Chapel Hill - Carrboro NAACP 75th Diamond Anniversary

Save the Date
October 2022
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Honor the past.
Build the future.

This year we commemorate and celebrate the establishment, endurance and achievements of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Our Diamond Anniversary gala and supporting events will recognize our branch’s history while also keeping our eyes on the future of justice and equality.

Newspaper announcement of first branch meeting

Branch Beginnings

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the NAACP first convened on October 23, 1947, at what is now called the Hargraves Center. Among the first officers elected by members was A.D. Clark, president and eventual namesake of the swimming pool at Hargraves; as well as a future town council member, Hubert Robinson; a beloved teacher, Ruth Pope; and a future small business owner, Lucy Edwards.

The early meetings of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP 75 years ago took place at a rotation of meaningful locations: the Community Center (now called Hargraves), Saint Joseph CME Church, First Baptist Church (then Rock Hill Baptist), and Second Baptist Church.

Journey of Reconciliation historical marker

The Fight Continues

Nineteen forty-seven was a time of tension and change in America. Especially in the South. Chapel Hill was no different. Black American soldiers were coming back from fighting a war against oppression and genocide in Europe, where they personally experienced better treatment than they were used to, only to return to familiar racial tyranny here at home.

Before our NAACP branch opened, there were other advocacy groups, such as the Negro Civil Club in the era of the branch’s beginning, and there would be many more over the next 75 years, including today, that continue to fight alongside us. That spirit has always lived among our community.

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Events

Oct
08

Umoja Read-In

Join us at 4 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Public Library to celebrate the culture, cuisine and literature of the African Diaspora! This special unity event will feature readings, song and spoken word related to or written by descendants of the African Diaspora.
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oct
15

Freedom Journey with UNC Health

From Lincoln Center to Hargraves Community Center, join in a light fellowship walk or bicycle ride of the town’s Black historical sites. Hear insightful storytelling and enjoy heartfelt singing as we commemorate the celebration. Begins at 9 a.m., “drizzle or shine.”
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OCT
22

75th Anniversary Gala

Celebratory dinner and dancing (attire: “after 5” semi-formal)featuring renowned local band Liquid Pleasure and special guest host Phil Ford. Join in saluting the contributions of the branch over the years and the role it continues to play in the creating a community where all can thrive.
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oct
23

Founding Day

Gather to commemorate the exact date and location of the branch’s organizational meeting. Led by members of local faith communities, we acknowledge that the branch was Founded in Faith, honor that past and look at our collective role in shaping the future.
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Featured Gala Guests

Headshot of Phil Ford
Phil Ford – Host
College Basketball Hall of Fame Tar Heel basketball legend
Photo of Liquid Pleasure band
Liquid Pleasure – Music
Chapel Hill-based band that’s been rocking for four decades

Celebrate With Us

We invite you to attend our 75th anniversary diamond gala and continue supporting the branch’s mission. Attire is semi-formal or “after 5.”

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About the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.
Our branch advocacy addresses issues related to education equity, labor and economic disparities, voting rights, housing opportunity, health care, and environmental and criminal justice. You can more about our branch and the work its various committees do in the community by visiting our website.