Richard Smith, state NAACP president, had been active in the NAACP since the 1960s, when the organization pushed to integrate Wilmington businesses.

Richard Smith — known as “Mouse” or “Mousey” to his friends — died at his home at age 75 after suffering from chronic illnesses. He was president of the Delaware NAACP State Conference .

Richard Smith, state NAACP president, had been active in the NAACP since the 1960s, when the organization pushed to integrate Wilmington businesses.

Colleagues are remembering Delaware's longtime NAACP President Richard "Mouse" Smith as a champion of justice and equality. Smith was active in the NAACP since the '60s and was also a lifelong friend to President Biden with the two first meeting as teenagers.

A longtime leader for civil rights in Delaware who had a lifelong friendship with President Joe Biden has died.