Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.The Santa Maria Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was issued a charter by the National Office on September 9, 1963. Past Presidents were: Mr. Horace Ellis; Mrs. Frances Green Holloway; Mr. Harold Harris; Mr. Silas Moore.
The Santa Maria-Lompoc Branch of the NAACP received its charter from the National Office on April 8, 1974. Founding Fathers and Mothers were: Mr. John Savoy, Chairperson, Mrs. Bertha Savoy, Mrs. Deeny Gallon, Mrs. Louise Hammond, Mrs. Naomi Smith, Mr. John Skinner, Mr. Clifford Vines, Mr. Lamar Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Prince, Mr. and Mrs. James Ware, Mrs. Wesson, Rev. Atkins, Mr. Kenneth Coleman and Mrs. Geraldine Leigh.
Past Branch Presidents: Mr. John Savoy; Mrs. Lois Johns; Mrs. Agatha Shorter-Lewis; Mr. Smiley E. Wilkins Sr.