NAACP branch activities 1912-1923 and datatase of branches 1912-1964
by Josue Estrada and James Gregory
These maps and databases supplement the introductory NAACP maps, providing fuller information about branch activities, officers, and membership. The first map shows branch activities in the first decade and a half, up to 1923. The activity reports are from NAACP Branch Bulletins and Branch Directories. In addition, here are maps and searchable databases of branches, officers, and membership numbers for all available years 1912-1964. (See introduction about NAACP and additional maps and data). The maps are hosted by Tableau Public and may take a few seconds to respond. If slow, refresh the page.
Move between six maps and charts below
Sources:N.A.A.C.P. Annual Reports; The Branch Bulletin, and branch directories. Most are available in digital copies from Hathi Trust. Some are from ProQuest History Vault Papers of the NAACP.
Research and data compilation: Josue Estrada, Arianne Hermida
Here are six charts and maps showing the growth in membership and the spread of NAACP branches. Detailed membership numbers for individual chapters are shown for selected years. Charts show the changing regional distribution of branches.
In its early years, The Crisis, the NAACP’s monthly magazine edited by W.E.B Du Bois, sought to survey events of significance in African American communities across America. In a regular feature, initially called "Along the Color Line," Du Bois culled news from correspondents and published more than 100 short news reports each month under headings that included education, industry, political, church, military, personal, social uplift, and music and art. Here we map and display more than 1,800 entries published in 1916 and 1917. They provide a sampling of activities in several hundred Black communities during those pivotal years and tell us even more about what Du Bois’ wanted NAACP members to know about those activities..
