White woman elected to lead local NAACP

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White woman elected to lead local NAACP

Covington branch seeks new energy
Tuesday, May 10, 2005 By Richard Boyd
St. Tammany bureau

In trying to revitalize a dormant branch of the NAACP in the Covington area, activist Bonnie Andrus and others have taken the unusual step of electing a white woman as branch president.

Annie Spell, 40, of Covington -- a lawyer who specializes in civil rights litigation for children, and personal injury, domestic and Social Security law -- was elected by the group. Spell, a native of Bogalusa, attended Vanderbilt University and obtained her law degree from Loyola University.

"I look forward to helping the group extend its influence through diversity, inclusiveness, energy and activism," she said. "I was not campaigning for it nor seeking it, but I am both honored and excited by the opportunity to serve our community through such a valuable and worthwhile organization." Spell said initial research indicates she is the first white woman to head the Covington branch.

Willis Richardson, an executive assistant in the NAACP's national Branch and Field Services Department in Baltimore, Md., said the civil rights organization does not keep data on branch leadership posts, "but just from my experience, I know we have had non-African-Americans to head up local branches in other states."

Andrus, an African-American political activist in Covington, was chief among those who persuaded Spell to take the position.

"I am so impressed by her leadership qualities, her commitment to progressive causes, her long history of important social activism and volunteer work, and her legal skills," Andrus said.

Also elected were community leader Hattie Brown, secretary, and pastor and financial adviser the Rev. Rodney Barney, treasurer.

Spell and her husband, lawyer Buddy Spell, have long been active in Democratic politics on the north shore and in the state.

Andrus said the local group has received approval from national NAACP officials to revitalize the long-dormant Covington branch, which requires a minimum of 50 members on a roster. Andrus said more than 60 residents have signed up and are attending meetings.

The Covington area branch will meet every other Monday at 7 p.m. at Christ Temple Church at 619 W. 30th Ave. After reorganization, meetings might be cut back to once a month, Andrus said.

 

thats wacky

 

a little trust is a good thing.