National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Stay Informed

Join more than 360,000 NAACP activists online, get instant action updates and make a difference.


Fairness & Opportunity

Subprime and Predatory Mortgage Lending 
Subprime mortgage lending refers to home loans made to borrowers who do not meet the requirements for competitive, prime loans. These loans, designed for those with “blemished” or “limited” credit histories (FICO score of 620 or less), tend to be associated with higher interest rates—often in the form of adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs)—and tend to be more costly over time. [ Read More]

Payday Lending
A payday loan, sometimes called a paycheck advance, is a small, short-term loan that allows an individual to borrow against his or her next paycheck. To obtain such a loan, the person must leave a check with the lender for the amount of the loan, plus any fees, to be held until the next payday. [ Read More]

Usury: The Impact of Credit Card Debt and High Interest Rates on African American Wealth
American families are turning to high-cost credit cards to keep afloat given the volatile and crippling economy. In 2008, Americans owed approximately $850 billion in revolving credit card debt, and 73 percent of all American households had credit cards, 60 percent of which carried a balance.
[ Read More]

Student Loan Debt and College Access
Despite the individual, economic, and social benefits of higher education, students face high stakes in financing a college degree. Over the last 20 years, students have relied heavily on undergraduate student loans to supplement grant aid as the principle vehicle for financing their college education. Such increased dependency on student loans has resulted in a growing number of indebted graduates entering the workforce.[ Read More]


 

NAACP Fairness & Opportunity GOAL

The NAACP is dedicated to accelerating economic growth in our communities and eliminating existing racial and ethnic economic disparities.

PROGRAMS

Gateway To Leadership

gateway 08

CURRENT INITIATIVES

Financial Empowerment Initiative (FEI)

GOVERNMENT-RELATED RESEARCH AND INFORMATION

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Federal Reserve Board
National Labor Relations Board
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

NAACP PUBLICATIONS IN Fairness & Opportunity

TAKE ACTION

  1. Get Involved--Ask your local branch whether Fairness & Opportunity programs are available, and if not, become a part of the solution and volunteer to help establish an Fairness & Opportunity program in your community
  2. Make Informed Choices--Read the 2006 Economic Reciprocity Report Card and support companies that financially support the African American community
  3. Support minority-owned businesses--Spend your money wisely and support minority-owned businesses
  4. Educate yourself--Read the newspaper and visit the websites listed above to ensure that you are fully informed about current financial and economic issues
  5. Share your knowledge--Talk to your friends and/or children about saving money and acquiring wealth
  6. Speak up for children--Advocate for the inclusion of a financial literacy component in the public school curriculum

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Fairness & Opportunity

Q: What should I do if I feel I’ve been the target of employment discrimination?
A: You should consult a private or Legal Aid attorney as soon as possible.  In the meantime, you should file a report through the Human Resources Department at your workplace, file an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint within 180 days of the alleged wrongful action, and contact your local NAACP Branch Office for further assistance. 

Q:  Does the NAACP provide grants to start-up businesses
A:  No, the NAACP does not provide financial grants; however we do offer educational workshops to provide you with information about starting a business

Q:  Does the NAACP provide down payment assistance to first-time home buyers?
A:  No, the NAACP does not provide financial assistance for homebuyers; however, we do offer educational workshops to provide you with information about the home buying process.

PARTNERS

  • Bank of America
  • Reginald F. Lewis Foundation
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Wal-Mart

Fairness & Opportunity STAFF

Dawn C. Chase, National Coordinator

CONTACT US

NAACP National Headquarters
Fairness & Opportunity Department
4805 Mt. Hope Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21215
Tel: 410-580-5777


NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore MD 21215

Toll Free: (877) NAACP-98
Local: (410) 580-5777

© 2009 NAACP
All Rights Reserved