OUR HISTORY

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909 by a multiracial group activist and interested citizens. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States. The NAACP is committed to non-violence and relies upon the press, the petition, the ballot, and the courts, even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility.

Manchester, New Hampshire Branch #2069 was established in 1964 by a group of Black and white citizens who believed in the democratic process to ensure equal opportunity for all. The organization was founded at a time in the history of New Hampshire when the minority population was very small. Residents of African descent were subjected to the typical social practices current at that time. As the nascent Civil Rights movement was emerging in the South, the New Hampshire Union Leader became a vocal opponent; however, the Manchester NAACP founders believed that the principles of freedom and democracy were not limited by race, creed or color. They came together to form a chapter of the NAACP, the premier civil rights organization of the day, as a beacon of support for brotherhood and civil rights.

In its 55-year history, the leadership and membership of the organization has been a testament to the diversity of Manchester, New Hampshire. Branch activities have included housing and employment discrimination programs, college preparation workshops and support for the passage of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. state holiday. Individuals of every age, race, religion and creed have been members of the Manchester Branch. Despite the challenges faced by members, Branch #2069 has been chartered for 55 years continuously. We continue to carry on the tradition of the largest and oldest, the best and boldest civil rights organization in America.

To achieve equity, political rights and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise
their civil and human rights without discrimination.

The following statement of objectives is found on the first page of the NAACP Constitution—the principal objectives of the Association shall be:

• To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens
• To achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States
• To remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes
• To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights
• To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination
• To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’s Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution.

The Crisis has been the national NAACP's official magazine throughout its history.  (Now also online at https://www.thecrisismagazine.com/.)  Some issues are available online:

• A few modern issues have been distributed freely
• Very early issues at the Modernist Journal Project
• April, 1942 issue at HathiTrust
• Most issues from the twentieth century and early twenty-first century are available here and here at Google Books

You can subscribe at the web site above or read the latest issue of The Crisis at your local library!

Roy Ottoway Wilkins (executive secretary of the national NAACP, 1955-1977) predicts the Senate passage of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which had survived the House in February, while speaking at the chartering ceremonies for the Manchester NAACP at Saint Anselm College.

Attorney Winthrop Wadleigh was the first president of Manchester Branch #2069.  He was also involved with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) throughout his career and his name had appeared in connection with the (ultimately unsuccessful) 1944 Korematsu v. United States attempt to oppose the World War II confinement of American citizens in camps.

Read More about the Civil Rights Act of 1964

• National Parks Service entry
• Gerald Rosenberg, "The 1964 Civil Rights Act: The Crucial Role of Social Movements in the Enactment and Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Law," 49 Saint Louis University Law Journal 1147 (2004)