NAACP Previous Presidents

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has a rich history that spans over a century, with numerous presidents who have played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission and direction. From its inception in 1909 to the present day, the NAACP has been led by a diverse group of individuals who have worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and social justice for African Americans.

One of the earliest presidents of the NAACP was Moorfield Storey, a white lawyer from Massachusetts who served from 1909 to 1929. Storey’s leadership was marked by a commitment to challenging racial segregation and discrimination through the courts. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the NAACP’s future successes, including the landmark case of Buchanan v. Warley, which struck down residential segregation ordinances in 1917.

Following Storey’s tenure, Joel Elias Spingarn, a Jewish-American professor and educator, took the helm from 1929 to 1939. Spingarn’s presidency was marked by a significant expansion of the NAACP’s membership and activities, including the establishment of the organization’s first national office in New York City. He also played a key role in promoting the work of African American artists and writers, including Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.

The 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of Walter Francis White, a charismatic leader who served as president from 1931 to 1955. White’s tenure was marked by a series of significant victories, including the desegregation of the armed forces and the overturning of segregation in public transportation. He was also a key figure in the development of the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which would go on to argue landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education.

Roy Wilkins, a veteran civil rights activist, took over as president in 1955 and served until 1977. Wilkins’ leadership was marked by a continued focus on desegregation and voting rights, as well as a growing emphasis on economic empowerment and social justice. He played a key role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and was a close advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson on matters related to civil rights.

Benjamin L. Hooks, a prominent minister and civil rights leader, served as president from 1977 to 1992. Hooks’ tenure was marked by a renewed focus on economic development and self-help initiatives, as well as a continued commitment to social justice and human rights. He was a vocal critic of apartheid in South Africa and played a key role in promoting international cooperation on human rights issues.

Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, took over as president in 1995 and served until 1998. Evers-Williams’ leadership was marked by a renewed focus on women’s empowerment and family issues, as well as a continued commitment to social justice and civil rights. She played a key role in promoting the NAACP’s work on education and economic development, and was a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

Kweisi Mfume, a former congressman and civil rights leader, served as president from 1996 to 2004. Mfume’s tenure was marked by a significant expansion of the NAACP’s membership and activities, including the establishment of new programs and initiatives focused on education, health, and economic empowerment. He was a vocal critic of racial profiling and police brutality, and played a key role in promoting the NAACP’s work on voting rights and civic engagement.

Bruce S. Gordon, a veteran business executive and civil rights leader, took over as president in 2005 and served until 2007. Gordon’s leadership was marked by a renewed focus on economic empowerment and self-help initiatives, as well as a continued commitment to social justice and civil rights. He played a key role in promoting the NAACP’s work on education and healthcare, and was a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

Benjamin Todd Jealous, a prominent civil rights leader and former director of the NAACP’s Jackson, Mississippi office, served as president from 2008 to 2013. Jealous’ tenure was marked by a significant expansion of the NAACP’s membership and activities, including the establishment of new programs and initiatives focused on voting rights, education, and economic empowerment. He was a vocal critic of racial profiling and police brutality, and played a key role in promoting the NAACP’s work on social justice and human rights.

Cornell William Brooks, a veteran civil rights leader and minister, took over as president in 2014 and served until 2017. Brooks’ leadership was marked by a continued focus on social justice and human rights, as well as a renewed emphasis on community empowerment and self-help initiatives. He played a key role in promoting the NAACP’s work on voting rights, education, and economic development, and was a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

Derrick Johnson, a veteran civil rights leader and former president of the NAACP’s Mississippi state conference, has served as president since 2017. Johnson’s tenure has been marked by a continued focus on social justice and human rights, as well as a renewed emphasis on community empowerment and self-help initiatives. He has played a key role in promoting the NAACP’s work on voting rights, education, and economic development, and has been a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

Throughout its history, the NAACP has been led by a diverse group of individuals who have worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and social justice for African Americans. From its early days under the leadership of Moorfield Storey to the present day under the leadership of Derrick Johnson, the NAACP has remained committed to its core mission of ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all people.