Founded February 12, 1909, the NAACPis the nation’s foremost, largest, and most widely recognized civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, leading grassroots campaigns for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization.
While much of NAACPhistory is chronicled in books, articles, pamphlets, and magazines, the true movement lies in the faces of the multiracial, multigenerational army of ordinary men and women who united to awaken the consciousness of a people and a nation. With such a powerful membership base, all 2,200 chapters of theAssociation continue to persevere. Together, the NAACPwill remain vigilant in its mission until the promise of America is made real for allAmericans.
Vision Statement
The vision of the NationalAssociation for theAdvancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.
Objectives
• To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens
• To achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States.
• To remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes
• To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights
• To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination
• To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’sArticles of Incorporation and this Constitution.
Founding group
HISTORYOF FOUNDERS DAY
The NAACPwas formed partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and resting place of President Abraham Lincoln.Appalled at the violence that was committed against blacks, a group of white liberals that included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, both the descendants of abolitionists, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz issued a call for a meeting to discuss racial justice. Some 60 people, seven of whom wereAfricanAmerican (including W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell), signed the call, which was released on the centennial of Lincoln's birth.
Other early members included Joel andArthur Spingarn, Josephine Ruffin, Mary Talbert, Inez Milholland, JaneAddams, Florence Kelley, Sophonisba Breckinridge, John Haynes Holmes, Mary McLeod Bethune, George Henry White, Charles Edward Russell, John Dewey, William Dean Howells, Lillian Wald, Charles Darrow, Lincoln Steffens, Ray Stannard Baker, Fanny Garrison Villard, and Walter Sachs.
Echoing the focus of Du Bois' Niagara Movement began in 1905, the NAACP's stated goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15thAmendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively.
The NAACP's principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminate race prejudice. The NAACPseeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through the democratic processes.
The NAACPestablished its national office in NewYork City in 1910 and named a board of directors as well as a president, Moorfield Storey, a white constitutional lawyer and former president of theAmerican BarAssociation. The onlyAfricanAmerican among the organization's executives, Du Bois was made director of publications and research and in 1910 established the official journal of the NAACP, The Crisis. Courtesy of naacp.org
2025Founders’Day Celebration
eme: H.O.P.E.– HonoringOur People’sEmpowerment
The 2025 Founder’s Day Celebration marks a moment to honor the visionary leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the NAACP’s mission for civil and human rights without discrimination. Our founders dedicated themselves to turning this vision into reality, investing countless hours to combat racial disparities that persist inAmerican education, employment, housing, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.As a result, they hold a special place in the hearts of our members.
On this day, we reflect on the glorious past, successes, and ongoing achievements of our founders,whose legacy extends back to 1909.Additionally, this event supports the efforts of our Education Committee, contributing to the scholarships we award annually.
Dr. Zoe Grant 2025-2027 President NAACPTemple Branch
Recognizing and uplifting the strength and achievements of the community
This day is where we come together to recognize and uplift the strength, achievements, and empowerment of our community.This year, we honor the legacy of our founders while shining a spotlight on thosewho continue to embody the spirit of progress and resilience today.
H.O.P.E. – Honoring Our People’s Empowerment – celebrates the individuals and communities who have overcome adversity, fought for justice, and inspired change. Through powerful stories, keynote addresses, and performances, we will acknowledge the impact of those who have uplifted and empowered others in their pursuit of equality.
Join us in celebrating a legacy of empowerment, unity, and progress as we continue the mission of advocating for civil rights and justice for all.This event is not only a tribute to our past but also a call to action for our future.
We continue to discuss our wealth of diversity determining our ability to see that weare STRONGERTOGETHER. We hold firm to that collective strength that makes a difference in our community.
About Our Speaker
Dr. Kerry-Ann Zamore DSW, LCSW, MSE.d
UMHB Professor
Owner/Playwright/Director, of KZamore Enterprises, LLC & Zamore Foundation
Dr. KerryAnn Zamore is a highly accomplished individual with diverse expertise. She is a respected University professor and Director of International StudyAbroad at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She is also a playwright, international speaker, licensed clinical social worker, and filmmaker. Passionate about education and committed to social change, she has dedicated her career to positively impacting individuals and communities.
