Niagara Movement Founders
The Niagara Movement Developed Out Of A Civil Rights Meeting Held From July 11 - 13, 1905, On The Canadian Side Of Niagra Falls.
During Those Three Days, 29 Black Intellectuals And Activists, Representing 14 States, Gathered To Discuss An Agenda For Ensuring First-Class Citizenship For African Americans.
The Niagara Group --- Many Of Whom Opposed The Views Of Booker T. Washington, Called For The Abolition Of Race-Based Distinctions In America.
They Proposed Increased Access To Higher Education, Freedom Of Speech, Freedom Of The Press And Improved Voter Rights.
Their Method For Promoting "the colored man's declaration of independence" Was Distribution Of Pamphlets, Litigation, Writing Protest Letters To President Theodore Roosevelt And As One Of The Main Organizers And General Secretary, W. E. B. Du Bois Said, "plain, blunt, complaint, ceaseless agitation unfailing exposure to dishonesty and wrong --- this is the ancient unerring way to liberty, and we must follow it."
Other Group Members Included Henry Monroe Trotter, H. A. Thompon, Fred McGhee, J. Max Barber And Alonzo F. Herndon.
The Niagara Movement Was Not Intended To Be A Mass Movement. Instead, It Was Targeted Towards Black Leaders. Despite Poor Funding The Group Did Gain Support During Its Years In Existence
The Niagara Movement Is Considered The Forerunner To The National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP).
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr
