Who We Are - MKB NAACP

Who

Our mission 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.

Our Story

In 1946, 87 culturally diverse Kalamazoo County residents identified the need for equal access, diverse representation and better opportunities for historically disadvantaged minority groups in our community. To address this need, these residents came together to establish the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP.

Since then, the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP has remained at the forefront of the battle against discrimination in the workplace, education and housing and partnered with several local organizations to ensure that all residents of Kalamazoo County are able to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives for generations to come.

Key Events in Our History

Black and white photo of a group of people picketing outside Van Avery Drugs store, holding protest signs. A vintage car is parked on the street.

June 1963

Van Avery Drug Store Protest

The first woman to lead the Branch, Amerrial Overton (1966-67), organized the City’s first protest for equal employment by picketing Van Avery’s Drug Store in response to its unfair hiring practices of Black community members. As a result of the protest, the store was willing to work collaboratively with the Branch to create a plan to allow Black community members an opportunity at fair employment. This act ushered in a larger wave of local employers working together with Black community members to offer equal access to employment.

June 1963

A group of citizens at a school board meeting stands ready to speak. Three individuals, identified as Dr. Romeo Phillips, Philip Kramer, and Rev. B. Moses James, are lined up behind a microphone.

May 1971

Oliver v. Kalamazoo Board of Education

Joseph Whitten (1970-72) led the Branch and supported the plaintiff in the case that would finally desegregate the City’s public schools. Subsequently, the Board of Education rescinded the desegregation plan. As a result, the Branch reorganized in 1971 and worked with the community for the next two years to finalize a desegregation plan that would give all children an opportunity at the same education.

May 1971

1977

Reverend Dr. Otha Gilyard

Reverend Dr. Otha Gilyard (1977-79) galvanized the membership around these very important issues and spearheaded the creation of many programs that tackled the issue of homelessness in Kalamazoo alongside other social issues, including teenage pregnancy, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Many of the programs like the Safe House still exist and continue to impact people’s lives today.

1977

Our Team

Executive Team

Have a question for one of our Executive Team members? Please email info@naacpkalamazoo.org.

Wendy Y. Fields

Branch President

Larry Tolbert

1st Vice President

Lola Clark Atkinson

2nd Vice President

Cory King

3rd Vice President

Raven Johnson

Secretary

Kari Hamann

Assistant Secretary

Sue Springgate

Treasurer

At-Large Executive Committee

Josephine Brown
Bobby Boyd
Anthony Bradley
Andrew Chaponda
Dr. Henry Cohen
Cynthia Hammond
Franklin McCarroll
Dr. Harvey Myers
Pastor Carl Page
J. Vicki Richard
Meri Watkins-Tolbert
Dr. Martha B. Warfield

Committee Chairpersons

Bobby Boyd

Economic Development Chairperson

Josephine Brown

Education Chairperson

Sue Springgate

Finance Chairperson

Cynthia Hammond

Freedom Fund Banquet Chairperson

Andrew Chaponda

Housing Chairperson

Dr. Henry Cohen

Labor & Industry Chairperson

Dr. Harvey Myers

Membership Chairperson

Cory King

Political Chairperson

Pastor Carl Page

Religious Affairs Chairperson

Anthony Bradley

Veteran Affairs Chairperson

What

Looking to give a friend or family member a gift? How about giving them membership into one of America’s strongest social justice organizations: the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP.