Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was one of the earliest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States. The NAACP mission is to protect the rights of all people politically, socially, educationally, and economically and to eliminate race-based discrimination. During its early years, the NAACP focused on strategies to address the civil rights issues of the day. The organization helped create federal anti-lynching laws and systematically challenged state-sponsored segregation in public schools. In 1954, the NAACP's efforts led to the historical Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, in which the justices determined that “separate but equal” was unconstitutional. The NAACP also succeeded in lobbying for legislation that resulted in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Act.
 The "Silent Parade" in New York 1917, which was organized by the NAACP to protest the East St. Louis Riot against African Americans. |
 Replica of the 1920 flag displayed by the NAACP whenever a lynching occurred in the United States. |
Although many of the NAACP's biggest victories were over 50 years ago, they still spend a great deal of time lobbying Congress today. Like other successful lobbying groups, the NAACP has relied on normal lobbying practices to sway Congress--such things as meeting individually with members of Congress and committees, drafting bills, and drumming up support for its cause. Despite its strong fiscal backing through membership, the NAACP still relies on support at the grassroots level to influence legislators, and local chapters all over the country are vital in moving this effort forward. Today, the NAACP is focused on differences in economics, health care, education, voter empowerment, and the criminal justice system, besides also continuing its role as legal advocate for civil rights issues.
The NAACP has certainly had an important influence on the fight for civil rights--mainly because since its inception, the NACCP has been able to act decisively to defend the rights of its members throughout America. It has successfully garnered support from both blacks and whites and has represented a wide range of social service groups. Today, the NAACP is still a vital link that helps meet the diverse needs of African Americans. The NAACP’s support of social reform and civil rights has brought about sweeping policy changes that have reshaped life in America. Even though the NAACP is a century old, this organization is still the strongest national lobbying voice in American government.
Question
What important political changes came about from the NAACP's influence on government?
