"This is our legacy" the 80th anniversary of the naacp vancouver branch 1139-b

The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) is proud to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, “This Is Our Legacy”, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Vancouver Branch 1139-B. Created in partnership with the NAACP Vancouver, the exhibit shares the community’s stories in their own words and on their own terms. This milestone exhibit highlights the significant contributions and lasting impact of Vancouver’s Black community, charting the work of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B in advocating for racial justice, equity, and community empowerment over the past eight decades.

Exhibit Overview

“This Is Our Legacy” takes you on a journey through the struggles, victories, and ongoing work for racial equity led by the NAACP Vancouver. From its founding in April 1945 by a small group of dedicated individuals, the branch has been a pivotal force in advocating for civil rights in Vancouver and beyond.

Key features of the exhibit include:

• Early Housing Struggles – Learn about the challenges Vancouver’s Black community faced in ongoing efforts to secure fair housing.

• Landmark Civil Rights Achievements – Discover the pivotal moments and victories led by the NAACP Vancouver, and how these achievements shaped the community.

• Youth Empowerment Through ACT-SO – Explore how the branch’s ACT-SO program continues to provide mentorship and recognition to Black youth in the community.

The exhibit brings together a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and engaging displays that reflect on the history and ongoing work of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B in the fight for civil rights.

Generous Supporters

This exhibit was made possible by the generous support of the City of Vancouver Culture, Arts, and Heritage Commission, the Washington State Historical Society Diversity in Local History Grant, and the Divine Consign Grant.

Acknowledgments

This exhibit would not have been possible without the contributions of the following individuals and organizations:

• Tanaka Axberg
• Masako Brachmann
• Katie Bush
• Rev. Bruce DeGooyer
• Sam Edmundson
• Bridgette Fahnbulleh
• Yolanda Frazier
• Sammuel Hawkins
• Joshua Family
• Pepper Kim
• Larry Nelson
• Library of Congress
• MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry)
• Willard Nettles, Jr.
• Oregon Historical Society
• Oregon State University Special Collections and Library Research Center
• Sandy’s Sign
• Charles Simmons
• Darlene Smith
• Reverend Joyce Smith and the Community A. M. E. Zion Church
• Washington State Libraries
• Melissa E. E. Williams
• Alex Wilson