Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

Volunteer and membership organization geared toward improving the educational, economic, social and political status of African Americans. The records are comprised of administrative material, photographs, and files related to activities and issues.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Ypsilanti-Willow Run Branch records span the years 1918 to 1998; however there is only one item dated before 1977, the chapter charter, November 1918. The bulk of the collection documents the years 1989 to 1998.

Each aspect of the organization's mission - to work to eliminate racial prejudice; to improve the educational, economic, social and political status of Black people, to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination, and to take lawful action to secure the elimination of racial prejudice in a manner consistent with the national office - is well-reflected in the records, which are mainly comprised of files documenting activities and functions related to management and programming. The material arrived at the library in several accessions, and each portion contributed to an arrangement largely alphabetical. Except for files representing activities and issues, each of which are now series, the original order was maintained. There are four series in the collection: Administrative, Activities, Issues, and Photographs.

The records offer little to no documentation of the early years of the organization. (There is, however, a very brief history and an organizational resume in the administrative series.) Most of the material was produced in the 1980s and the 1990s during the twelve year leadership of Raymond Mullins. Researchers should note that the Raymond G. Mullins papers at the Bentley Historical Library include papers and clippings related to the NAACP Ypsilanti-Willow Run Branch. Researchers are also advised to consult the archivist at the Ypsilanti Historical Society for relevant material.