By: Felicia Mims Douglas
This nation’s largest and most widely recognized civil rights organization is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (i.e. the N.A.A.C.P.) Birthed in Springfield, Illinois, in February 1909, this organization’s grassroots movement and mission have been to “ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate racial prejudice and social injustice.” Civil Rights and securing all people the rights guaranteed in the United States Constitution—specifically the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, are the NAACP’s chief focus.
After several years of the Minden branch being inactive, Ms. Stephanie Winzer and several other concerned citizens in Minden realized that the time had come! After some discussions and come-and-see interest meetings, she took the initiative to get the Minden branch of the NAACP rebooted. Her thoughts were…this should be fairly easy. Touche’ and please, wait for it! It turns out that this task was much more complicated than what Stephanie had anticipated.
In order for the National Headquarters of the NAACP, located in Baltimore, Maryland, to entertain her request to reactivate the Minden branch, she needed to get a minimum of 50 people to complete the applications, as well as pay the membership dues and fees upfront. Many of the previous members and sponsors had passed away, lost enthusiasm or moved out of the Minden area.
However, Ms. Stephanie was not to be denied! Determined with a specific focus, she and her ‘reboot’ group started combing the streets of Minden and surrounding areas; like Sibley, Heflin and Dubberly, to get this task done. In addition, several start-up meetings were held and training sessions had to be scheduled. After getting the required number of members and filling out the necessary paperwork, the regional representative for this service area, Mr. Lee A. Jeter Jr., from Bossier City, LA, came out to discuss the next steps for the Minden branch and its quest for reactivation. Thanks to Ms. Stephanie and Company, the Minden branch is almost at the finish line and well on its way to being able to conduct business.
Recently, she attended the 82nd NAACP Louisiana State Convention and Leadership Conference held in Bossier City, LA, at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, which was held from September 25 – 28, 2024. She is looking forward to empowering minds for positive change, this year’s conference theme; and, the organization’s first task of GOTV—Getting Out the Vote!
The next organizational meeting will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church Fellowship Hall, located at 414 East Union St., in Minden at 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Any questions, please call and/or text Ms. Stephanie Winzer; 318/453-0559.