WS Chronicle

For the first time in three years the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will have a full slate to lead the organization into the new year, according to president Al Jabbar. Jabbar, who has served as president since 2020, other officials and the executive committee were sworn in by District Court Judge Whit Davis at the local NAACP headquarters on Sunday, Jan. 8. 

Other elected officials include Rev. Tembila Covington, first vice president; Doris Moore, second vice president; Dr. S.D. Wayne Patterson, third vice president; LaGail Lowe, treasurer; and Murray Miller, assistant treasurer. Executive committee members are: Dr. Keith Vereen, Dr. Nedra Dozier, Elder Reginald McCaskill,  Richard Campbell, Eunice Campbell, April Broadway, and Tonya McDaniel. At-large executive committee members are: Daniel Piggott, Albert Porter, Jamie Transou, and Willette Carter

While addressing officers, the executive committee and other members last Sunday evening after being sworn in, Jabbar said in 2023 the local chapter will focus on three Rs: Refocus, Recommit, and Reorganize. He said one of his main priorities in the new year will be building accountability by regaining the confidence and trust of the community. Jabbar also mentioned the NAACP is working to build partnerships with other organizations in the community. 

“As you know, there are a lot of things going on with our National NAACP, but we are here in Forsyth County and we have to take care of the people here … We’re accountable for the people in our county,” Jabbar continued. “The officers, along with the executive board members, want to live out the true creed of being the oldest and the boldest organization in the world … We must be the center when it comes to social justice and to do so we must gain the trust and confidence of our community.”