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lbcanaacp.org
January, February, March, April 2014
Long Beach Branch
NAACP Newsletter
Special Topic – Getting to Know the NAACP
President’s
Message
Naomi Rainey,
NAACP Long
Beach Branch
If you are like me, when you were growing up,
the Church was the focus of your family’s
world. Our social, educational and political
thinking was shaped by the words of our pastor
who was on the lookout for the Black
Community’s well-being. However, in the
intervening 30 years since the Civil Rights
movement, our churches and black advocacy
groups have become increasingly quiet.
Churches are closed Monday through Saturday
and open only for choir rehearsals and a weekly
Bible Study.
Don’t forget Martin Luther King, Medgar
Evers, Malcolm X, Mary McCleod Bethune,
Rosa Park, Thurgood Marshall and Shirley
Chishold lead by example. They met, plotted
strategies and discuss proactive actions that
would challenge the power of their elected
officials, community leaders and major
institutions that had categorically excluded
people of color through “Jim Crow” laws.
More importantly, they taught us that by
participating in civic issues our votes would be
counted and our concerns taken seriously.
Their commitment to action left a historical
legacy of an era when as a community we held
elected officials and other people in charge
accountable. The issue is about the NAACP.
The purpose is to inform you of our mission
and goals.
It’s time to come together as a united
community to address the many issues which
affect us presently as well as our future. We
need to use our own voices, ask questions, and
critically analyze information that our elected
officials tell us is TRUE. If the world around
you doesn’t look like it should it’s our
responsibility to change it. Our elected officials
should represent us and the only way to hold
them accountable is through collective civic
participation while grooming leaders for
tomorrow’s future and voting in every election.
The year 2015 the Long Beach Branch will
have served the community for 75 years. The
National NAACP was founded in 1909 and has
served our nation for 106 years.
To learn more about the NAACP and its
activities, visit www.lbcanaacp.org and
www.naacp.org.
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Spring 2016
The History of the NAACP
Since its inception the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was poised for a long,
tumultuous and rewarding history. Although it may be possible to chronicle the challenging and harrowing legacy of
the NAACP, the real story of the nation's most significant civil rights organization lies in the hearts and minds of the
people who would not stand still while the rights of some of America's darker citizens were denied.
From the ballot box to the classroom, the dedicated workers, organizers, and leaders who forged this great
organization and maintain its status as a champion of social justice, fought long and hard to ensure that the voices of
African Americans would be heard. The legacy of those pioneers such as W.E.B DuBois, Thurgood Marshall and Roy
Wilkens and the hundreds of thousands of nameless faces who worked tirelessly can not and must not be forgotten.
The history of the NAACP, is one of blood sweat and tears. From bold investigations of mob brutality, protests of
mass murders, segregation and discrimination, to testimony before congressional committees on the vicious tactics
used to bar African Americans from the ballot box, it was the talent and tenacity of NAACP members that saved lives
and changed many negative aspects of American society. While much of its history is chronicled in books, articles,
pamphlets and magazines, the true movement lies in the faces---black, white, yellow, red, and brown---united to
awaken the conscientiousness of a people, and a nation. This is the legacy of the NAACP!
Long Beach Branch NAACP Founders
Ernest McBride Sr.
1909 – 2007
Ernest McBride, Sr. was born on November 12, 1909 in Carrollton,
Mississippi. He was one of nine children from a large family. He came to
California seeking a better life after completing his early education in the
segregated schools in Arkansas.
In 1940, Mr. McBride charted and became the first field secretary of the Long
Beach Branch NAACP. He and his activist wife, Lillian, along with other
supporters addressed discrimination through organized action. As an NAACP
activist, Mr. McBride successfully integrated the Long Beach Police
Department, Naval Shipyard, Coles Market and the General Telephone
Company. Under his leadership manydiscriminatory practices and policies
were changed.
Mr. McBride successfully challenged the Long Beach Unified School District
to preventtheir annual black-faced minstrel shows. Mr. McBride also fought
police brutality and housing discrimination. The FBI compiled an extensive
file on his activities and planted home was the meeting place and he remained
focused on the cause even though the threat of danger was always present. As
a pastime, Mr. McBride played catcher for the colored Giants, competing
against the great Jackie Robinson. To raise funds for the Long Beach Branch,
he hosed events with special guests, such as Paul Robertson, Roy Wilkins and
Ralph Bunche. He was renowned and recognized for his civil rights work on a
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Long Beach Branch NAACP Founders (cont.)
Lillie Grigsby
1911 - 2006
Ms. Lillie Grigsby was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. She has been a resident of
Long Beach, Californiasince1937. She was a member of the St. John Baptist
Church where she taught Sunday school and was the Senior Choir Director.
She was charter member of the Benevolent Club and the Long Beach
NAACP. Lillie Grigsby was very active and strongly supported the mission
and goals of the NAACP. She served as membership chair and organized
many youth programs.
