Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The first president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was Moorfield Storey. His leadership began in 1909, at a time when the organization was founded to fight against racial discrimination and promote civil rights for African Americans. Storey, a prominent lawyer and civil rights activist, played a crucial role in shaping the NAACP's early agenda and set the foundation for its future efforts in advocating for social justice and equality.

W.E.B. Du Bois was a significant figure in the NAACP and was its director of research and editor of its magazine, "The Crisis," but he did not serve as its president. Booker T. Washington was known for his own approaches to racial issues, emphasizing vocational education and self-help, which differed significantly from the NAACP's focus on civil rights through legal challenges and activism. John Lewis, while a legendary civil rights leader and a prominent figure in later years, was not involved with the NAACP's early leadership. Understanding her role and contributions helps to appreciate the historical context of the NAACP and the broader civil rights movement.