How the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Began

by Mary White Ovington

"How the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Began" by Mary White Ovington is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the formation and early activities of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in response to racial injustices in the United States. It captures the socio-political climate of the time, particularly following the race riots in Springfield, Illinois, and provides insights into the activism that laid the groundwork for civil rights movements. In this detailed narrative, Ovington recounts her collaboration with key figures such as William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moskowitz, highlighting initial meetings that led to the NAACP's creation. The book emphasizes the urgency of the organization's mission as it sought to address deep-seated racial discrimination and advocate for civil rights. By organizing conferences, issuing calls for action, and partnering with prominent social reformers, the NAACP aimed to amplify the voices of African Americans and foster a society grounded in equality and justice. Ovington also reflects on the collective efforts, including establishing the publication of "The Crisis," which served as a platform for advocacy and discourse on racial issues.