Ms. Lillie Grigsby studied ceramics at the Long Beach City College. She was
one of the first African American businesswomen in the City of Long Beach.
She was one of the first African American businesswomen in the City of Long
Beach. She and her business partner, Ms. Zelma Lipscomb, established a
successful gift shop named Lillie & Zeli Gift Shop.
Ms. Lillie Grigsby was a strong female advocate who promoted equality in
the areas of employment, education, business, and housing.
Zelma Lipscomb
1911 – 2006
Ms. Zelma Lipscomb was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. She was a chartered
member of the Long Beach Branch and the first female president. She also
served for the Long Beach Branch NAACP as the first woman president. She
also served as the Long Beach Branch Freedom Fund Chairperson and Youth
Leader. She was selected to represent the Long Beach Branch NAACP at the
funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ms. Zelma Lipscomb was sales representative for A.W. Curtis Laboratories.
This company produced George Washington Carver products. She was
employed for 12 years in the Arts department of the Long Beach Public
Library and strongly believed that reading opened the doors to many worlds.
She studied ceramics at Long Beach City College. A partnership was formed
with her good friend Lillie Grigsby to open the Lillie & Zelma Gift Shop in
Long Beach,
The Long Beach Branch of the NAACP honors its founders through
continuing their work, and by providing programs and services that follow the
guidelines of the NAACP.
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Spring 2016
NAACP Strategic Plan: Game Changers for the 21st Century
For more than a century the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has worked to ensure the
political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.
Inspired by the force and commitment of The Call of 1909, which denounced the growing oppression of people of color
and mobilized thousands to work to bring this discrimination to an end, the NAACP seeks to establish a strategic
direction as it embarks on developing the New Call for the 21st century.
The NAACP launched a process to develop its strategic direction and plan, creating a powerful vision for the future, and
setting organizational goals that would focus its work for the 21st Century.
The five NAACP Game Changers below address the major areas of inequality facing African Americans that are the
focus of the NAACP’s work.
Economic Sustainability
A chance to live the American Dream for all
Every person will have equal opportunity to achieve economic success, sustainability, and financial security.
Education
A free, high-quality, public education for all
Every child will receive a free, high quality, equitably-funded, public pre-K and K-12 education followed by diverse
opportunities for accessible, affordable vocational or university education.
Health
Health equality for all Americans including a healthy life and high- quality health care
Everyone will have equal access to affordable, high-quality health care, and racially disparate health outcomes will end.
Public Safety and Criminal Justice
Equitable dispensation of justice for all
Disproportionate incarceration, racially motivated policing strategies, and racially biased, discriminatory, and
mandatory minimum sentencing will end. Incarceration will be greatly reduced and communities will be safe. The death
penalty will be abolished at the state and federal level, as well as in the military.
Voting Rights and Political Representation
Protect and enhance voting rights and fair representation
Every American will have free, open, equal, and protected access to the vote and fair representation at all levels of the
political process. By protecting democracy, enhancing equity, and increasing democratic participation and civic
engagement, African Americans will be proportionally elected to political office
Making these game changers a reality will require the Board of Directors’ leadership, broad outreach in venues such as
regional and state conferences, and an effective program to educate national, state, and local leaders about the plan and
participation of the units.
The program for units will contain clear messages regarding strategies and plans and will provide training so that
members can adapt the aims of the plan to the needs of their community and move it to action. Member feedback will
be brought into national level discussions in order to identify the resources and support needed for members to be
successful in their local communities.
