www.naacp-venturaco.org
JOHN R. HATCHER III
PRE SIDENT, N A ACP VEN TURA COU NTY C HAPT ER
John R. Hatcher III , NAACP Ventura County President. Hatcher has been a civil rights servant
leader/activism in the NAACP for over sixty years. He is a NAACP Life member. Hatcher is the current
presiding President of Ventura County has served as President for 38 years. In 1980, Hatcher was
elected as the NAACP Southern Area President serving an 8 year term, the NAACP Southern area
included California, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, and Arizona. In addition, he served as
Chairman for five area Presidents of the NAACP representing nine states. In 1990 Hatcher was
appointed the International NAACP Omega Chair. Under his tenure as Southern Area President
Membership increased in the local chapters. He successfully advocated for affirmative action programs, race relations, issues affecting
women’s and veterans, health incentives, quality and accessible education legislations. He developed strategic leadership and membership
training for local chapters. Hatcher was credited for establishing and setting NAACP national and state policies and legislations. His
leadership, vision, and attributes in the NAACP is legendary, his pioneer in the civil rights movement. Hatcher an experienced community
leader is credited for training and mentor a large vast of the civil rights leaders in the NAACP. Due to his passion and commitment of
defending the right of all minorities, Hatcher’s has accelerated the NAACP into one of the most powerful, sought after organizations. Making
Hatcher one the most influential people in California.
Hatcher representing the NAACP Ventura County Chapter is considered innovator, a successful negotiator, and the father of Affirmative
Action. Defending and mitigating legal cases, working with local city, county, state, federal officials. Hatcher accomplishments include: Host
of the first African American cable television show in Ventura County “What’s Going On”, Co-founder and President of the African American
Chamber of Commerce of Ventura County. He was instrumental in the establishment of the first African American Newspaper “Tri -County
Sentry”. Hatcher an EEO Officer was among a selected few people in government certified to train EEO. While working for the DON, Hatcher
was a key developer of the Asian Pacific, Native American, Hispanic, Black Affairs and Federal Women’s programs (FWP). He was an
Affirmative Action Advisor for State and local cities. Hatcher most notable achievement was the establishment of the NAACP Saturday Sch ool
located on was the campus of California Lutheran University.
Hatcher legacy includes four generations of civil rights leaders. Hatcher a visible figure in the community continuous work in the civil rights
was notable recognized in the “Who’s Who Book”, in addition numerous books and articles have been written about him. Hatcher continues to
make significant contribution in the areas of civil/human rights, race relation, equal opportunity, and public services, by dedicating himself to
helping others, and advocating for ALL.
Due to Hatchers dedication and commitment to the civil rights, Ventura County awarded him the first “Diamond Award”, the award was
dedicate in honor of Hatcher’s life work in the civil rights movement. In 2012 at the California Conference Silver Anniversary, Hatcher was
honored by the NAACP National Office and California Conference as a warrior-leader, receiving the Legacy Award. Hatcher over the years
has many distinguished awards and recipient of numerous community service, leadership awards, congressional, governor and state
reorganizations.
Hatcher graduated from La Verne University with honors in Psychology and Sociology . He is a member OMEGA PSI PHI Fraternity, American
Management Association, Professional Housing Managers Association, State of California Civil Rights Task Force, and Democrati c Party of
Alabama in North Birmingham founded by his late father John R. Hatcher II.
NAACP Ventura County Chapter
Biography: John R. Hatcher III