability to mobilize almost every segment of the society to fight for the rights of the black people. This struggle not only includes the non-violent sit ups but also involved a consistent persuasion of the rights of the black people within the country. Its role during civil rights movement is one of its glorious periods despite the fact that it disagreed with Luther King on different aspects of the movement. This paper will attempt to discuss the history of NACCP and how it contributed towards the rights of black people. This paper however will also provide alternative views about the role and history of NACCP also. History of NACCP NACCP was founded in Feb 1909 with philanthropic support from the White Population which was instrumental behind providing effective support to the black people. This was done in order to ensure that the country provides racial justice to all its citizens regardless of the color. NACCP emerged as a result of the series of violent attempts on the black population and a group of whites most importantly, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz issued calls for the meeting to discuss the racial injustice that was prevailing within the country. In a more strict sense, it is therefore very interesting to note that NACCP is a brain child of some of the white individuals who were struggling for achieving more balanced and tolerant American society. One of the most important goals of the association was to achieve the equal rights for all the citizens of the country under various amendments of the constitution of the country which clearly provided equal rights to all the citizens of the country. This also included the abolition of slavery and allowing black people to live more descent and respectable life which was guaranteed under the constitution of the country. The principle objectives of the association were to provide political, social as well as economical support to the already suppressed ethnic minority of the country. However, NACCP principally agreed to achieve all its objectives through using democratic means based on non-violent movement to achieve the rights for minorities. Historical Achievements Most important historical achievements of the association include many achievements which distinguish it as one of the leading organizations for change. The real struggle for the association begun with the Pink Franklin case which though association lost but made it more resolute to utilize existing legal channels to bring in justice for the minorities. During 1913, association publically criticized President Woodrow Wilson for introducing segregation into the Federal Government which effectively widened the gap between the minority and majority of the country. It was the constant persuasion of the association that Wilson finally reverted back the lynching. Association also struggled to allow black African Americans to be commission as officers during the First World War. (historylearningsite.co.uk) The struggle during 1945 to 1968 was mostly focused on fighting for the rights of minorities in courts and it is during this period that it has been able to achieve most in terms of achieving many rights for the blacks. Probably its highest point came in when Rosa Park refused to give up her seat in a segregated bus and it was probably this event which formally started a very unique and successful movement for the blacks of America. The civil rights movement which unfolded after this event signaled the start of a new era in the history of US which finally ended with the election of Barrack Obama as the first African American President of the country. It is largely believed that it was only due to the struggle of NACCP that American blacks were able to get their voice heard. (NACCP) Criticism However, despite its achievements, there is also a constant degree of criticism which is levied against NACCP. It is generally argued that the association generally takes a very liberal view of the issues which may not have any direct link with the civil rights or struggle for minorities. Some of the issues which are extensively supported by the Association include protection of gay rights, feminist issues as well as its relationships with G.W. Bush administration. The organization therefore also now supposed to be no longer working effectively as an effective advocay organization.(Panepento) Another important historical fact that is emerging fast is the fact that NACCP has now became a stagnant organization with no lesson learned from its past. It is largely relying on its old glories and has failed to keep pace with the change. It is also accused of now shouldering with the Black elites and is considered as no longer working for the poor blacks. (Connerly). Its position on many issues now clearly indicate its inclination towards those blacks who can otherwise compete on their own but are utilizing the platform of NACCP to achieve their own objectives against the backdrop of black civil rights. Further it is now believed that the priorities of the black population have changed with the passage of time and most of them now are willing to consider wider national issues as more important than their old civil rights issues. This is why NACCP is now considered mostly as a complacent organization relying mostly on its glorious past. Bibliography 1. Connerly, Ward. "A Cosby Makeover." 2004. National Review. 29 April 2010 . 2. historylearningsite.co.uk. "NACCP." 2010. historylearningsite.co.uk. 29 April 2010 . 3. NACCP. "History." 2010. NACCP. 29 April 2010 . 4. Panepento, Peter. "NAACPs Board Comes Under Criticism." 2007. The Chronicle of Philanthropy. 29 April 2010 . Read More