Mission. 

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

Vision.
We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. ​

National NAACP Established in 1909

Founded February 12, 1909, the NAACP is the nation's foremost, largest and most widely recognized civil rights organization.  Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the US and the world and are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, leading grassroots campaigns for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization. 

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NAACP Racine Branch​ History

The NAACP Racine Branch was organized in ​1947.  The late George W. Bray, a lifelong resident of Racine and outstanding leader, was elected as the first President.  Other former Presidents of the Racine Branch include:

• William "Blue" Jenkins
• Corinne R. Owens
• Neaval Weaver
• Tommy Bishop
• Dale Upchurch
• Sloan Williams
• Julian Thomas
• George Stinson
• Morris Reece
• Beverly Cobb Hicks
• Michael Shields
• Gloria Rodgers
• Lawrence Terry
• Daryn D. Crenshaw
• ​George Nicks, Sr.​
• ​Dwight Mosby, Sr.
• Maggie Cobb
  

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Racine NAACP Branch Officers & Executive Committee

President
Walter Williams

Occupation: Director of City Development, City of Racine
Racine Branch Offices Held: Executive Committee Member

Racine Branch Officers

• 1st Vice President - Grace Allen
• 2nd Vice President - Merdis Hudson
• 3rd Vice President - Eric Hopkins
• ​Treasurer - Veronica Seymour
• ​Assistant Treasurer-Brittany Brown
• Secretary - Roz Hunter​

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At-Large Committee Members

• Beverly Hicks
• Janet Mitchell
• George Nicks, Sr.
• Lawrence Terry, Sr.
• Maggie Cobb
• Connie Cobb Madsen
• Dwight Mosley
• GeorgAnn Stinson-Dockery
  

Branch Committees & Chairs
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• ​​Education - Raymond Ellison
• Membership - Janet Mitchell
• Youth Advisor - De'Marius Bogguess
• Freedom Fund- Walter Williams/Connie Cobb Madsen
• Political Action - Grace Allen
• WIN - Martha Griffin
• Economic Development - GeorgeAnn Stinson -Dockery
• Religious Affairs - Dr. Daryn Crenshaw
• Veteran Affairs- Dr. Sherri Garrett Jackson

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President's Corner

Beyond Politics: Affirming Corporate Dedication to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In a flurry of Executive Orders enacted on President Trump's first day in office, the Trump Administration has chosen to roll back all federal programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The move represents a significant regression from the previous Administration's approach to centering racial equity and remedying the systemic racism deeply entrenched in our nation's governing practices.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement condemning President Trump's Executive Order Rolling Back DEI in the Federal Government:
"It is outrageous that the President is rolling back critical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. DEI programs help ensure that everyone can prosper. President Trump does not value equal opportunity. 

His appalling executive order will only worsen America's racial hierarchy and benefit the oligarch class. This executive order threatens public services that benefit all Americans; it's an attempt to consolidate power and money to a few wealthy individuals. And poor and working-class people will pay the price. 

This is all part of a calculated strategy to redefine the role of government, privatize essential public services, and further discrimination. Elections have consequences and it's clear that this election has put a target on Black America's back." 

The data clearly shows that organizations with diverse workforces hold a strategic advantage. McKinsey reports that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity are 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile. However, in the wake of the 2020 George Floyd protests, many major companies—including Target, Amazon, McDonald's, and Walmart—have scaled back or paused their DEI initiatives, despite widespread corporate support for these efforts prior to the protests.

While some have chosen to boycott familiar companies, I propose a different approach: I urge companies in Racine County to reaffirm their commitment to DEI principles. A recent 24/7 Wall Street study ranked Racine as the second worst city for Black Americans, underscoring the significant challenges and disparities the community faces. Waiting for a boycott to take effect is not enough, immediate action is needed to prevent further disenfranchisement of people of color and the underprivileged in our community.

Last year the Racine Branch recognized SC Johnson Company's outstanding achievement in the area of  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at its annual Freedom Fund Banquet. During the award presentation, Jim Ladwig, Senior Director of Global Affairs, accepted the honor and shared with our audience that “DEI is not merely a checkbox for the company, it is an integral part of their culture.”
 
I’m asking all like-minded warriors who believe in uplifting everyone in our communities to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of DEI. The Racine Branch will actively recognize and support companies aligning with these values, encouraging our members to patronize and endorse these businesses because they represent our values.

The time to act is now!  Our community is at a crossroads. Your company's actions will help determine how this issue unfolds in Racine County. Those businesses that affirm DEI principles will be prominently featured on our social media and website, showcasing their commitment to the values that strengthen our community.

Walter Williams
President Racine Branch NAACP-3255


This editorial appeared in the February 14, 2025 edition of Racine County Eye