The 1970s: Affirmative Action in Wooster/Orville
National initiatives in the NAACP
In the 1970s, the national NAACP found itself navigating a changing political landscape shaped by debates over social issues, especially affirmative action and equal access to education. National leaders called for investigations into racial discrimination in the military and supported prison programs that provided educational resources and legal advocacy for incarcerated individuals.
(could use a strong transition sentence that links the paragraph to affirmative action and equal access to education) In 1977, the NAACP launched the ACT-SO competition, a nationwide initiative designed to recognize and encourage Black high school students in various academic fields. Questions of educational access also came to the forefront during the 1978 University of California v. Bakke decision, where the University of California’s acceptance policies were questioned (by whom? passive) The Supreme Court ruled that racial quotas in university admissions violated the Constitution, while affirming that race could remain one factor among many in admissions decisions.
For the NAACP, the case became a pivotal moment in the struggle over affirmative action. Advocating for these programs designed to address generations of discrimination remained essential to achieving educational equality.
The Wooster/Orville NAACP sponsored multiple workshops discussing affirmative action and employment for the general public, which wasn't always well-received.
Economic expansion within Wooster
At the local level, the Wooster/Orrville NAACP shaped its activism around similar questions of accessibility. The Wooster chapter pushed local institutions to confront affirmative action, equal employment, and school integration within Wayne County. (how?) Under the leadership of chapter president James Harris the organization consistently emphasized the importance of expanding professional and business opportunities for Black residents. By the late 1970s, the chapter's activism increasingly focused on holding local institutions accountable.
As an example, the loca NAACP chapter called for a federal investigation into Rubbermaid Inc.’s employment practices under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. As one of Wooster’s largest employers and a major presence in the local economy, Rubbermaid held considerable influence within the community. Access to jobs and opportunities at the company were an important concern for many residents. The College of Wooster’s hiring practices come under fire in 1978 as well, with a lawsuit filed against the College by Juanita Browne, former assistant professor of history. Unfortunately, Juanita Browne’s plea isn’t sustained, losing the lawsuit to the College.
The fight for Civil Rights Recognition: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
At the same time, the Wooster/Orrville NAACP supported nationwide efforts to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday. Across the United States, Black activists and civil rights organizations pushed schools, workplaces, and city governments to publicly celebrate King’s activism.
In Wooster, NAACP members like James Harris and Lydia Thompson pushed for the recognition of King’s accomplishments, framing the proposed holiday as part of a broader civic responsibility. Discussions surrounding the school calendar unfolded during community council meetings. Advocates brought up local concerns about the treatment of minority students, the hiring of Black educators, and the visibility of Black achievement within public education.