Mary White Ovington was an American suffragist, journalist, and co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Mary became involved in the campaign for civil rights in 1890 after she heard Frederick Douglass speak in Brooklyn and Booker T. Washington speak at the Social Reform Club. In 1894, Mary met Ida B. Wells while bringing Christmas presents to Ida’s sister’s kids. Mary was shocked at their living conditions, leading to Mary and Ida working together to force to city to update the tenements. She later studied employment and housing problems in black Manhattan, where she met W.E.B. Du Bois and was introduced to the founding members of the Niagara Movement. She later was inspired by an article written by William English Walling, who later along with Mary, and Dr. Henry Moskowitz met to launch a campaign for a national conference on the civil and political rights of African Americans on the centennial of Lincoln’s birthday. In 1910, a permanent body known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was formed. Mary was appointed as its executive secretary. Mary also remained active in the fight for women’s suffrage while continuing to fight for rights for African Americans. After WWI, Mary served the NAACP as board member, executive secretary, and chairman. She inspired many women to join the NAACP, making a significant contribution to the multi-cultural composition of the organization. She retired as a board member of the NAACP in 1947, serving for 38 years in the organization.