The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a national civil rights organization established in 1909 “to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice”1 Operating at a community level, the Albion Branch of the NAACP has been working towards equity and justice within Albion since 1933.
A defining achievement for the Albion Branch was in 1953 when West Ward school successfully closed, and Dalrymple Elementary School opened their doors to West Ward students. West Ward was an all-Black elementary school facing facility inequities compared to the nearby Dalrymple school. With the help of a parents’ boycott and threats of lawsuits, the actions of the Albion Branch sparked Albion’s own Civil Rights Movement.
This defining purpose of education equity still runs deep in the Albion Branch. The current Education Chair, Mae Ola Dunklin, is passionate about youth education advocacy. She is driven by providing resources and proper education to the youth. Dunklin’s history with the NAACP began in Louisiana in her childhood. When Dunklin graduated from college and moved to Albion to be an educator in the public school system, she continued to focus on “educating the whole child” by providing equity through resources and information. Inspired by her 103-year-old mother who has seen more injustices than any person should, Dunklin continues her drive towards equity in our county. Some of her main actions include the annual “Back to School, Stay in School” event that provides Albion students with new school supplies and access to community programs, as well as helping coordinate college scholarships for Albion youth.
I spoke with two other important figures in the current Albion Branch, President Robert Dunklin, and Second Vice President Dr. Wesley Dick. Both men have had a strong impact on the Albion Branch and community. Being members since the late 80s, they have helped resolve countless grievances within and around the community. [Mr.] Dunklin has been President since 2006 and Second Vice President of the Michigan NAACP for a handful of years. Within his time Dunklin has pushed the importance of voting through education of the issues, registration, and any barriers that may occur at the polls. Dunklin is passionate about “giving people a voice” and wanting to create a change to the way that people are treated. The Albion Branch continues to resolve citizens grievances around “discrimination in employment and at school, hate crimes, and racial profiling.” 2
Dr. Dick got involved in the NAACP through his teachings at Albion College. Since the beginning of his career, he stressed racial justice and practices, making it a cornerstone of his life. When discussing his passion and continuation with the NAACP, Dr. Dick emphasized the importance of keeping culture and history alive.
Although each with their own background and experiences, the Dunklins and Dr. Dick continue to strive towards change and equity because as [Mr.] Dunklin stated, “the work is never done”.
NAACP Vision Statement: The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.
NAACP Mission Statement: The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
- NAACP.org/about/ourhistory
- Albion Branch NAACP: A Brief History by Wesley Arden Dick