History of the Pennsylvania State Conference
Established in 1934
The Pennsylvania State Conference for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has been in existence for over 70 years. Before outlining its history it may be well to briefly review some of the events and incidents leading to its formation.
The Parent organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in 1909 as a national, bi-racial organization to help eliminate social injustices. In 1911, the NAACP was incorporated as a nonprofit membership organization supported by its members and other organizations. The basic purpose of the NAACP is to fight racial discrimination by assisting in legal cases, and by affirming legal action in establishing the principle of law.
The NAACP is engaged in improving the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups, eliminating racial prejudices; keeping the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination; and taking all lawful actins to eliminate such discrimination.
The Pennsylvania State Conference of NAACP Branches supports these goals and objectives of the national office and also coordinates the supporting efforts of local branches through out the State.
The initial beginning of the Pennsylvania State Conference of NAACP Branches was in a residence on Juniata Street in Holidaysburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania. This was the residence of Dr. George A. Walker and his wife Agnes. There were nine people in the initial meeting. Among this group was Mrs. Daisy Lampkin of Pittsburgh, who was the NAACP Field Director, member of the NAACP National Board and Vice President of the Pittsburgh courier Newspaper. Others present were Dr. and Mrs. George A. Walker, Mrs. Sophie B. Nelson, a school teacher and civil rights work from Pittsburgh, Charles R. Brown, a postal worker from Holidaysburg, John G. Jones of Pittsburgh, Dr. James A. Gillespie and John B. Campbell both of New Castle.
Mr. Lampkin was a key person at this meeting. She outlined the duties and responsibilities of the State Conference, explained organizational procedures and made suggestions about how the State Conference could assist the National Office in achieving the objectives of the Association.
After the meeting Mrs. Walker served dinner to all nine of the attendees. Before leaving, the group formed a circle, joined hands and sang “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”. For many years, following this meeting, this song was sung at the close of each convention along with holding hands and repeating the “Watch Word” “May the Lord watch between me and you while we are absent one from another”.
Since its inception, 16 persons have served as President of the State Conference. The first was Mrs. Sophia B. Nelson of Pittsburgh and the continuing list is as follows:
Dr. James A. Gillespie - Holidaysburg
Dr. George A. Walker - Pittsburgh
Charles A. Brown - Holidaysburg
Dr. Harry Green - Philadelphia
Joshua O. Thompson - Ambler
Dr. Burrell R. Johnson - Johnstown
Attorney Henry R. Smith - Pittsburgh
Louis E. Waller - Washington
Dr. Fred L. Vaughns - Uniontown
Dr. Charles H. Butler - Coatesville
*Thomas A. Smith, Jr. - Johnstown
Richard P. Burton, Sr. - Allentown
Charles T. Stokes - Pittsburgh
John Shelton, Sr. - Chester
Atty. Burrell A. Brown - Clairton
*Thomas A. Smith Jr. - Bethlehem
*Elected twice to serve as President of the State Conference.
Among the early objectives of the organization were to support the National Office in its efforts to end injustice and bigotry throughout the nation, secure voting rights for all citizens and put an end to mob violence and lynching. On the state level emphasis was placed on organizing new local branches, securing fair housing and fair employment, practice legislation, and banish the twin evils of segregation and discrimination. These goals have been constant through out the life of the organization. However, the agenda has always been flexible and its activities geared to urgent needs and the changing fortunes of time.