Before a standing room only crowd, Stephen Mays, president of the Gary NAACP welcomed the new members to the branch on August 21, 2019, with a reception at the Gary Teacher’s Union Building.

Membership plaques and pens were distributed to recent Life Member enrollees, in the categories of Silver and Gold. Norman Bailey was the single Gold Life Member presented a plaque. Several Youth Plaques were distributed to individuals under 18 years old, who are now Life Members of the NAACP. Darian Collins, second vice president of the Branch, Chair and the Membership Committee were the sponsors of the event.

A general orientation of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP) was delivered by Darian Collins, as she sought out Committee Chairs of various arms of the local branch to give overviews and responsibilities of their group. New members were extended invitations to consider joining any of the particular committees which were of interest to them. President Stephen Mays emphasized that the committee structure of the branch strengthens the NAACP’s reach and role in the community. Committees such as Environmental and Social Justice, ACT-SO and the Education Committee are just a few of the committees new members were encouraged to join right away in order to begin actively participating in the overall NAACP process.

ACT-SO is the youth forum for talented teens in the areas of STEM, music and the performing and visual arts, business and culinary arts. These are also the categories youth participating in ACT-SO can compete to win local, regional and national awards. There was excitement and anticipation among the new members regarding the various committees they planned to join.

Attorney Barbara Bolling-Williams is the State Director of the Indiana NAACP and is on the National Board of the NAACP. Mays said, “Gary is proud of Bolling-Williams accomplishments.” Williams was also recognized by President Mays for her role as overall facilitator at a segment of the National Conference last month when it was held in Detroit, Michigan.

The New Members Receptions will be held quarterly. In addition, any life or regular NAACP member who has not been active in the branch in the past is encouraged to attend the next reception in order to re-engage in the branch. Visit the Gary NAACP Facebook page to stay current and informed about any new event or project of the Gary Branch.

NAACP is the oldest National Civil Rights organization in America. It was founded in 1909 by a diverse group of people as a non-political group to fight for the civil rights of all people in America.

Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.