RALEIGH — The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States, with a mission to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality for minority group citizens.

The Raleigh-Apex Branch began in 1917, and Saturday night, the group met for its annual Freedom Fund Banquet to discuss challenges that lie ahead.

The Enloe High School Gospel Choir entertained members of the NAACP. This year's banquet theme was "Bridging communities, a period of courage, challenge and change".

The NAACP continues to look at economic development as the last breakthrough to achieve racial parity. Carl Dean, treasurer of the local chapter, says there is a new kind of racisim afoot.

Despite changes that once threatened the future of the organization, the NAACP is rebounding, drawing more people in, and including the younger generation.

Nina Cloud is a youth member of the group. She says she's learning how she can help.

NAACP officials say as long as racism exists, there will be a need for people to have the courage to challenge, change, and bridge communities.

The NAACP was formed in 1909 by a group of black and white citizens in New York who wanted to right social injustices.