NAACP Branch officers ordered to vacate positions

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - Members of the city's NAACP branch have a set date for when the latest slate of officers will be wiped clean, leaving room for a new crop of leaders to take over the historical advocacy organization.

"At the direction of the NAACP national board," said James Gallman, a member of the same board, "I have been asked to inform all of the officers of this branch that they will be asked to vacate their positions, effective Wednesday, July 18, 2018."

Gallman announced elections for new officers are set for September 8, 2018. Among the positions soon up for grabs by nominated branch members, are branch president; first, second and third vice presidents, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer.

Supporting Gallman during the announcement were several local and state advocacy leaders, including Edward Dubose, a current NAACP national board member and state conference president, and Rev. Felicia Holmes of Faith Tabernacle Community Church in Columbus.

When addressing why the NAACP National Board ordered this measure, Gallman said the constant conflict between different officers prevented the "unit" from moving forward.

"In order to move a unit forward," he said, "you've got to have complete cooperation between all members of the leadership as well as people in the community."

News Leader 9 asked the board members for a list of names of the current officers who will vacate their positions inside the branch.

They declined to share specific names, saying they want them to continue to be members, but adding, "we are looking for new leadership at this time."

Board members, however, did point out they are inviting more people to join the NAACP.  If a person pays his or her membership fees before August 8, they will be eligible to vote for new leadership.

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