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New hands take NAACP reins
The Rev. William Barber pledges to recruit more young members to the group's state chapter
Barber defeated the incumbent, Melvin 'Skip' Alston.
By MICHAEL EASTERBROOK, Staff Writer
GREENSBORO -- An unusually vigorous campaign to lead the state NAACP ended Saturday night when delegates handed the two-year post to a challenger who vowed to re-energize the civil rights organization and attract more young people to its membership.
"The lifeblood of this organization is inspiring our youth," said the Rev. William Barber of Goldsboro, moments after being declared the winner. "I'm just humbled."
Barber beat incumbent Melvin L. "Skip" Alston, grabbing 166 votes to 117, according to election results.
Alston, 48, congratulated Barber, 42, with a handshake and a hug and vowed to help him during his tenure.
Alston said he made the organization more politically potent during his eight years at the helm and said he was surprised by his loss. He has led the state NAACP since 1997.
"I guess he got out his vote, and I didn't get out mine," said Alston, of Greensboro. "[Barber] has the heart for it, and I'll do whatever I can to make sure the organization succeeds."
The voting took place Saturday afternoon at the 62nd annual state convention of the state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel in Greensboro. Also up for grabs were treasurer, secretary and four vice presidents' seats.
Before the voting, candidates took turns making three-minute speeches to an audience of about 400.
In recent years, the state convention has attracted a modest crowd. But turnout this year was larger because of the interest in the campaigns. This was the first year in recent memory in which all of the leadership posts were contested, said Gina Dean, co-chairwoman of the state conference.
"People got excited about it," Dean said. "It has really re-energized the organization."
The race for president attracted the most attention. The two candidates visited local chapter meetings, called members and sent mailings.
Barber is well-known in his home of Goldsboro, where he leads the Greenleaf Christian Church and founded a nonprofit community development corporation.
In addition to working harder to bring more young people into the organization, Barber vowed to help local branches increase their membership.
"Any inactive branch is too many, and we have a number of them," said Barber, a large man who leaned on a cane as he spoke.
Members from some of those struggling branches said they were looking forward to Barber's help.
"I think he'll be able to inspire," said Christina Davis-McCoy, a delegate from Raeford who voted for Barber.
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NC NAACP - A New Day
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