National Welfare Rights Organization $5500 or fight

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The National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO) held its founding convention in August 1967, in Washington, DC.  In 1968, the NWRO determined the living income for a family with four children was $5,500 per year.  “Fifty-five hundred or fight” became the rally cry as the NWRO led the welfare rights movement.  During the organization’s heyday in 1969, the NWRO had 523 chapters.  Changes in leadership and financial issues led to bankruptcy, and the NWRO shut down in 1975.