TRI-CITIES, Wash.- NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Founded in 1909, the NAACP’s mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all individuals and to eliminate race-based discrimination and injustice.
NAACP Tri-Cities Chapter 1135-B President, Irving L. Brown Sr. said they work to “advocate for those who just feel they don’t have a voice.” Chapter 1135 B focuses on addressing local issues, such as racial and social injustices, economic disparities, educational opportunities and voter empowerment.
Vice President, Benjie Allen said they are actively in the process of trying to restore or revitalize the Martin Luther King facility in Pasco. “This facility is a very vital resource,” said Allen. “It was built in 1976 and I remember as a child growing up we would have pageants and games and all kinds of community events.”
Allen said this restoration effort is not just about repairing a building. It’s about preserving a legacy and ensuring the MLK Center continues to fulfill its purpose as a place that uplifts, empowers and unites our community.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving partnerships with city officials, local organizations and community leaders. You can read more about the petition and updates here.
NAACP Tri-Cities is working on other local initiatives as well. Brown Sr. said, “We are working on building our youth department of the NAACP.”
The first event is happening January 23 6-7p.m. Speak On It, is a forum for young adults to speak their minds and be heard. Kids 12-17 can join for drinks, pizza and conversation at the Pasco Library.
Martin Luther King Jr. worked closely with the NAACP through the civil rights movement, which is why Allen said it is still important work today. “A lot of things that we dealt with during the Civil Rights Movement is on its way back,” said Allen. “The NAACP is important because we are advocates for justice, making sure people are treated equally.”