The NAACP is the largest and most widely recognized civil rights and social justice organization in the U.S. Started in 1909 as a result of decades of discrimination, racist policies, violence against people of color and a deadly race riot the year prior, a group of white liberals met to discuss what to do. This included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, both descendants of abolitionists, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moskowitz. They called a meeting that was attended by approximately 60 people. Seven prominent African Americans attended, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell. The goal was to ensure that the provisions of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments were provided to all peoples. The NAACP's mission is to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice.
Today, there are more than 2,200 chapters of the NAACP. It works on an array of issues, including voting rights, criminal justice reform, environment and climate justice, inclusive economy, health and wellbeing, education reform, advocacy and litigation, and developing next generation leaders.
Barry University’s chapter was formed in 2021 as another tool to support the work of the Anti-Racism and Equity Coalition. Its Faculty Advisor is Dr. Laura Finley, Professor of Sociology & Criminology. Officers include Melodie Plaise, Lecia Gray, Alecia Rodriguez, Kriseanna Cotton, and Amanda Gonzalez Garcia. Below, please find more information about the chapter from an interview with President Melodie Plaise.
When did you first learn about the NAACP?
I first learned about the NAACP as a high school student. I have been interested in advocacy and the fight for freedom, equity, justice, and peace for as long as I can remember. I can recall planning and attending my first actions as early as 7th grade. I have always wanted to join the NAACP as it is a nationally recognized organization with a mission that aligns with my passion for advocacy. When I learned that Barry was looking to establish a university chapter, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be involved on a leadership level.
What compelled you to run for President of Barry's inaugural chapter?
I have dedicated the last decade to advocating for freedom, equity, justice, and peace in my community. Joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) gave me the opportunity to continue advocating for civil rights and racial and social justice for people of color on a national scale. Running for President of Barry’s inaugural chapter was important to me as a leader because the association works to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality, and aims to eliminate race-based discrimination.
What has the experience been like so far? What are some of the group's achievements? Challenges?
So far, it has been an amazing experience. We have an amazing executive board led by exceptional women of color who all lead with passion. One of our most successful achievements was our 2021 Thanksgiving Food Drive where we collected non-perishable food items and donated them to Barry’s Community Food Pantry. Another one of our achievements was our 2021 Holiday Toy Drive where we collected over 200 toys and donated them to Miami’s No More Tears domestic violence shelter and Central Florida’s Harbor House domestic violence shelter. Some of the challenges that we have faced as a group include the lack of active general body member participation, and limited resources and guidance.
What do you see as the group's primary goals for this semester? For future?
Some of the group’s primary goals for this semester are to raise awareness about the NAACP chapter and increase participation in our monthly general body meetings and advocacy events. Some of the group’s primary goals for the future are to continue raising awareness, building our chapter, advocating for freedom, equity, justice, and peace, and giving back to our community.
Do you have upcoming events or activities to promote?
We have monthly general body meetings scheduled on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7PM this spring semester centered around themes relevant to the respective months. Specifically, our February general body meeting (2/18/22) will be centered around Black History month. Our March general body meeting (3/18/22) will be centered around Women’s History month and the executive board will host a pinning ceremony on campus for all active general body members. Our April general body meeting (4/15/22) will be centered around sexual assault awareness month and child abuse prevention month. Lastly, our May general body meeting (5/20/22) will be centered around mental health awareness month.
Is there anything else you'd like to mention?
I would like to mention that our chapter is always looking to collaborate with other Barry clubs and organizations as well as community partners. We are also looking to grow our active members’ list as there is strength in numbers. We accept membership applications throughout the semester and look forward to welcoming new members. Join us in the fight for freedom, equity, justice, and peace!
The NAACP is the largest and most widely recognized civil rights and social justice organization in the U.S. Started in 1909 as a result of decades of discrimination, racist policies, violence against people of color and a deadly race riot the year prior, a group of white liberals met to discuss what to do. This included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, both descendants of abolitionists, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moskowitz. They called a meeting that was attended by approximately 60 people. Seven prominent African Americans attended, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell. The goal was to ensure that the provisions of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments were provided to all peoples. The NAACP's mission is to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice.
Today, there are more than 2,200 chapters of the NAACP. It works on an array of issues, including voting rights, criminal justice reform, environment and climate justice, inclusive economy, health and wellbeing, education reform, advocacy and litigation, and developing next generation leaders.
Barry University’s chapter was formed in 2021 as another tool to support the work of the Anti-Racism and Equity Coalition. Its Faculty Advisor is Dr. Laura Finley, Professor of Sociology & Criminology. Officers include Melodie Plaise, Lecia Gray, Alecia Rodriguez, Kriseanna Cotton, and Amanda Gonzalez Garcia. Below, please find more information about the chapter from an interview with President Melodie Plaise.
When did you first learn about the NAACP?
I first learned about the NAACP as a high school student. I have been interested in advocacy and the fight for freedom, equity, justice, and peace for as long as I can remember. I can recall planning and attending my first actions as early as 7th grade. I have always wanted to join the NAACP as it is a nationally recognized organization with a mission that aligns with my passion for advocacy. When I learned that Barry was looking to establish a university chapter, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be involved on a leadership level.
What compelled you to run for President of Barry's inaugural chapter?
I have dedicated the last decade to advocating for freedom, equity, justice, and peace in my community. Joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) gave me the opportunity to continue advocating for civil rights and racial and social justice for people of color on a national scale. Running for President of Barry’s inaugural chapter was important to me as a leader because the association works to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality, and aims to eliminate race-based discrimination.
What has the experience been like so far? What are some of the group's achievements? Challenges?
So far, it has been an amazing experience. We have an amazing executive board led by exceptional women of color who all lead with passion. One of our most successful achievements was our 2021 Thanksgiving Food Drive where we collected non-perishable food items and donated them to Barry’s Community Food Pantry. Another one of our achievements was our 2021 Holiday Toy Drive where we collected over 200 toys and donated them to Miami’s No More Tears domestic violence shelter and Central Florida’s Harbor House domestic violence shelter. Some of the challenges that we have faced as a group include the lack of active general body member participation, and limited resources and guidance.
What do you see as the group's primary goals for this semester? For future?
Some of the group’s primary goals for this semester are to raise awareness about the NAACP chapter and increase participation in our monthly general body meetings and advocacy events. Some of the group’s primary goals for the future are to continue raising awareness, building our chapter, advocating for freedom, equity, justice, and peace, and giving back to our community.
Do you have upcoming events or activities to promote?
We have monthly general body meetings scheduled on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7PM this spring semester centered around themes relevant to the respective months. Specifically, our February general body meeting (2/18/22) will be centered around Black History month. Our March general body meeting (3/18/22) will be centered around Women’s History month and the executive board will host a pinning ceremony on campus for all active general body members. Our April general body meeting (4/15/22) will be centered around sexual assault awareness month and child abuse prevention month. Lastly, our May general body meeting (5/20/22) will be centered around mental health awareness month.
Is there anything else you'd like to mention?
I would like to mention that our chapter is always looking to collaborate with other Barry clubs and organizations as well as community partners. We are also looking to grow our active members’ list as there is strength in numbers. We accept membership applications throughout the semester and look forward to welcoming new members. Join us in the fight for freedom, equity, justice, and peace!