Dr. Zamore holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Psychology and Education respectively from the University of Maryland and the University of Phoenix, as well as Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Social Work from the University of Southern California.Alongside her academic pursuits, she is a prolific playwright, known for addressing social issues in over 30 original productions performed nationally and internationally. As an international speaker, she inspires audiences worldwide to enact positive change through engaging presentations. She also provides compassionate therapy as a licensed clinical social worker, supporting individuals in overcoming life’s challenges and fostering personal growth.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Author: James Weldon Johnson (1900) NAACPProclaimed Negro NationalAnthem
Lift ev’ry voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty. Let our rejoicing rise high as the list’ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on tillvictory is won.
Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast’ning rod, felt in the days when hope unborn had died; yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet come to the place for which our people sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path thro’the blood of the slaughtered, out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last where the bright gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who hast brought us thus far on the way, thou who hast by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee; lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee; shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land.
https://qrco.de/templeyouth
Twenty FiveYouth andYoungAdult Membership
In celebration of Black History Month, the NAACPTemple Branch is excited to offer a special initiative designed to support families with one or more youth. We are pleased to present a oneyear Youth Membership for individuals up to the age of 20, valued at $10 each, as well asYoung Adult Memberships for those aged 21-25, priced at $30 each.
This exclusive offer includes 20 complimentaryYouth Memberships and 5 complimentary YoungAdult Memberships, all tailored to the distinctiveness of the Temple Branch. Please note that these memberships are specific to our branch and cannot be transferred or used at other branches.
For youth under 18, parental consent is required. We kindly ask that parents complete the membership form on behalf of their children to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
https://mp.gg/3jfhezh52
Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the NAACPTemple Branch and empower the youth in our community.Together, let us continue to builda legacy of advocacy and unity during Black History Month and beyond.
CommunityAwards
Ruby Bridges TrailblazerAward
Booker T Washington TrailblazerAward
The NAACPTemple Branch is delighted to extend its warmest congratulations to our awardees on being honored with the prestigious Ruby BridgesTrailblazerAward.This recognition is a testament to their extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in their field.
As the first to integrate the school system, Ruby Bridges paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps and shattered the oppressive chains of segregation. Similarly, these indivduals embody the essence of the word “trailblazer” by being the first to hold the distinguished title of AfricanAmerican Woman or woman.Their pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication have set a remarkable precedent and opened doors for countless others to embark on a similar journey.
Their outstanding contributions have propelled them to the forefront of their field and left an indelible mark on history.Their courage in facing challenges head-on and commitment to fostering inclusivity have undoubtedly inspired and empowered those around them.
The Ruby BridgesTrailblazerAward is a well-deserved recognition of their groundbreaking accomplishments. It serves as a reminder that, like Ruby Bridges, they have paved the way for others to dream bigger and aspire to greatness in their own right.
May this award be a source of pride and motivation for them to continue blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Their achievements reflect their personal success and contribute to the progress of our society as a whole.
Once again, congratulations on this exceptional honor. May their journey inspire and uplift others, just as they have inspired us all.
Ruby Bridges, born in 1954 and a prominent figure to this day, stands as a symbol of unwavering courage in the American civil rights movement. At the tender age of six, she etched her name into history by becoming the first child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School, a momentous step towards desegregation. Her selection for this historic role was founded on her remarkable intelligence. The iconic Norman Rockwell later immortalized her in a painting. Bridges’ legacy endures as a beacon of strength and an unrelenting advocate for equal rights, an embodiment of the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.
Booker T. Washington TrailblazerAward Recipients
Margaret Pleasant
Dell Ingram-Walker
FirstAfrican American Woman
Chief Operating
Officer Vice
President of Clinical at Baylor Scott & White McLane
Children’s Hospital and Clinics
First Woman Pastor at St James United Methodist Church in TempleTexas
Dr. Teresa Beamon
FirstAfricanAmerican graduate with a Doctorate in the Nursing Program at UMHB.
Christine Knix
FirstAfrican American Woman on the Temple Police Department andTexas Ranger
Virginia Leak
FirstAfrican American Director of Nursing atTemple College in 1988 to 2007 and started the First Registered Associate Nursing Degree,and Nursing Program atTemple College
Brynn Myers
First Woman City Manager ofTemple Texas
Dr. Zoe Grant
FirstAfricanAmerican City Council Woman ofTempleTexas
Ruby Bridges TrailblazerAward
The NAACPTemple Branch is delighted to extend its warmest congratulations to our awardees on being honored with the prestigious Ruby BridgesTrailblazerAward.This recognition is a testament to their extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in their field.
As the first to integrate the school system, Ruby Bridges paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps and shattered the oppressive chains of segregation. Similarly, these indivduals embody the essence of the word “trailblazer” by being the first to hold the distinguished title of AfricanAmerican Woman or woman.Their pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication have set a remarkable precedent and opened doors for countless others to embark on a similar journey.
