History Research Sources Most of the early material for the
local branch of this organization is located in the John LeFlore
papers. The material dates from 1930 until 1956, when the
organization was banned from operating in Alabama until 1964.
The records include correspondence, affidavits, financial and
membership records, minutes, miscellaneous notes, and
promotional materials. Early regional and branch correspondence
focus on employment opportunities and public accommodations.
Following the 1944 Supreme Court decision that white primaries
were unconstitutional, the focus shifted to political rights.
See also Accession 92-09-247 The Neighborhood Organized Workers
(NOW) was established in Mobile, Alabama, in July 1966. NOW
carried on direct action in an effort to achieve political,
social, and economic reform in the African-American community.
This collection contains copies of NOW's FBI files (1968-1971)
and covers topics related to African-American leadership, race
relations, civil rights activities, scho