WS Chronicle

The late Earline Parmon inspired the pastor to run for local NAACP presidency 

BY TEVIN STINSON

THE CHRONICLE 

Last week the pastor of Exodus Baptist Church, Rev. Alvin Carlisle, announced he will be putting his name in the hat to become the next president of the local NAACP branch.

During a meet and greet held at Delta Fine Arts Center, Carlisle, a 1992 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, said he was inspired to run for the position by his mentor, the late Sen. Earline Parmon, who passed away earlier his year. Parmon, who was a champion for civil rights and equality, was a founding member of the local branch and served as vice president at the time she died in March.

Carlisle mentioned, just like Parmon, he is passionate about the work to advance the lifestyles and liberties for people of color.

“Just like Ms. Earline Parmon, this is a group that I am very, very passionate about,” said Carlisle. “Those who know me well know I’m not a thrill seeker. I am all about the advancement of our people and this organization.”

The current president is Isaac “Ike” Howard. He was elected in 2015. Howard could not be reached for comment on Carlisle’s candidacy.

While leading the congregation at Exodus, Carlisle also serves as the third vice president for the Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity (MCWSV). While in office, he spearheaded a partnership with the Forsyth County District Attorney to help residents get their licenses back. The program helped more than 2,000 people get their licenses back.

During the casual meeting with more than a dozen community members, Carlisle said he will bring similar programming back to the local chapter that meets the needs of residents in the community. He mentioned at one time the chapter headquarters located on Oak Ridge Drive near Carver School Road was a hub of activity on the east side.

“When I think about what the NAACP use to mean to this city, and the gifts and talents we have here in Forsyth County, this should be the strongest chapter in the entire state,” he said. “I think it’s time to revive that legacy.”

He stated programs for children and the elderly in the community need to come back, along with new programs. He noted if elected he will also be more transparent with people in the community when it comes to organization happenings.

While standing before potential voters, Carlisle also discussed the importance of building working relationships with elected officials, government agencies, the police department and other first responders, the school board, and other organizations.

“We should be a hub of information where people in the community can connect with various agencies throughout the city. It’s important that we build relationships,” he continued.

“If you build relation-ships, you can get to a place that you can move forward.”

If elected, Carlisle said he will answer N.C. NAACP President Rev. William J. Barber’s statewide call to build a strong youth chapter. Last fall, during the state convention held at the Benton Convention Center, Barber said it was vital to the future of the organization that every local chapter have a strong youth presence.  Barber also urged local branches to connect with chapters at colleges and universities across the state.

“Within my first 30 days in office, I will look to bring a youth chapter to the city,” said Carlisle. “It discourages me when I go to our monthly meeting and I am one of, if not the youngest, in the room. That’s not a good look.”

Carlisle stated right now there is no level of connection with the young people in the area. He said he will be reaching out to the chapters at Winston-Salem State University, Wake Forest and Salem College to help urge youth in the community to get involved.

“This is very important,” he said, “because those in our youth chapters go on to join our college chapters, and our college graduates should be immediately bleeding into our citywide branch.”

After hearing Carlisle’s plan of action, longtime NAACP member Jimmy Jordan said he agrees with everything the presidential hopeful had to say.

“I totally agree that we need to get more going,” said Jordan. “I think Reverend Carlisle has what it takes to turn this chapter around.”

Election day for the local NAACP chapter will be set during the next meeting held later this week.