Timeline: 1915

The earliest mention of the N.A.A.C.P. Branch in Champaign-Urbana (Twin Cities Branch) appeared. Dr. Henry E. Rowen was president and Mrs. I. B. Thompson was secretary. The branch had 27 members. This information was found in the 1915 Annual Report of the NAACP, Issue 6.

Champaign Mayor E. S. Swigart issues a proclamation for Emancipation Day calling upon all residents to do two things: (1) Grant a holiday to all African Americans in their employ as much as possible; and (2) Display the stars and stripes from their homes and places of business on the day of celebration. CCNews September 18, 1915, page 8

Salem Baptist, Bethel AME and Methodist Episcopal churches unite for the September 22 celebration of Emancipation. A parade is planned. Each of the churches chose a candidate for Queen of the Emancipation.

Methodist Episcopal: Mrs. Jeptha Tisdale

Salem Baptist: Mrs. Hattie Martin

Bethel AME: Miss Allie Moore. The woman receiving the largest number of votes will be crowned queen. (CCNews August 11, 1915, page 2)