Their outstanding contributions have propelled them to the forefront of their field and left an indelible mark on history.Their courage in facing challenges head-on and commitment to fostering inclusivity have undoubtedly inspired and empowered those around them.
The Ruby BridgesTrailblazerAward is a well-deserved recognition of their groundbreaking accomplishments. It serves as a reminder that, like Ruby Bridges, they have paved the way for others to dream bigger and aspire to greatness in their own right.
May this award be a source of pride and motivation for them to continue blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Their achievements reflect their personal success and contribute to the progress of our society as a whole.
Once again, congratulations on this exceptional honor. May their journey inspire and uplift others, just as they have inspired us all.
Ruby Bridges, born in 1954 and a prominent figure to this day, stands as a symbol of unwavering courage in the American civil rights movement. At the tender age of six, she etched her name into history by becoming the first child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School, a momentous step towards desegregation. Her selection for this historic role was founded on her remarkable intelligence. The iconic Norman Rockwell later immortalized her in a painting. Bridges’ legacy endures as a beacon of strength and an unrelenting advocate for equal rights, an embodiment of the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.
Ruby Bridges TrailblazerAward Recipients
Margaret Pleasant
Dell Ingram-Walker
FirstAfrican American Woman
Chief Operating
Officer Vice
President of Clinical at Baylor Scott & White McLane
Children’s Hospital and Clinics
First Woman Pastor at St James United Methodist Church in TempleTexas
Dr. Teresa Beamon
FirstAfricanAmerican graduate with a Doctorate in the Nursing Program at UMHB.
Christine Knix
FirstAfrican American Woman on the Temple Police Department andTexas Ranger
Virginia Leak
FirstAfrican American Director of Nursing atTemple College in 1988 to 2007 and started the First Registered Associate Nursing Degree,and Nursing Program atTemple College
Brynn Myers
First Woman City Manager ofTemple Texas
Dr. Zoe Grant
FirstAfricanAmerican City Council Woman ofTempleTexas
Dare to DreamYouthAward
The NAACPTemple Branch is delighted to extend its warmest congratulations to our awardees on being honored with the prestigious Ruby BridgesTrailblazerAward.This recognition is a testament to their extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in their field.
As the first to integrate the school system, Ruby Bridges paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps and shattered the oppressive chains of segregation. Similarly, these indivduals embody the essence of the word “trailblazer” by being the first to hold the distinguished title of AfricanAmerican Woman or woman.Their pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication have set a remarkable precedent and opened doors for countless others to embark on a similar journey.
Their outstanding contributions have propelled them to the forefront of their field and left an indelible mark on history.Their courage in facing challenges head-on and commitment to fostering inclusivity have undoubtedly inspired and empowered those around them.
The Ruby BridgesTrailblazerAward is a well-deserved recognition of their groundbreaking accomplishments. It serves as a reminder that, like Ruby Bridges, they have paved the way for others to dream bigger and aspire to greatness in their own right.
May this award be a source of pride and motivation for them to continue blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Their achievements reflect their personal success and contribute to the progress of our society as a whole.
Once again, congratulations on this exceptional honor. May their journey inspire and uplift others, just as they have inspired us all.
Ruby Bridges, born in 1954 and a prominent figure to this day, stands as a symbol of unwavering courage in the American civil rights movement. At the tender age of six, she etched her name into history by becoming the first child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School, a momentous step towards desegregation. Her selection for this historic role was founded on her remarkable intelligence. The iconic Norman Rockwell later immortalized her in a painting. Bridges’ legacy endures as a beacon of strength and an unrelenting advocate for equal rights, an embodiment of the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.
Dare to DreamYouthAward Recipients
Margaret Pleasant
Dell Ingram-Walker
FirstAfrican American Woman
Chief Operating
Officer Vice
President of Clinical at Baylor Scott & White McLane
Children’s Hospital and Clinics
First Woman Pastor at St James United Methodist Church in TempleTexas
Dr. Teresa Beamon
FirstAfricanAmerican graduate with a Doctorate in the Nursing Program at UMHB.
