Founded Feb. 12. 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization. The University of Memphis Chapter of the NAACP is a student advocacy organization that works to maintain the civil rights of all people. Our organization works to educate the University community as well as issues that affect the rights of African Americans as well as other minorities. We complete community service projects, voter registration drives and much more. We also host the annual Freedom Ball & Mahogany Awards in the spring of each school year. This is where we will spotlight the achievement of minority students and leaders at the University of Memphis and in the Memphis community. The formation was spurred after several members of the University of Memphis baseball team were allegedly beaten at a local fraternity house party. Consequently, members of the fraternity were suspended and their charter was revoked by their national board. The suspension was prompted by a sit-in and boycott movement led by the Black Student Association. This is the chapter's eighteenth year of operation at the U of M. Through out the years, the chapter has grown and continues to do the work of the NAACP. With the support of local leadership and university administrators, the college chapter has become one of the major campus organizations. Under the advisement of the Office of Minority Affairs, these young freedom fighters are leading the way in the fight for justice, peace, and equality. We are really excited about our organization and we want YOU to become a part.