South Coatesville in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"A Stand for Justice Gives Rise to Coatesville Area NAACP"

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 4, 2022
1. "A Stand for Justice Gives Rise to Coatesville Area NAACP" Marker
In 1938, a young black man was accused of raping a white girl. With the threat of a second lynching at stake, the black community rebuffed the allegations as they marched to the city jail with weapons in hand to ensure justice.
Thereafter, an organizational meeting for the Coatesville Area Branch was held at the historical Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 671 S. First Avenue, South Coatesville. Whereas, Reverend Alonzo Baxter, Reverend Benjamin J. Kennedy, Sr., Reverend S.B. Randolph, Dr. Whittier C. Atkinson, and Mr. James Porter Bryant, Sr., journeyed to Lincoln University, seeking information on chartering a branch.
On September 12, 1938, charter number 2257 was granted, carrying Mr. James McCullough, President, Mr. James Porter Bryant, Sr., Vice-President, Reverend Alonzo Dr. Baxter, Executive Secretary, Mrs. Margaret McDougald, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Minnie Culclasure and Mr. Robert Player.
The Coatesville community is rooted in the vision of the NAACP and continues to stand toward a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1938.
Location. 39° 58.433′ N, 75° 49.167′ W. Marker is in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. Marker is at the intersection of Modena Road and South 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Modena Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 668 S 1st Ave, Coatesville PA 19320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brandywine Mansion (approx. half a mile away); Brandywine Iron Works - Early 1800s (approx. half a mile away); Terracina (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Brandywine Mansion (approx. half a mile away); The Lukens Mill - Late 1800s (approx.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 4, 2022
2. "A Stand for Justice Gives Rise to Coatesville Area NAACP" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 197 times since then and 131 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.