Christine Knix
FirstAfrican American Woman on the Temple Police Department andTexas Ranger
Virginia Leak
FirstAfrican American Director of Nursing atTemple College in 1988 to 2007 and started the First Registered Associate Nursing Degree,and Nursing Program atTemple College
Brynn Myers
First Woman City Manager ofTemple Texas
Dr. Zoe Grant
FirstAfricanAmerican City Council Woman ofTempleTexas
NAACP Temple Branch Officers
President: Zoe Grant
Vice President: Gregory Gregg
2nd Vice President: Cean Mack
3rd Vice President: Danny Taylor
Secretary: Alreda Sullivan
Assitant Secretary: Ruth Bridges
Treasurer: Yvonne Taylor
Committee Chairs
Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO): Vacant
Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs: Vacant
Communications, Press and Publicity: William Leak
Community Coordination: Jennifer Gregg
Criminal Justice: Cean Mack
Economic Development: Deonta Davis
Education: Virginia Leak
Environmental and Climate Justice: Vacant
Freedom Fund: Vacant
Health: Caleeah Curley
Housing: Michelle Cannon
Labor and Industry: Vacant
Legal Redress: Garry Smith
Membership and Life Membership: Alesia Dawson
Political Action: Reginald Turner
Religious Affairs: Christopher Stephens
Women in the NAACP (WIN): Debra Evans
Young Adult: Vacant
Youth Works: Vacant
Local Chairs
Technology/Social Media: Gregory Gregg, Zoe Grant, Garry Smith, Deonta Davis
Trustee: Ruby Gregg
Member Recognition
New Silver Life Members Since 2020
Lisa Go
Zoe Grant
Virginia Leak
William Leak
Mary Miller
Terrell Simpson
Lucas Wong
Baylor Scott & White
Crestview Church of Christ
Mira Miller (Junior Life) 2 yrs old as of 2023
Tristan Josia-Lee Nickles-Manuel (Junior Life)
10 yrs old as of 2023
Jerico D Taylor (Junior Life) 13 yrs old as of 2023
Membership is the life-blood of the NAACP. We depend on our members’generosity to insure the NAACP’s independence. We depend on you to keep the flames of freedom burning bright!
For membership questions please contact Alesia Dawson, Vice President/Membership Chair at alesia.d.dawson@live.com
If you would prefer to join by mail download form on website and send it with a check to: NAACPMembership Department P.O. Box 157,Temple,TX 76503
Regular Membership Fees:
*RegularAdult (Ages 21 & Older) $30
Youth(Ages 20 & Under) $10
*Annual Corporation $5000
W.I.N. (Women in NAACP) (Must be a paid NAACPmember) $10
Life Membership Fees:
Junior Life (Payable installments of 25 or More) $100Ages 13 & Under
Bronze Life (Payable installments of 50 or More) $400Ages 14-20
Silver Life (Payable installments of 75 or More) $750
Gold Life (Payable installments of 25 or More) $1500 Only available to Silver or Regular Life Members
Diamond Life (Payable installments of 250 or More) $2500 Only available to Gold and Golden Heritage Life Members
Church, Business or Organization:
Consider joining theTemple NAACPUnit as a Leader or Business in the community. Are you unable to attend 50% of the regular monthly meeting? Sign up a representative to attend on your behalf.
Your Youth Pastor or Community Liaison can bring back to your church, business or organization shared information from the meetings.
Youth Sponsorship:
Are you Interested in sponsoring a youth or several youth at a cost of $10 a year? Please contact us to learn more.
www.templetxnaacp.org/membership
WIN History
During the year of 1980, in MemphisTennessee, Frances Louise Dancy Hooks (wife of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks) and Earleen Bolden organized the trailblazing Women inthe NAACP (WIN), an unprecedented project whichaimed to enhance the leadership roles of women both within theAssociation and in everyday life.
WIN served the community by supporting & raising funds for emergency relief efforts, in addition creating fashion shows share the power ofAfricanAmerican culture and hosted various social events.
Women in the NAACPis an arm of the branch that exudes civilrights fortitude and social responsibility.
General Mission & Structure
Women in the NAACP(WIN) is a Standing Committee of the Temple NAACPBranch. The purposes of WIN are:
• to enhance the leadership role of women;
• to serve as an advocacy vehicle for social, economic, political, educational, and health & welfare issues affecting women, girls, and children;
• to support the policies and ongoing mission of the unit and vision of the NAACP.
WIN programs and activities shall be in accordance with the programs and policies of the NAACP.
WIN National Theme
Women have served an integral role inthe history of the NAACP, and they continue to play a vital role today.
The Executive Committee and members of the NAACP Temple Branch express its gratitude and appreciation for your enthusiastic support of this event, and those over the years, and we solicit your continued support. We can’t do what we do without you!
