WS Chronicle

Saturday, Jan. 4, marked the beginning of a new era for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County branch of the NAACP. During a special ceremony held at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, Stephen Anthony Hairston Jr. was sworn in as president, along with other members of his cabinet and members of the executive committee. 

The local branch held elections in late November to elect a new president and other officers ahead of the new year. Only current members in good standing are allowed to vote. 

After former President Al Jabbar announced he wouldn’t seek re-election, it left the position up for grabs and it was Hairston who was chosen to fill the seat. 

There were several elected officials in attendance to witness the changing of the guard, including; Mayor Pro Temp Denise ‘DD’ Adams, Rep. Amber Baker, and Deborah Dicks Maxwell, who is president of the N.C. NAACP. The oaths were delivered by District Court Judges Shonna Alexander and Artese Ziglar. 

Hairston said a lot of thought and prayer went into the decision to run, but he felt like it was his duty to bring a fresh new perspective to the branch. He said many members of the community didn’t even know that the NAACP was still around, which ultimately led to his decision to run. “That’s when I decided that we must do a better job of spreading our message,” Hairston said. 

“I’m a servant-leader, which means I know it’s not about me but it’s about the organization. This organization is powerful  because of its members. I wanted to let members know that we can do anything as long as we do it together.”

Aside from bringing more transparency, accountability, and accessibility to the branch, Hairston said he also plans to reinstate all the branch’s committees. “This will serve two key purposes: first, strengthen our community outreach and involvement, and second, it will help grow our membership,” Hairston continued. 

“Joining the NAACP isn’t just about membership; it’s about being part of a powerful movement for social justice and equality. Whether you’re directly affected by issues of racial justice or simply want to make a positive impact in your community, the NAACP offers a platform to advocate for change.”

Hairston said what will set him apart from past leadership is his willingness to listen. “I listen to understand, not just to respond, but I also know when it’s time to act. I believe in having a clear plan and making thoughtful, purposeful decisions,” he said. 

Other members of Hairston’s cabinet sworn in last weekend include: Willette Carter, first vice president; Richard Campbell, second first president; Eunice Campbell, secretary: Reginald Horton, treasurer: and Teresa Joyce, assistant treasurer.  

Members of the executive committee are: Dr. Keith Vereen, Linda Sutton, Felicia Dobson, Orlando Roberts Jr., Albert Porter, Stacey Jones, Elder Lonnie Brown, Ronda Mays, Iesha Carter, Jamestris Watson, Jimmy Boyd, Anthony Westberry, Ike Howard, Theresa Henry, Stanly Mitchell, London McKinney, Bryant McCorkle, Shatori Henry Whiteside, Veronica Sawyer, Felecia Bennett-Giles, Dr. Nedra Dozier, John Switzer, Fleming El-Amin, and Christopher Dillon. 

Keep apprised of the branch’s activities by following them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WSNAACP/.