In 1909, sons and daughters of abolitionists gathered in New York City to discuss racial inequality. This group of white liberals attracted prominent figures like Jane Addams, Samuel Bowles and Ida B. Wells-Barnett to join the call to renew the struggle for liberty and justice. Together they formed the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Historian Christopher Reed is a professor emeritus of History at Roosevelt University Professor. He is the author of The Chicago NAACP and the Rise of Black Professional Leadership. His next volume of Black Chicago’s First Century is slated for release later this year.

Audio Correction: Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and made his adult home in Springfield, Illinois.