Our History
The Living History of the Roanoke Branch NAACP
Compiled by Courtney A. Penn, Past Education Chairman, Roanoke Branch
"Sure young fella," he said, inspecting me thoroughly as if to impart upon me the seriousness of what followed. "Where do you want to start?"
"At the beginning," I said, "the beginning of the Roanoke Branch, that is."
I was most appreciative that, Mr. A. L. Holland had agreed to meet with me to help me gain an understanding of the origins of the NAACP in Roanoke. I could not help but notice the spirit of excitement that came over Mr. Holland. Like a schoolboy being acknowledged in front of the class, I could feel the pride swell within him as he solemnly recounted the memories, the past officers, members, accomplishments and challenging times. He turned, looked at the wall with a gaze that transported us through time and quietly he began,"A million candles have burned themselves out, and still I read on. Why do I read on? To obtain history. How do we obtain history? Through written records, oral traditions and material relics."
For the next hour I listened as Mr. Holland recounted the history of the Roanoke Branch. Although, neither Mr. Holland nor I are historians, the lecture that he offered rivaled all that I have received within ivy covered walls of the academy, for this is truly living history.
In 1919, the Roanoke Valley and the world were immeasurably different while the nation celebrated the return of its veterans from WW1 a wave of social cynicism began to grip the nation. Even during a time of economic boom, the national cynicism made Black Americans in the South scapegoats. Consequently, new waves of lynching and other anti-black sentiments became national past times.
Locally, Timothy Stockton, believing that Blacks needed an organization to represent the community's needs, helped organize and became the first president of the NAACP Roanoke Branch. Upstanding community members such as C. C. Williams, a local mortician and funeral director, and Mrs. Mildred Paxton, a truancy officer for the colored schools, supported Stockton.
Branded as a trouble-making organization, the Roanoke Branch enjoyed only limited initial support because membership, at this time, could mean negative ramifications. Perseverance remained the victor and challenges only made strengths out of weaknesses.
During one tumultuous stretch, a twentieth century witch-hunt was enacted to find out the names of public employees that were members of the Roanoke NAACP. The inquiry centered on local teachers. To keep the records sealed, the Branch transferred all of the membership records to the National Office, then located in New York, and adopted a policy of accepting only nameless "donations" to sustain the organization.
Even in light of the possible consequences for involvement with the Branch, the fledging organization had no shortage of leadership. Capable and stalwart leaders such as Mr. Abe Reynolds, Mr. Richard Burks, Mr. C. C. Williams, Mr. Rueben Lawson, Esquire, and Rev. James R. Johnson held the presidency of the Roanoke Branch. Together with the executive board and members, each person used his or her strengths to move the organization forward.
Perhaps the most celebrated time in the Branch's history came under the leadership of Rev. R. R. Wilkinson. Rev. Wilkinson took the helm in 1958 and served as president until 1966. During his tenure, the Roanoke Branch played a leading role in the desegregation of public schools, local hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and theaters. Also, the closing of the city dump at Washington Park and working with Prince Edward County Branch to re-open their public schools which were closed to protest integration, served as historic milestones to the effectiveness of the Roanoke Branch.
Since Rev. Wilkinson, the leadership of the Branch has been entrusted by Mr. David H. Woodbury, Rev. Charles T. Green, Mr. A. L. Holland, Rev. Carl T. Tinsley, Ms. Evangeline Jeffrey, Mr. Martin Jeffrey, Ms. Brenda L. Hale, and current President, Mr. Daniel M. Hale, Jr. Today, the branch continues to be in capable hands, endorsing a mission of economic empowerment, voter education and participation, and youth outreach efforts. As Mr. Holland and I ended our time together, I was fully aware that many individual candles no longer burned, but the light that was given remains in the memory of all that have seen it or were benefited by the illumination... I appreciate Mr. Holland sharing his light with me.