The primary mission of the association is to assure that all individuals, regardless of race, have the same economic, social, educational and political equality and rights as others. Whereas, it is hoped that focusing on this mission, race-based discrimination can be eliminated in its entirety. On a National scale, the organization participates in litigation strategies, publicity and political lobbying.
While the group expanded the mission in the 20th century by considering such issues as economic development, black foreign refugees, and police misconduct, the organization retained its original title in keeping with tradition. By including the once common term, colored people, the organization is referring to anyone with African ancestry and heritage. After all, the founding members indicated the association was a bi-racial endeavor.
The NAACP has six primary departments which include federal advocacy, education, economic opportunity, criminal justice, health and the department of environmental and climate justice. Each department within the organization serves a specific need in the community. As such, individuals in need of service can obtain professional focused attention on that particular area.
The NAACP has not forgotten the African American youth of America. For, the association provides a competition over the course of a year in which youth can compete in a number of different categories. Styled after the Olympic games and known as ACT-SO, the purpose is to encourage, inspire, stimulate and motivate high school students of African American descent through different types of competition.
ACT-SO includes thirty two divisions in science, technology, engineering, math, the humanities, business, performing arts, visual arts and culinary arts. To date, over three-hundred thousand youth have participated in the program since its inception. The purpose of ACT-SO continues to be to prepare, recognize and reward people of African descent who display academic and artistic excellence.
The association also gives out two awards on an annual basis, these include a Spingarn Medal which is awarded for outstanding achievement in any area and an achievement in arts and entertainment award. All African Americans are eligible to compete for these awards when having met the requirements to submit an application.
Currently, the association is focused on several recent events including church burnings in the South and racists comments within the U. S. Government, including the President. In addition, the strong presence of White Supremacy which has returned since the 2016 election, while a tough challenge, is one which the association believes needs to be met head on. Even with these current issues, the association hopes that through a great deal of effort, organizing, planning, political lobbying and protests, equality for all people will some day come to pass.
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