Founded February 12, 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s foremost, largest, and most widely recognized civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, leading grassroots campaigns for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization.

Heading into the 21st century, the NAACP is focused on disparities in economics, healthcare, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system while also continuing its role as legal advocate for civil rights issues.

While much of the NAACP is chronicled in books, articles, pamphlets and magazines, the true movement lies in the faces-the diverse multiracial army of ordinary women and men from every walk of life, race and class-united to awaken the consciousness of a people and a nation. The NAACP will remain vigilant in its mission until the promise of America is made real for all Americans.