Ouachita Parish NAACP has fought for changes over the years.
In 1924 the Louisiana Legislature passed a law making it illegal for citizens to be members of “subversive” organizations. The law was aimed directly at the Klan but was used also to prevent Blacks from being members of the NAACP. Until the 1970s’ the men who led the NAACP of Monroe did so at risk of arrest. Persons who joined were intimidated with firing and harassment. Leaders of the local NAACP have been:
Reverend S. L. Pierce, 1932-1952; he concentrated on building membership and fighting against the lynching of Negroes in North Louisiana. He was fearless and a powerful orator.
Guiding Voice, 1952-1956.
Dr. John I. Reddix, 1956-1968; because of laws that prevented membership in the NAACP he formed a companion organization called “The Guiding Voice” and led the organization during the fight for voting rights of the 50s’ and 60s’, spearheaded the desegregation of the Monroe City Schools, Northeast University, and public accommodations.
Guiding Voice, 1968-1972.
Reverend John Russell, Sr., 1972-1974; revived the branch and pushed for increased voter registration and participation.
Willie Haynes, 1974-1976; pushed for a change in Monroe’s form of government. Provided a think tank for new political strategies of the 70s’ and 80s’.
Reverend Roosevelt Wright, Jr., 1976-1988; pushed for changes in Monroe City Schools, represented Blacks in Community Development Block grants, protested police brutality, established summer feeding programs, and job fairs.
John Joseph (Joe) James, Sr., 1988; an interim president.
D’Ella Walters, 1988-1990; pushed for increased membership and participation in national programs.
Reverend Charles Thomas, 1990-1992; pushed for Martin Luther King holiday and spoke out against injustices.
Otis Chisley, 1992-1996; spoke out against injustices, promoted youth ACT-SO programs and support of the National agenda.
John Joseph (Joe) James, Sr., 1996-1998; became president when Chisley resigned to run for mayor of Monroe.
Augusta Turner, 1998-2000; worked to have standing committees active on the state and federal level, fought for MLK Day Holiday, awarded scholarships, organized the first mock voting in high schools, fought injustices both locally and in federal court.
Otis Chisley, 2000-2008.
Ervin “Pete” Turner, 2008-2010.
Otis Chisley, 2010-2015; group not officially reorganized because its membership declined to less than 50 members.
Reverend Ambrose Douzart, 2015-current; appointed interim president for one year. Group officially reorganized. Elected president in 2016.