Photo provided The NAACP Bartholomew County Youth Council #3731, left-right, Felicia Garr, Josiah Tipton, Girum Linnemann, Makaela Dantzler, Maxara Joseph, Kne’lijiah Simpson, Clara Powell and Whittney Gaines.
The local NAACP Branch 3071 has announced the official sanction of the NAACP Bartholomew County Youth Council #3731, the first in the history of Columbus.
The group was officially chartered on Oct. 18 and recognized by the NAACP National Board of Directors.
Several of the 28 members— comprised of students from middle school to college-age — recently attended the NAACP State Convention just last week in Fort Wayne for officer training.
“These students are history-makers!,” said Felicia Garr, unit adviser. “The youth now have a platform to express and bring awareness to their concerns. I am confident that their influence in the community will be impactful and beneficial to all members of the county. We invite other youth to join us on this journey for justice. We ask for the support and backing of our community as we move forward in a direction of unity and power.”
The group will carry out the mission of the oldest civil rights organization in the United States. As part of the youth council, members will learn about the leadership and accomplishments of the NAACP and also take part in projects that benefit the larger community.
“As a young Black female student preparing for college, attending the state convention reminded me why education and activism go hand-in-hand,” said Maxara Joseph, one of the members of the group. “The experience gave me hope and motivation to keep pushing toward my goals and to use my education to make a difference.”
Kne’lijiah Simpson, secretary of the unit, added: “Being in a room filled with students that share similar struggles, thoughts and dreams was an eye-opening and comforting experience. I am not alone when coping with racism and discrimination. It was a safe space to express my thoughts without retalitation or judgement.”
