NAACP El Paso Branch

The official chartering of the NAACP El Paso branch took place as local members organized their inaugural meeting. During this meeting, they appointed their officers: Jasper B. Williams served as President, Le Roy White as Secretary, and William Coleman as Treasurer. The executive committee of the El Paso NAACP was comprised of notable figures, including Dr. Lawrence A. Nixon as Chairman, as well as Sylvester M. Collins, Le Roy W. Washington, John F. Kelley, John Slater, and J.H. Donnell.

The NAACP's first Texas branch was founded in El Paso in 1914, largely due to Dr. L.A. Nixon, a prominent civil rights advocate and physician born in Marshall, Texas, in 1884. After witnessing racial violence, he moved to El Paso, established a medical practice, and became politically active. In 1924, he challenged the Terrell Law, which barred Black participation in Democratic primaries. Over 20 years, alongside attorney Fred C. Knollenberg, Nixon fought legal battles culminating in two Supreme Court rulings that affirmed his voting rights. He finally voted in a primary in 1944. Nixon passed away on March 6, 1966. Our Vision We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. Our Mission Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. Theory of Change We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. Our work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people.