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Long Beach Branch NAACP
NAACP Officers
Naomi Rainey – President
Davian Freeman – 1st Vice President
Ernest McBride Jr. – 2nd Vice President
Karen Hilburn – 3rd Vice President
Marie Treadwell – Secretary
Howard Wray, JD – Treasurer
Executive Committee
Dr. Kevin A. Johnson
Rev. Kim C. Evans
Rachel Plotkins-Olumese, PHN
Dr. Charles Smith
Gloria Thomas, RN
Emily Pearson
Uduak Ntuck
William Ward
Jesse Johnson
Phillip Okoli
Arinn Filer
Special Committees
Bryan Gless, Esq. – Law
Day Ivy Goolsby – Win
Long Beach Branch NAACP Youth Council & Young Adults
Giulia Triassi, President
CSULB NAACP Student Committee
Jimmy Schaal, President
2013-2014 Long Beach Branch NAACP College Interns
Thomas Le, California State University, Long Beach, Senior, Health Care Administration Kyndra McDaniel,
California State University, Long Beach, Junior, Social Work and Sociology Miguel Torres, California State
University, Junior, Psychology Hunter Bozzani, Goldenwest College, Sophomore, Business Giulia Triassi, Long
Beach City College, Sophomore, Computer Science Shirley Valverde, Long Beach City College, Sophomore,
Psychology Jimmy Schaal, California State University, Graduate, History
Long Beach Branch NAACP Services & Programs
Civil Rights Violation Investigations Voter Registration and Education Employment Notice Board Youth &
Adult Leadership Development Women in NAACP (WIN) HIV Information and Referral Sickle Cell and AIDS
Information Wealth Empowerment Program Homeownership Program Credit Repair Training Senior Services
Long Beach Branch NAACP Youth Programs
Scholarship/Scholar Dollar Program Tutorial Service and Referrals Youth Career Awareness Careers and
Mentorship Programs (Law, Medicine, Project Teacher) Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific
Olympics (ACT-SO) Youth Fitness and Focus – Golf, Tennis and Sailing Camp Stay In School
Program Leadership Project Community Impact Program Non-Violent Conflict Resolutions Discovery of the
Arts, Talent Search and Development Protecting Our Environment Youth Wealth Entrepreneurs Math and
Science Collaborative in conjunction with CSULB MESA Program
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Long Beach Branch NAACP Youth Programs
Long Beach Branch NAACP has been serving the needs of our youth for more than 60 years. A major Branch
focus is educational programs and activities for youth. Another goal is to improve cultural pride, reduction of
human violence, and to promote racial harmony. Programs have been developed that embrace students, parents,
businesses, and the community at large. The major objective are to promote academic excellence, social
responsibility, professional development, and community service.
The Community Impact Program includes:
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NAACP Scholars and Scholar Dollars: Scholar funds and dollars provide financial support for highachieving high school and college students from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds. The
selection criteria are based on academic performance and community service performed in Long Beach.
Youth Wealth Empowerment: Early Personal and Educational Financial Planning.
Stay in School: Elementary to High School student retention program to encourage high attendance,
good grades, and discipline in the classroom.
Leadership Academy and Development: Learning leadership skills applicable in all areas of
professional and personal life
ACT-SO Program: Olympics of the mind competition in the areas of sciences, humanities, performing
arts, visual arts, and business.
Conflict Resolution Training: Teach conflict resolution with communication and nonviolence.
Fitness and Focus: Promote life-long fitness and health
Camps: Gold, Sailing, and Tennis. Introducing life-long fitness and sports.
Discovery of the Arts: An introduction to the fine and performing arts via field trips and guest artists.
Talent Search and Development: Scholarships to assist in the purchase of musical instruments, and
lessons, showcases of talent, and field trips and interaction with established artists.
Careers and Mentorship: Shadowing professional in law, medicine, government, business and
education. Career education classes to understand the job search process and life-long career
management.
Young Entrepreneurs: The Young Entrepreneurs Program teaches middle and high school students the
entrepreneurial process; guest speakers, mentors, as well as field trips are designed to provide real world
business experiences. The program is a comprehensive, hands-on, practical program that takes
participants through the entire process of starting a small business.
Literacy: To help improve the reading and writing skills of both young and old, especially students K-12
and adults. This program promotes reading as a lifelong hobby and an important life skill.
Get Aboard the Technology Train: Youth tutor other students and senior citizens in the basic functions
of technological devices such as computers, cell phones, and televisions.
Math and Science Collaborative: Facilitated in conjunction with California State University’s MESA
(Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) for high school and college students.
These services are provided to low to moderate-income, disadvantaged and underserved Long Beach youth. Our
programs provide positive alternatives to truancy, drugs, gangs, and other negative elements that are destroying
young lives.
Due to the lack of funds we are unable to serve many youth who wish to participate in Branch NAACP Youth
Programs. How can you help? Make a tax-deductable contribution of $100, $200, $500, $1000 or more to enable
a student participant. Your donation can make a significant impact in the life of a Community Impact Program.
With your help, we can reach our goal of developing economically successful and productive young people who
have been taught to give back to the community.
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Spring 2016
Membership Application
Please Print
This is an invitation to join to NAACP. This is the right time to help the N AACP make our society inclusive for everyone Date _______________________
Mr./Mrs./Ms. _____________________________________________
Telephone No. (
) __________________________
Street Address:
_______________________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________ State _____________________ Zip ____________
Branch Affiliation
_________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth _________________________________
Renewal Membership No. __________________________________
Regular Annual Membership
☐ Regular Adult Lifetime Membership
$30.00 ☐Youth Life $100.00 ☐Youth with Crisis $15.00 ☐Bronze Life $400.00 ☐Youth without Crisis $10.00 ☐Silver Life $750.00 ☐ Annual Corporate $5,000 ☐Gold Life $1,500.00 ☐ Diamond Life $2,500.00 Please make checks payable to: Lon g Bea c h Br an c h o f the NAA C P Mail application and check to: NAACP • Lon g Be ach • P.O. Box 1594 • L on g Bea c h, CA 9 080 1 Thank you for
“Joining the Fight for Freedom”
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