OUR MISSION
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
The following statement of objectives is found on the first page of the NAACP Constitution – the principal objectives of the Association shall be:
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To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens
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To achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States
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To remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes
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To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights
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To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination
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To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’s Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution.
OUR HISTORY
The Oneonta-area branch of the NAACP was established in 1993 in response to a nationally publicized incident of racial profiling. After an attempted burglary was reported in the city, dozens of male college students were interrogated because their names were provided to local police who assumed they were suspects or informants solely on the basis of their race. That controversial incident was referred to as “the Black List” . The first president when the chapter was created was Dr. Grace Jones, a college administrator. Next, Lee Fisher, a widely respected secondary teacher and coach served as president. Currently, Michelle Osterhoudt, superintendent of the Margaretville Central School district, is president.
The Oneonta branch is the only civil rights organization in this area. The chapter was a prime mover in efforts to visit and defend Islamberg, a Muslim, African American community in the region that was threatened by extremists. The chapter responds to individuals who report or allege to be victims of discrimination. It has also been active in organizing and participating in rallies demonstrating solidarity with victims of violence in places such as Orlando, St. Paul, Dallas, and elsewhere.
The chapter meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm. At the moment, meetings are held online via zoom. Newcomers are welcome. Please email oneontanaacpzoom@gmail.com to receive the link and join the organization to receive our weekly news bulletin/announcements.