As part of our mission to build a coalition that prioritizes housing advocacy across the state, NCHC works to build relationships with advocates across a variety of sectors. In addition to highlighting partners, we often try to shine a light on local examples of work rooted in social justice and systemic change.
In honor of Black History Month, this month, we are highlighting the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and lifting up a local example from North Carolina – specifically, the Greensboro Chapter of the NAACP.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, was founded on February 12, 1909, after years of community leaders publicly coming together to fight the surge of anti-Black violence (particularly lynching) across the country. By 1913, with a strong emphasis on local organizing, NAACP had established branch offices in such cities as Boston, MA, Baltimore, MD, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, Washington, DC, and Detroit, MI. Initially, the organization’s top priorities included eradicating lynching–ironically, lynching has only recently become a classified federal hate crime through The Emmit Till Antilyncing Act, signed into law by President Biden in 2022. Since the Great Depression, the NAACP has prioritized many causes like voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and integrated public schools. Known as the nation’s largest and most widely recognized civil rights organization, the NAACP has been a beacon for systemic change and a leader in civil rights movements through the 1960s and continuing today.
To honor Black History Month, and to celebrate the work and accomplishments of Black Americans as a part of American history every day of the year, we thought it fitting to highlight the work of the NAACP Greensboro Branch, which is located in the city where the Sit-In Movement was born. The Greensboro Branch is dedicated to improving the political, educational, social, and economic status of minority groups; eliminating racial prejudice; keeping the public aware of adverse effects of racial discrimination; and taking lawful action to secure the elimination of racial discrimination. They actively engage with the Guilford County community through a variety of channels, including hosting impactful events, conducting direct actions, and developing political education programs. The Branch focuses on issues impacting the Black residents of Greensboro, striving to uplift voices that need to be heard and enact meaningful change. Top priorities for the Greensboro branch include voting rights and antidiscrimination in the electoral process; criminal justice reform; equitable and affordable housing; economic advancement in underserved communities; and fully-funded, equitable, and inclusive public schools.
NAACP President Kay Brown has led notable efforts to modernize the branch infrastructure and address critical issues like fair housing, policing reform, and fostering the involvement of young professionals in the Black community. In January of 2023, Kay Brown, with nearly a decade of experience in advocacy and community organizing, made history as the youngest woman to be elected President of the Greensboro chapter.
“As the President of the Greensboro NAACP Branch, I am honored to lead our dedicated community in the pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity. Our collective efforts have the power to create lasting change, and I am inspired by your unwavering support and commitment.” —Kay Brown, President of NAACP Greensboro
With the formation of an Affordable Housing subcommittee, Kay has designated a portion of the chapter’s work to housing advocacy, by focusing on advocating for tenants and low-income homeowners; and building a local coalition that empowers impacted communities and engages with policy-makers.
“We are fighting for immediate harms to be addressed, but also for long term sustainability and equity in housing. This is accomplished by co-governance, storytelling, advocating for impacted tenants, and building a collective fight to push policy where we can.” —Kay Brown, President of NAACP Greensboro
We at NCHC are excited to foster and support the housing work of NAACP in Greensboro, as well as build relationships with other NAACP chapters across the state.
To learn more about NAACP Greensboro, visit greensboronaacp.org.
If you are interested in becoming a Coalition partner or engaging more with us, contact our Director of Strategic Partnerships at aspinner@nchousing.org.
