In January, Springfield resident Denise Williams was elected president of the unit, along with treasurer Jackie Jaudon and secretary Diane Sanders.
After retiring from a 30-year career at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Williams started her own business, Alternative Dispute Resolutions, to help others fight discrimination. A member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, Williams said her pastor, Rev. Ernest C. Brown, told her she should revive the NAACP unit in Springfield.
NAACP District Coordinator Olie Burton Jr., a Springfield native who now lives in Chillicothe, said he chose to take over representation of Clark County in 2009. He’s worked with community members to bring back the organization ever since.
“It was a long process,” said Burton, a 1960 graduate of Springfield High. “I’m delighted. It’s my hometown. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
About 50 members attended the first meeting, Williams said, and the group is working hard to attract new members.
“It’s unbelievable the interest that’s picked up,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s grown so fast and so soon.”
The group already has one active case, Williams said. It’s also in the process of looking for an office.
Williams said she suffered from discrimination while working at the base in 1998, and said she struggled with depression and financial difficulties during that time.
“It took years to get through it,” Williams said.
She credited her mother and a former commander for helping her get through the hard times. She also recognized the importance of conflict resolution, and wanted to help others in a similar situation.
Williams said she tries to hear both sides of the story when working cases, and focuses on dialogue between the two parties.
“I don’t go in with a hammer because there are always two sides,” Williams said.
Moving forward, she wants the organization to be transparent, approachable and the voice for all people of color or sexual orientation who face discrimination in Springfield.
“We’re open to all,” Williams said.
Another key, she said, will be community involvement.
“We’re going to start over,” Williams said. “I feel like God gave us a clean sheet of paper to start over.”
Burton believes the group will be a strong voice in the community.
“You’re going to see a difference in Springfield,” Burton said.
For information on how to join the NAACP Springfield unit, call 937-624-7402.
Edwards-McNabb, the state president, said she’s excited to have the organization back in Springfield.
“We’re very pleased Denise is there and excited about the work she’s doing, ” McNabb said.
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