Chapter 24, Student Web Activities, Texas and Texans, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 24: A Changing Society
"Civil Rights"

Introduction
In 1911 the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded. Its participants agreed to work toward abolishing segregation, promoting equal education and civil rights under the protection of the law, and ending racial violence. Each state was encouraged to set up local NAACP branches. In this activity, you will learn more about the Texas NAACP and its history.

Destination Title: Texas NAACP

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Directions
Start at the Texas NAACP Web site.

On the left, click on History.
Now click on Texas NAACP History.
Read the information provided.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1. When and where was the state's first NAACP chapter established?

2. Why did the NAACP's national secretary, John Shillady, travel to Austin in 1919? What happened to him there?

3. What factors contributed to the NAACP's phenomenal growth during World War II?

4. Since the 1960s, on what issues have the Texas NAACP branches focused?

5. Do further research on a civil rights group or leader in Texas. Your selection may include A. Maceo Smith, Barbara Jordan, James Farmer, LULAC, the American GI Forum, Henry B. González, the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), or another person or group. Write a one-page report summarizing what contributions the person or group made toward civil rights. Use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation when writing your report.