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
​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:
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The elimination of lynching on a national level.
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Segregation in the Akron Schools.
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The increased presence of the KKK in Akron,
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Discriminatory practices and police brutality.
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Fair hiring practices in the local fire and police departments.
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Voter registration, information and mobilization by providing rides to the polls.
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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.
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