/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a nation-wide organization. It was founded in 1909 as a group to advance justice for African Americans. Today, the NAACP’s mission statement is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Vice President of the Winslow Chapter of the NAACP, Kerwin Lawrence added, “It is important to keep that mission statement at the forefront of our minds as we deal with the many challenges that we face day to day as an organization. My hope is that you are being treated fairly and that you are able to achieve the levels of success that you aim for.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Lawrence grew up in Brooklynn, N.Y., the youngest of seven children. He has spent a lifetime working in the civic venue and is honored to be a part of the Winslow Chapter of the NAACP in a leadership role. “Getting involved is something that is very important to me.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The NAACP according to Lawrence, is an organization whose goal is to give voice to those who feel they don’t have one. He explained, “For example, we deal with issues regarding education and employment. If you are an owner of something, you have a perspective, if you are a worker at something, you have a different perspective. The owner must be willing to listen to the worker. That is where we come in. If you are facing discrimination or exclusion at your job, based on race, the NAACP is available to help you. That said, I am interested in finding ways so that platforms can be made available so people can stand up. If everybody is progressing, the whole community is benefiting.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Lawrence recognizes the larger issues at hand. However, he is looking to help his community at the ground level. “I don’t know if I would use the word ‘change.’ I would certainly hope to expand the positive things that are going on and minimize the negative. I would love for people to see that there are ways that people can contribute without looking at them in a negative light. I would like to see society wiping away the stereotypes and giving individuals the opportunity to prove themselves.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
He added, “I have known about NAACP for a long time but I have not had the opportunity to be involved with it before now. I have long been interested in how minorities are treated, not just Blacks, but minorities in general. I, and the organization, want to help minorities tap into resources that are available in this community.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The Winslow Chapter of the NAACP is a very diverse group, Lawrence said, “I believe we have most, if not all of the communities represented in our organization. That is important to us as well.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Not only does the NAACP go assist people confronting racial discrimination, they also host community events throughout the year. Most notably, the Winslow Chapter celebrates Black History Month each February with various events. This year, members of the organization read to school aged children at the local library. The books they shared all pertained to black history. Member Susan Warren said, “We all need to read a little more. We all need to learn and share a little more about our history and where we have come from. That goes for everyone.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Members also raise funds year-round to be used in hosting events, donating to various causes and continuing to work with the community for racial justice in employment and education.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The group is open to anyone in the community to join. Lawrence said, “Literally just show up and sign up and be willing to be involved with one thing or another. There is lots to be done. The reason why people are able to experience the benefits that this country offers is because of organizations like the NAACP. It didn’t take college professors or the political leaders at the highest level; it took regular every day folk who knew they had to do the work. They had to shine the light on the issues and hold their leaders accountable. We aim to do the same in this organization.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The next meeting of the Winslow Chapter of the NAACP will be at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, at the Winslow Fire Department, located at 215 N. Taylor Ave.
/wp:paragraph
