The idea of establishing a Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was born in the minds of Dea. Ernest E. Roane and Dea. William R. Claytor, both now deceased. They shared in the dream of Hanover County having an organization dedicated to the realization of the principle of equality and justice for all people. On September 29, 1946, at the First Union Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, this idea became a reality.

 

First Officers

Husband and Wife Team

Board Meeting Early Days

History

1946 to 2004

Roots of the Hanover County Branch NAACP

The Hanover County Branch of the NAACP was chartered by the first president of the Virginia State Conference of Branches, the late Dr. J. M. Tinsley. The objectives of this Branch were in accordance with the constitution of the State Conference and the National Association.

Mr. Ernest Eugene Roane, who was one of the organizers, was elected as the first president, serving from 1946 to 1956. The other officers elected were: Mr. James P. Giles, vice president; Mr. Nelson Holmes, treasurer; and Mrs. Mattie J. Claytor, secretary. Mrs. Claytor served as secretary for the Branch from 1946 to 1976. She maintained efficient records and informed the Branch of information pertaining to the state and national activities. The executive board members were the officers and two members-at-Iarge; the late Dea. William R. Claytor and Mr. Contee Robinson. Later, additional members were added to the board. They were: Mrs. Octavia Brooks, Mr. Ralph Anderson, Mr. Herbert Gardner, Mr. T. B. Carter and Mr. W. H. Thompson,

The association grew rapidly and met many of the requests from the State and National offices for financial aid, Each year the Branch has been represented in the Region 7 - Regional Leadership Conference, State and National Convention by delegates or by correspondence.

Some of our earliest activities were:
● Joining in with the Richmond Branch to picket Thalhimers Store on Broad Street in an effort to break down discrimination after the 1954 Brown vs Board of Education Court decision.
● contributing financial aid to help relieve t he deplorable conditions in the Mississippi Delta area.

In 1956, Mr. Ralph Anderson, Sr. was elected as the second president, succeeding Mr.
Roane; he served until 1962. Under Mr. Anderson's administration several positive changes occurred:
● the membership increased from 276 members to 484 members.
● our Freedom Fund increased from $237.11 to $1,649.29.
● the first Membership Committee was organized; members were Mr. W. H. Thompson, Mrs, Louise Pryor and Mrs. Octavia Brooks.
● the first Freedom Fund Committee was organized.
● the standing committees of the Branch became active.
● the first Youth Chapter was organized; Mr. T. B. Carter served as Senior Advisor

Mr. Anderson served as chairman of the Political Action Committee for 34 years; assistant

treasurer for many years and as a member of the State Board of Directors of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP.

In 1962, Rev. Medford W. Walker was elected as the Branch's third president: serving 30 years; from 1962 to 1992. His administration was a productive one. During his tenure, the Branch received many awards, plaques and certificates for outstanding achievements in Life Memberships and Membership accomplishments. All standing committees continued to be active, informative and responsive to the needs of civil justice. The Branch supported the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP and the National Association financially; maintained good standing status with State and National assessments; presented financial contributions to the State and National to aid in furthering civil rights and justice for all people; participated in all State activities, such as workshops and fund-raisers; sent delegates to Region 7 - Leadership Training Conference, and State and National conventions; all Legal Redress complaints were investigated; monthly reports were given from all standing committees pertaining to the concerns, activities and general information on County, State and National levels; and participated in marches, rallies, mass meetings and the General Assembly Lobby Day.

Some of Rev. Walker's other duties included serving two terms as president of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP; member - State Board of Directors; chairman - Area 4 Branches, consisting of Hanover, Henrico, Richmond and Chesterfield; chairman - Region 7, consisting of Maryland, Washington, D. C. and Virginia Conference Branches; member - State Convention Planning Committee and Chairman of the National Nominating Committee.

Other officers elected to serve with Rev. Walker were W. Harold Thompson, Vice President and Miss Jane Tate, as the Branch's second secretary, succeeding Mrs. Mattie Claytor serving from 1976 - 1989. She followed in the footsteps of her predecessor by displaying professional clerical procedures in record keeping and bookkeeping. Miss Tate also served as secretary of the Virginia State Conference Board of Directors, member of the State Board of Directors and was a member of the Hanover Freedom Fund Committee for many years.

