WHO WE ARE
Mission
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) exists to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
Since its inception, the Vancouver Branch has continued its efforts to improve equality and justice in our community. Wherever there is a need, we are there to advocate for equal treatment and justice for all people. Our successes are in-part due to collaboration with and the support of like-minded individuals and organizations in our community who share our dream and goal; a world where the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is the accepted rather then exceptional.
CHAPTER 1139
A Distinct Identity
The Vancouver Washington branch began serving the community in 1945. World War II and better paying jobs in the shipyards of Vancouver and Portland brought about the single largest increase in Vancouver's black population. After the war, many black families decided to stay here seeking the American Dream of upward mobility through jobs, housing and education. Branch 1139 was founded to combat and eradicate the racial discrimination that confronted these citizens in their pursuit of that dream.
