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NAACP Mission Statement

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

NAACP Vision Statement

The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.

Our Story

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​The Akron NAACP is an advocacy organization that advocates for the underserved that typically don't have a voice while securing civil rights for members of the Akron community. We provide community educational, health, youth, and housing support. We work with the community to make it better and more inclusive. 

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The Akron Chapter of the NAACP was formed in 1917 by a group of more than fifty individuals focused on the elimination of lynching. Mr. "Cap" Herring was elected the first president of the NAACP Akron branch. The local chanter was organized at Wesley Temple in Akron and in 1918, the NAACP Akron chapter became nationally chartered.

 

The Local branch developed strategies to assist the national office in its efforts to eliminate lynchings. Through the years the Akron Branch of the NAACP worked tirelessly to promote civil rights objectives. The all-volunteer organization addressed the following issues:

  • The elimination of lynching on a national level.

  • Segregation in the Akron Schools.

  • The increased presence of the KKK in Akron,

  • Discriminatory practices and police brutality.

  • Fair hiring practices in the local fire and police departments.

  • Voter registration, information and mobilization by providing rides to the polls.

  • Quality education for all students.

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Over the 100 years, a cadre of leaders supported an agenda of equality of rights for all the citizens of Akron, especially African Americans. The dedication and perseverance of the 28 presidents and hundreds of members ensures the life of the organization for another 100 years.

NAACP Goals

Economic Stability 

Every person will have an equal opportunity to achieve economic success, sustainability, and financial security.

Education

Every child will receive a free, high-quality, equitably funded, public pre-K and K-12 education followed by diverse opportunities for accessible, affordable vocational or university education.

Health

Everyone will have equal access to affordable, high-quality health care, and racially disparate health outcomes will end.

Public Safety & Criminal Justice

Disproportionate incarceration, racially motivated policing strategies, and racially biased, discriminatory, and mandatory minimum sentencing will end. Incarceration will be greatly reduced and communities will be safer. The death penalty will be abolished at the state and federal level, as well as in the military.

Voting Rights & Political Representation

Everyone will have equal access to affordable, high-quality health care, and racially disparate health outcomes will end.

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Past Akron NAACP Presidents

1917

Mr. “Cap” Herring

 

1918

Rev. James H. McMullen

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1921

Atty. Samuel T. Kelly

 

1928

Atty. Artee Fleming

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1930

Atty. Emmet Lancaster

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1932

Mr. Hosea Lindsey

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1936

Mr. Samuel Shepard

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1940

Mr. Leon Gordie

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1944

Rev. U.S. Munnerlyn

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1948

Atty. Samuel Dashiel

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1955

Mrs. Esther Spruill

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1957

Rev. William Upshaw

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1959

Dr. Wilfred Bozeman

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1961

Mr. Willis Shaw

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1963

Rev. Charles Talbert

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1965

Miss Mary Holmes

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1969

Atty. Edwin Parms

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1971

Mrs. Helen Arnold

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1973

Mr. William McMillan

 

1975

Mr. James Turner

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1977

Rev. G. Lincoln Cadell

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1979

Mr. Cazzell Smith Sr.

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1983

Mr. Marco Sommerville  

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1985

Mr. Samuel Shepard

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1987

Atty. John Sharp

 

1989

Rev. Frederick Zak

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1992

Mrs. Ophelia Averitt

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2014 - Present

Mrs. Judi Hill

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