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NAACP - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People:
Founded in 1909, it was basedon the ideas of W.E.B. DuBois; he was intensely concerned
with and committed to the attainment of justice and equality for African Americans. He
was an extremely important man because he set the direction and methods of the NAACP.
He also put an emphasis on political and legal power.
National Urban League: Founded in 1910 for the purpose of leading negroes into an urban way of life. They were an effective bridge between white and black communities. The League played down rcial hostility and relied more on economic appeals and white self interest. The League has been called the State Department of race relations. This was because of their demeanor and dress. Neither the NAACP not the National Urban League were revolutionary groups. They both believed that major changes could be made in the status of the negro by working the American democratic system. They just wanted all the rights and privileges given to whites given to blacks also.
CORE - Congress of Racial Equality: Founded in 1942 they emphasized direct action against the various forms of racial segregation. They were the first group to use the sit-in technique. This was also the first group to use non-violent activism.
SCLC - Southern Christian Leadership Conference: Founded in 1957 and headed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this was the first Civil Rights group to start in the South. This group also adopted the method of non-violence. They played a major part in the Southern movement by coordinating various marches and sit-ins.
SNCC - Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee: Organized by students in 1960, they used direct assertive defiance and resistance. They were non-violent in action but were militant in spirit. By their actions they helped bring new life to other groups like CORE, NAACP, and SCLC by nudging them toward a more direct action agenda.
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