Newberry Observer

Getting involved with Newberry NAACP

History of NAACP:

The NAACP was formed partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and resting place of President Abraham Lincoln. Appalled at the violence that was committed against the African American community, a group of white liberals that included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, both the descendants of abolitionists, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz issued a call for a meeting to discuss racial justice. Some 60 people, seven of whom were African American (including W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell), signed the call, which was released on the centennial of President Lincoln’s birth.

Echoing the focus of Du Bois’ Niagara Movement began in 1905, the NAACP’s stated goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law and universal adult male suffrage, respectively.

Since the establishment of this great organization in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. It’s more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization.

The Mission:

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

Newberry County Branch of NAACP:

The Newberry County Branch of NAACP covers the entire county of Newberry. We are here to address the issues that are pertinent in our community. We believe that all children should have an adequate education whether it’s public, private, or homeschool. We believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity in joining the workforce whether it’s here in Newberry County or elsewhere. The Newberry County Branch of NAACP believes it is important to build strong and healthy relationships with our local government and law enforcement officials. The NAACP continues to bridge the gap between our older/younger generations. We understand that we must continue to set the example for our young people to grow and be successful leaders in our community.

The Newberry County Branch of NAACP meets every second Monday of the month at 7:00PM. The meeting location is located at St. Matthews Baptist Church on 61 Boundary Street. We encourage you to join this great organization and be a part of our ongoing efforts to ensure equality for all citizens here in Newberry County. Our yearly membership dues are $30.00 per person. If you are interested or may have further questions, please contact the Newberry County Branch President Carlton Kinard at (803) 271-3767 or Carlton.Kinard@gmail.com.

UNITED WE STAND!

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Carlton Kinard

Contributing Columnist

Carlton Kinard is the Newberry County Branch President of the NAACP. He can be reached at (803) 271-3767 or Carlton.Kinard@gmail.com.