ABOUT US

In May 1975 approximately 60 people from the African-American community in Naples signed their names to a petition to form a local chapter of the NAACP. The officers elected were: James Huggins, President, Albert Lee, Vice President and Mamie Jennings, Secretary. Among the original Executive Committee members were John and Cutie Blackman, and Mrs. Johnnie Collier.

The Group’s first challenge was to investigate cases of police brutality against African-American residents. Later under the leadership of Hubert Cambridge, the group fought against sub-standard housing and led the move to build the George Washington Carver Housing. Naples attorney Gerald McKenzie followed Cambridge leadership. McKenzie was instrumental in opening doors for minorities in the local banks. Over the years, many battles were fought and won by the NAACP that has enabled people of color to co-exist and thrive in this community with assurance of advocacy for equality.

Past Presidents who devoted time and talent to the organization and the community

• Willie Banks, Local banker, businessman and teacher

• Larry Ward, Attorney

• Johnny Cannon, Newspaper Administrator

• Joyce Harris, State Probation Officer

• Lorenzo Williams, Bank Officer

• Jerome Hooks, Entrepreneur

• Laverne Franklin, Retired school teacher

• Mary Linda Sanders, Educator for Collier County Schools

• Anthony Denson, Sr., Minister, Entrepreneur and Government employee
  

• Harold G. Weeks, the newly elected President of the Collier County NAACP, has been active in the NAACP over 30 years. He is a retired Captain of the Brockton, Massachusetts Fire Department. After spending several winters in Naples, Mr. Weeks retired here October 2003. He has been active in the Collier County Branch of the NAACP for the past 5 years.

As President of the Collier County NAACP, Mr. Weeks’ vision is to establish viable relationships with the leadership of Collier County that will facilitate resolving conflicts and concerns amiably and progressively. He is looking forward to working with diverse groups and organizations in a collaborative effort for community and individual empowerment. While the NAACP is proactively engaged in community issues and concerns, the executive committee and members of the NAACP continue to work diligently to elevate the organization as the one to contact and become involved in before a problem arises.

The Collier County Branch of the NAACP is a progressive branch that is committed to advocating the civil rights of all individuals. Our focus is our future – our youth. Each year, with generous donations from our sponsors and benefactors, we are able to provide graduating seniors with scholarships and laptops. This year the Collier County NAACP will introduce the ACT-SO program (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) a year-long enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academics and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. The program relies on the dedication and commitment of community and business leaders who volunteer as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence. This program will require financing from the community at large to make a difference in the lives of the future of Collier County youth, of all hues.

We Need You!

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing."

We invite you to join our efforts by becoming an active member.  For a more vibrant and visible NAACP branch, your thoughts and ideas are welcomed.

Harold G. Weeks

President

Volunteer Now!