On this date in 1937, Walter F. White was honored by the NAACP in New York City for his significant contributions to civil rights. As the Executive Secretary of the NAACP, White was a key figure in investigating racial violence, particularly lynchings, and advocating for a federal anti-lynching law.

White, who was born in Atlanta, Georgia, used his unique background—he was of mixed race with a fair complexion—to pass as white and conduct undercover investigations of racial violence in the South. His efforts helped expose the horrors of lynching to the national public and push for legislative change, though a federal anti-lynching law was never passed during his lifetime.

His leadership at the NAACP also contributed to key civil rights victories, including desegregation efforts and legal battles against racial discrimination.