The History of the Garland Branch NAACP

The Garland Branch of NAACP was chartered in July 1984 with 127 Charter Members. The Charter Officers were Goldie Locke, President and Johnnie Stedham, First Vice President, with 18 members of the Executive Committee.

The first organizational meeting was held with over-flow hosted by Richard Dockery, Regional Director of the NAACP. The two major issues at that meeting was firing of Sam Allen from the Police Department and substandard schools in the minority area.

Sam Allen was later reinstated to the Fire Department. The newly formed Charter of NAACP successfully intervened in Desegregation Court Order.

In 1988 the Chapter successfully filed a discrimination case on behalf of 27 African American E-Systems employees with the OFCCA.

Garland Branch Highlights & Accomplishments

2001 NAACP Thalheimer Award: This award is granted by the National Board of Directors and President/CEO in recognition of outstanding Branch programs and services to the community in support of the Associations’ mission. The Garland Branch has one of the most ethnically diverse Executive Committees in the Association.

The Garland Branch was an original plaintiff in a lawsuit which led to the court ordered desegregation of the Garland Independent School District (GISD).

For 13 consecutive years the Garland Branch has annually sponsored Freedom Fund Banquet and awarded scholarships to over 50 African-American GISD graduating seniors.

Annually conduct Back-to-School/Stay-in-School “EXCEL” award program. “EXCEL” award recognizes GISD elementary (grade 5 and above) and middle school students for academic progress, citizenship and attendance and conduct. Since its inception over ten years ago, more than 4700 students of color have been recognized.

The Garland Branch annually holds the largest Garland communitywide parade and program in honor of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Traditionally, the Garland Branch conduct communitywide political forums for city elections, marking the official beginning of the municipal campaign season.

In August 2003, the Garland Branch hosted the largest communitywide Health Fair.

The Garland Branch annually hosts a Community Appreciation “Winter Ball”.

The Garland Branch in coalition with other community groups conducts annual voter registration and education drives.

The Garland Branch annually conducts forums on important education issues facing the community.

The Garland NAACP Youth Council chartered in 1996, is one of the fastest growing and most active in the Association.

The Garland Branch has a significant number of current as well as former officers and Executive Committee members serving on various City of Garland Boards and Commissions.

Lenell Jeter was the keynote speaker for the Garland Branch 1st Annual Freedom Fund Banquet.