Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Saint Paul, Minnesota Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of the Saint Paul Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and acknowledge their tremendous efforts to defend the ideals of justice and equality for all people. The origins of the Saint Paul NAACP are closely tied to those of the national organization, which is the oldest, largest and most recognized civil rights group in the country.
The NAACP was founded when civil rights leaders of the Niagara Movement were joined by others calling for justice following the Springfield, Illinois Race Riot of 1908. The Niagara Movement was founded by prominent black leaders including W.E.B. Du Bois and Minnesota’s own Frederick L. McGhee. Mr. McGhee was a Mississippi native who moved to Minnesota after law school, where he became the first African-American in Minnesota in history admitted to practice law. Involvement in law and politics propelled Mr. McGhee to the forefront of the civil rights movement as a champion of social equality, leading national efforts against racial discrimination and violence. Of the Niagara Movement, W.E.B. Du Bois said the honor of founding the organization belonged to Mr. McGhee, who first suggested it. After just the second meeting of the Niagara Movement, Mr. McGee returned home to Minnesota and helped organize a civil rights protection and advocacy group in the Twin Cities. By 1913, Saint Paul members of this group called to order the first meeting of what became the capitol city’s own NAACP branch. Thus, the Saint Paul NAACP was born.
During the 100 years since it was founded, the Saint Paul NAACP has produced nationally influential leaders like Roy Wilkins, who served as the National Executive Director from 1955-1977. Under Wilkins’ direction during the turbulent Civil Rights era, the NAACP boldly investigated brutality, murder, segregation, discrimination and fought to end the suppression of minority voters at the ballot box. True to its origins, the Saint Paul NAACP continues to focus on economic disparities, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system as it advocates for social justice and the inclusion of all citizens in the democratic process, regardless of racial, ethnic or religious lines.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the courageous and honorable work of the Saint Paul NAACP as staff and the many volunteers who make it a success celebrate its 100th anniversary.