1996 – Kweisi Mfume Becomes NAACP President

On May 10, 1996, former Congressman Kweisi Mfume was formally inaugurated as president and CEO of the NAACP, America’s oldest civil rights organization. At a time when the NAACP was struggling with financial instability and declining influence, Mfume revitalized its relevance. He focused on youth engagement, economic development, and expanding the organization’s digital and media reach. A former street hustler who turned his life around through education and activism, Mfume brought a compelling life story and political savvy to the role. His leadership emphasized coalition-building and advocacy on issues like racial profiling, education funding, and voting rights. Under Mfume, the NAACP regained some of its standing as a leading voice for African American issues during the post-Civil Rights era. His tenure marked a period of internal reform and renewed public visibility for the organization. Mfume would later return to politics, continuing a lifelong career dedicated to justice and equity.