Local NAACP recognized as legitimate
Group led by Afrika receives letter from State Office
news@theeveningtimes.com A long-running issue with two competing factions, both claiming to be the 'real' Crittenden County NAACP has been settled.
A letter from Arkansas NAACP President Frank Shaw III officially recognized the faction led by Shabaka Afrika as the sanctioned local branch of the national organization. From the letter: 'This letter serves to formally recognize the Crittenden County Branch #6008 as the official Branch of the NAACP within the Jurisdiction of the Arkansas state Conference NAACP. The stalwart leadership of the Crittenden County Branch has been focused on fulfilling the mission of the NAACP throughout its legal challenges and are stronger and even more determined to strengthen the status of men, women and children throughout the Crittenden County area thereby impacting the State as well. We recognize and look forward to working
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Shabaka Afrika NAACP (cont.)
with the leadership of branch #6008 namely that of Mr. Shabaka Afrika,President; Rubye Black-Johnson, First Vice President; and Alicia Whitley Secretary -Treasurer. We further recognize the location of the Crittenden County Branch as 812 East Broadway Avenue, West Memphis, AR 72301. We further acknowledge the Crittenden County Branch #6008 is fully compliant with the National NAACP and it's affiliate the Arkansas State Conference NAACP for 2020.'
For years, a second group, spearheaded by Hubert Bass and Kyle Watkins, had also been doing business as the Crittenden County NAACP, and the two groups have made claims in public and in court documents both claiming to be the legitimate local branch.
