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While Iowa laws technically forbade discrimination, it frequently
was not enforced. African Americans soon learned that they needed
to fight for their own rights. The African Americans citizens of
Lee County soon learned that they needed to fight their civil rights
and did so in a variety of ways through organizations, protests,
and law suits.
(top left) An NAACP chapter was formed in Fort Madison in
1927, but soon disappeared. Throughout the 1930’s the national
NAACP tried to restart the Fort Madison chapter with little success.
Under the leadership of Dr. Harry Harper, Sr., the Fort Madison
NAACP Chapter became very from the 1950’s on.
Photo of 1964 march for better housing in Fort Madison ~Courtesy
of Lois Harper Eichacker
(bottom left) The NAACP was first formed in Keokuk in 1919.
At this time, lynching was the major issue. A teacher, Mrs. Selby
Johnson, was very active during the 1920’s organizing a youth
chapter in Keokuk as well as organizing or reorganizing chapters
in Fort Madison, Ottumwa, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Marshalltown.
The Keokuk chapter withered after she turned her attention to business
pursuits in 1929. It revived in the 1950’s and remains active
to this day.
Ray Bradley, President of the NAACP signing up a new member ~Courtesy
of Delores Bradley
(top right) From 1968 to 1976, the Fort Madison NAACP, under
the leadership of Virginia Harper and others, fought the plans of
the Iowa Highway Commission to widen Highway 61 in Fort Madison.
The NAACP felt that discrimination was involved as many of the homes
that were due to be removed were owned by Mexican Americans or African
Americans. Most of these people could not buy homes anywhere else
in Fort Madison due to the discriminatory practices by local realtors.
In 1970, the Fort Madison NAACP asked the national organization
for legal assistance which they received. In 1976, the U.S. Government
intervened and made the Iowa Department of Transportation pick a
different route.
Photo of hearing in Fort Madison circa 1970 ~Courtesy of Lois Harper
Eihacker
(bottom right) Members of the state Board of Director’s
of the NAACP meeting with members of the Keokuk NAACP ~Courtesy
of Delores Bradley
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