History

In 1929, O.B. Cobb, Sr., along with three other visionary individuals—Mr. W.W. Hines, Mr. Charles Plant, and Mr. Arthur Shorter—founded the NAACP Bryn Mawr Branch. Their shared commitment aimed to improve conditions for Black people on the Main Line, setting the stage for a transformative journey.

The founding officers of the branch were Mr. O.B. Cobb, President, Mr. Williams Hines, Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Assistant Secretary, and Mr. Charles B. Plant, Treasurer. The Bryn Mawr branch gained fame for its tremendous efforts in the Berwyn School Fight (1932), with Raymond Pace Alexander serving as their lawyer.

Under the leadership of O.B. Cobb, Sr., the Bryn Mawr Branch quickly outgrew its initial boundaries, expanding to encompass all communities along the Main Line and evolving into the Main Line Branch. Cobb played a pivotal role in steering the branch through a significant challenge known as the Berwyn School Fight.

In 1932, the Main Line Branch fought against segregation on the Upper Main Line in the Easttown School District. During this crucial struggle, a new school was constructed in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. However, the School Board decided to relegate Black children to the condemned old school, reserving the new facility for white children. O.B. Cobb, Sr., and the Main Line Branch vehemently opposed this discriminatory action, taking the fight to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Despite the Black children losing a year of schooling, O.B. Cobb, Sr.'s dedication earned him national recognition with a Gold Medal from the NAACP National Board.

The impact of the Main Line Branch extended beyond legal victories. Along the Main Line, significant changes occurred, including the cessation of the Main Line Times' embarrassing references to Blacks as "Darkies" in their weekly paper. O.B. Cobb, Sr.'s unwavering dedication laid the groundwork for future generations, leaving behind a legacy of admiration.

In 1942, under the leadership of Warren Chew, the branch collaborated with the Committee of Fair Employment Practices to secure 14 skilled jobs for Black members of the community.

In 1951, recognizing the need for a more accurate depiction of its membership location, the branch's name changed to the NAACP Main Line Branch. In 1960, under the leadership of John Smith, the branch opposed redevelopment plans for Ardmore and Bryn Mawr, plans that would have disrupted historically Black neighborhoods.

In 1963, the branch protested the inferior education provided to students in the Lower Merion School District's predominantly Black Ardmore Avenue Elementary School. In 1966, the Main Line Branch called for more job opportunities for Black community members in the Lower Merion School District. In 1971, they picketed Paoli Hospital for job opportunities for Blacks. In 1985, they picketed the Great Valley School District for job opportunities for Blacks.

From 1964 to 1988, Robert Wright served as President of the NAACP Main Line Branch, providing steadfast leadership during a crucial period of the organization's history. Under his guidance, the branch continued its tireless efforts in the pursuit of civil rights, addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities of the time. Wright's long and dedicated tenure reflects his commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and positive change for the Main Line community.

Here is a comprehensive list of Presidents of the NAACP Main Line Branch:

1. - O.B. Cobb Sr. (1929)

2. - Dr. Nolan Atkinson Sr.

3. - Warren Chew (1942)

4. - Ulysses Grant Birkhead

5. - Attorney James K Baker

6. - William Blattenburg

7. - Attorney Herbert C. Nelson

8. - Anne Hines-Allen

9. - Rev William Smallwood

10. - John C. Smith (1960)

11. - Seth Brown

12. - Isabell Strickland (1963)

13. - Robert Wright (1964-1988)

14. - Geraldine W. Tally (1989-2000)

15. - Diana Robertson (2001-2004)

16. - Rev Albert Davis (2005-2012)

17. - Diana Robertson (2013-2020)

18. - Brian Reese-Turner (2021-Present)