National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention Collection, July 1949

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Summary

Creators:
Unknown
Abstract:
This collection contains black and white photographs taken by an unknown photographer – most likely a delegate – to the 40th annual National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention held in Los Angeles, California, from July 12-17, 1949. Approximately 500 delegates from over 40 states attended the annual conference of America's oldest civil rights organization. Most photos are informal snapshots depicting the convention's opening and closing sessions; also included are a few professionally taken group photos of participants.
Extent:
1 box
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention Collection, July 1949, Special Collections, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention Collection contains primarily amateur black and white photographs taken by an unknown attendee--most likely a delegate--who was present at the 40th annual National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Convention held in Los Angeles from July 12-17, 1949. There are also a few professionally taken group photos as well.

Approximately 500 delegates from over 40 states were in attendance. Post-World War II Los Angeles was an up and coming city, experiencing continued economic and population growth as well as a rise in its national influence. Along with international, national and local leaders, the attendees advocated for the advancement of civil rights in the United States, particularly working on behalf of the rights of African-Americans. Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is America's oldest civil rights organization with a longstanding mission "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination."

The opening session took place at the Second Baptist Church, 2412 Griffith Ave., in South Central Los Angeles. This building was designed by Norman F. Marsh in association with black architect Paul R. Williams and the church has figured prominently in the African-American civil rights movement. The closing ceremony of the conference was held in the Hollywood Bowl and included a musical program. Keynote speakers during the 5-day convention included United Nations statesman Dr. Ralph Bunche; Roy Wilkins, secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; actor, writer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson; Virgin Islands Gov. William H. Hastie.

In addition to images of the official sessions of the convention, the collection includes assorted snapshots of places of interest around the Los Angeles environs including the Long Beach skyline and the beachside Cyclone Racer roller coaster ride; the Lincoln Theatre, located on South Central Avenue, designed by architect John Paxton Perrine and which was at one time a Negro movie house; street shots of Los Angeles neighborhoods, including South Central.

The provenance, or original organization, of the papers has been preserved for the most part.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention Collection, July 1949 is divided into one series:

1. Photographs, July 1949

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention Collection, July 1949, is housed in 1 box.

Sources

Berger, Robert. Sacred Spaces: Historic Houses of Worship in the City of Angels. Glendale, CA: Balcony Press, 2003.

"Medal Presented Bunche At Rally; 'Bell Has Tolled for Colonial Rule,' U.N. Mediator Tells National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Convention." Los Angeles Times 18 Jul 1949: A-1.

Mullio, Cara and Jennifer M. Volland. Long Beach Architecture: the Unexpected Metropolis. Santa Monica, CA: Hennessey & Ingalls, 2004.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. http://www.naacp.org/

"National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Secretary Puts Nation First; Speaker Differs With Paul Robeson Views in Citing Negro Demands for Civil Rights." Los Angeles Times 13 Jul 1949: 22.

"National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will Open Convention in City Today." Los Angeles Times 12 Jul 1949: 2.

"New Lincoln Theater will Open Friday." Los Angeles Times 5 Oct. 1927: A-9.

Wade, Wally. "'Greatest Ride' Ends a 38-Year Career." Los Angeles Times 16 Sept. 1968: 30.

Biographical / historical:

The black and white snapshots that make up the bulk of the collection were probably taken by an unknown attendee--most likely a delegate--who was present at the 40th annual National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Convention held in Los Angeles from July 12-17, 1949. There are also a few professionally taken group photos as well; most do not have studio imprints on them.

Acquisition information:
Gift, 2004.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Note:

c.: circa

NAACP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

L.A.: Los Angeles

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open to qualified researchers by appointment only. For more information on access policies and to obtain a copy of the Researcher Registration form, please visit the Special Collections Access page. Collection stored remotely. Advance notice for use required.

Terms of access:

In order to reproduce, publish, broadcast, exhibit, and/or quote from this material, researchers must submit a written request and obtain formal permission from Special Collections, Cal Poly, as the owner of the physical collection.

Photocopying of material is permitted at staff discretion and provided on a fee basis. Photocopies are not to be used for any purpose other than for private study, scholarship, or research. Special Collections staff reserves the right to limit photocopying and deny access or reproduction in cases when, in the opinion of staff, the original materials would be harmed.

Preferred citation:

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention Collection, July 1949, Special Collections, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Robert E. Kennedy Library, Rm 409
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, US
Contact:
(805) 756-2305
archives@calpoly.edu
Website