On September 5, 1963, the headline of the Hanover Herald Progress read: "Eight Negroes Enrolled Without Incident." This article highlighted the first Black students enrolled in an all white school after desegregation. The students were Arlene L. and Harriet Thompson, Blanche and Jackie Holmes, James Bagby, Phyllis, Norbert, and Walter Lee. Truly this was a major accomplishment for our local Branch, as well as the State and National organization, we had fought hard to end this type of discrimination.

Mr. William R. Oaytor succeeded Mr. Nelson Holmes as the second treasurer. Mr. George Howard was the third treasurer. Mr. W. G. Robinson followed Mr. Howard as the fourth treasurer. In 1994, Mrs. Mary Waddy became the fifth treasurer of the Branch. She also is a member of the Freedom Fund Committee.

Mr. W. G. Robinson served as Membership chairman for 32 years. In 1992 Mrs Elizabeth Waddy was elected to this office and served for two years. In 1994, Mr. Joseph Giles was elevated to chair the Membership Committee and Mr. Burton Smith became the assistant chairman of the Membership Committee.

Mrs. Paige Anderson has served as Life Membership chairman for over 30 years. Mrs Edmonia Iverson has served as the Assistant Life Membership chairman for six years.

In 1992, Mr. Joseph Giles succeeded Mr. W. H. Thompson as the Branch's third vice president. He served from 1992 to 1994. Mr. Giles also served as chairman of Religious Affairs.

In 1994, Mrs. Elizabeth Waddy succeeded Mr. Joseph Giles as the fourth Vice President.
In addition, Mrs. Waddy has served as chairman of the Freedom Fund Committee for eight years and was past chairman of the Membership Committee.

In 1986, Mrs. Nellie B. Winston was elected as the third secretary. Mrs. Winston has served in this capacity for the last nine years. Her other duties include: chairman - Press and Publicity Committee; member - Freedom Fund Committee; secretary - Virginia State Board of Directors; member - State Board of the Virginia State Conference of NAACP; member - Virginia State Crime Task Force; secretary - Executive Committee of the Virginia State Conference; and chaim1an - Virginia State Conference Membership. She is also a past secretary of Region 7.

Miss Elizabeth Robinson has served for many years as assistant secretary.

The Youth Chapter was reorganized with Mr. Junius Holmes succeeding Mr. T. B. Carter as Senior Youth Advisor. Mrs. Joyce Mines was elected as Senior Youth Advisor after Mr. Holmes. Mrs. Mines has also served as State Youth Advisor of the Virginia State Conference NAACP. Mrs. Alice Clarke was the next Senior Youth Advisor. Under the leadership of Mrs. Clarke the Youth Chapter grew in membership and in participation in the County, State and National NAACP projects. The Youth also have sponsored college tours and attended State meetings and various workshops. Mrs. Helen Holmes and Miss Wilnette Jackson have served as the Assistant Senior Youth Advisors. Mrs. Holmes and Miss Jackson have also served on the Freedom Fund Committee.

In 1994, Mrs. Rachel Thompson, a long time Freedom Fund Committee member, succeeded Mrs. Clarke as Senior Youth Council Advisor. Under Mrs. Thompson the Youth Council is growing in membership and is presently meeting on a monthly basis in area churches. They are involved in various youth and college activities, workshops, carnation balls, and the State and National Convention. Miss Lynn Wingfield is President of the Youth Council. Ms. Sue Randolph is the Assistant Youth Council Advisor.

The Freedom Fund Committee has scheduled monthly meetings to organize plans for our Annual Black Awareness Program and the Annual Freedom Fund Banquet.

In 1992, Mr. W. H. Thompson was elected as the Branch's fourth President, succeeding Rev. Melford Walker. Mr. Thompson had served as Vice President from 1956 until 1992 and as Chairman of the Education Committee from 1962 to 1992. His objective for the Branch is to achieve justice, equality and human dignity for all people.

Compiled May 1996

Back to Top