The African American community in the United States, like every other community in the world, has its peculiar issues and opportunities. Over the centuries of their lives and struggles in the US, they have been able to navigate challenges, aided by impactful organizations who have supported their causes through advocacy, activism, financial support, and intellectual leadership.
Some of these organizations provided legal and judicial representation to African American activists and protesters during the Civil Rights Movement while others continue to provide leadership in the areas of social justice and economic empowerment. And let’s not forget financial support for access to healthcare and education. As we celebrate Juneteenth week and the abolishment of slavery in the United States, here is a selection of five notable African American organizations you should know.
Check out 5 inspiring African American organizations to know…
#1. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is America’s largest and most widely recognized civil rights organization. It was created in 1909, when eruptions of horrific anti-black violence were commonplace in the US, and had aims to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th, Amendments to the United States Constitution. It was created on the promise to end slavery, provide equal protection of the law, and the right for all men to vote, respectively. Since its inception, the NAACP has, through the agency of democratic processes, worked to remove barriers to racial discrimination.
Among the Association’s original executives was the celebrated African American sociologist and thinker, W.E.B. Du Bois, who in 1910 established the acclaimed publication of the NAACP, The Crisis. Using legislative battles, published statistics, mass protests, and artistic materials, the NAACP brought about a drastic decline in lynching and an end to state-mandated segregation. It provided support to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, offering legal and judicial representation and aid to members of groups protesting against civil injustice. The NAACP continues to be vigilant in its mission to make real for all Americans the promise of their constitution.
#2. The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)
Founded in 1935 by the influential educator and activist, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune the National Council of Negro Women is a large and complex organization comprising 32 national women’s organizations and 300 campus/community-based sections whose mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent and their communities. Areas of support provided by the NCNW include the education of women, the promotion of healthcare access, and the promotion of civic engagement and advocacy for sound policy and social justice.
#3. National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW)
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women was born in the winter of 1970 when 24 black women in New York City led by Edna Beach started meeting in their homes to look into the root causes of the issues affecting them, their families, and their communities. But then it was known as “The Coalition of 100 Black Women.” Within a decade of its existence, it had over 500 members, and soon had a nationwide clamor to create a national coalition.
As a result, on October 24, 1981, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) was launched, with a mission to advocate on behalf of women of color through local and national actions and alliances that promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. The NCBW now has 62 chapters across the US and continues to advance its vision for black women and girls to live in a world where socioeconomic inequity does not exist. It’s one of the most prominent African American organizations you should certainly know.
#4. 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has a mission to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans and their communities. The concept of “The 100” originated in 1963 from a group of African American men concerned about how to improve the conditions of their community. It is now reputed to be America’s top African-American-led mentoring organization. The organization achieves that through mentoring, education, health & wellness, and economic empowerment. It shares the values of respect for family, spirituality, justice, and integrity to all its mentees.
#5. United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
Another African American organization to know is UNCF. Founded in 1944, the United Negro College Fund is America’s largest and most effective minority education organization whose goal is to help blacks get to and through college, through merit scholarships, financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, and emergency financial aid to community support.
The UNCF awards more than 10,000 scholarships, valued at more than $100 million, to students in over 1,100 schools across the US annually. It offers financial aid to 37 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In addition, it serves as America’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.
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