NAACP to Co-Host Historic Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Landmark Brown v. Board of Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2024 

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON — Today, the nation's leading civil rights organization, the NAACP, announced that it will host a historic memorial event with the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of the organization's broader commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. The event, which is open to the public and slated to take place on May 17, 2024 in the museum's Oprah Winfrey Theater, will feature notable historical figures, educators, and advocates including members of the Little Rock Nine, Cheryl Brown-Henderson, Brown litigants, Dr. Leslie T. Fenwick, and more. 

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO issued the following statement:

"It has now been 70 years since the NAACP led and won the fight to integrate our schools. Today, we carry the torch by fighting for that history to remain in our nation's classrooms. The effort to establish equitable access to education continues to be an uphill battle for Black Americans as we witness modern-day attacks on educational rights, such as the erasure of Black history in schools and elimination of affirmative action in higher education. As we continue this fight, we cannot forget the shoulders on which we stand. The NAACP looks forward to reflecting and connecting with fearless trailblazers like the Little Rock Nine while convening some of our nation's brightest minds to re-energize and gear up for what's to come." 

The NAACP has long advocated for educational rights within the Black community. We use this momentous occasion to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring access to equitable education and uplift our continued fights across the nation.

For more details on the NAACP's Brown v. Board of Education commemoration, please contact communications@naacpnet.org or visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund â€" also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.