NAACP Day, also known as NAACP Founders Day, is observed worldwide every February 12 to commemorate the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. The NAACP was established in response to the Springfield race riot of 1908, which highlighted the urgent need for civil rights advocacy for African Americans. The organization was founded by a group of activists, including May White Ovington and W. E. B. Du Bois, on the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The NAACP's mission focuses on ensuring equality of rights and eliminating racial discrimination, and it has expanded to address issues such as economic development and police misconduct. Celebrations may include learning about the organization's history, donating, volunteering, and supporting local businesses owned by people of color. The NAACP also presents awards each year, such as the NAACP Image Awards, recognizing excellence in the arts and media.