National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Vancouver Branch records, 1914-1967

The Vancouver branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in 1945. In September of that year, NAACP officers were part of a special committee on housing (with the Vancouver Civil Unity League) which met with the Vancouver Housing Authority to discuss the partially segregated status of African American tenants in Vancouver. The discussion led to the creation of new housing policies which changed the pattern of semi-segregation, moving African American tenants into permanent public housing and demountables throughout the community. In the postwar period, the NAACP combined efforts with other regional civic organizations to improve job opportunities for African Americans. The Vancouver Branch continues to work towards its goals of securing equal job opportunities, eliminating racism, ensuring justice in the courts and ending mob violence and police brutality.