NAACP gets ‘safe space for advocacy’ after 75+ years in Tri-Cities
After more than 75 years in the Tri-Cities, the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is getting a permanent home.
The chapter is opening its first office in Pasco this weekend, including a keynote address by Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Chapter president Irving Brown Sr. told the Tri-City Herald the office will be “a safe space for advocacy” with an “atmosphere of community.”
It’s also launching a new endeavor. NAACP Tri-Cities was recently approved to start a youth division to support teens and young adults with their education and careers, and to connect them with mentors.
NAACP advocacy
The NAACP Tri-Cities chapter was founded in 1948.
Now the organization has 55 members and depends on a base of about 20 volunteers, said Brown, a former Pasco city councilman.
He said the chapter advocates for all community members by addressing local racial and social injustices and promoting civil rights, voter engagement, educational opportunities and proper access to healthcare.
Brown said the group is also proud to be hosting monthly meetings, improving communication through social media and the organization’s website and building relationships through local media ties.
In February, the organization spoke out against a brawl involving accusations of racial slurs at a high school basketball game in between the Pasco Bulldogs and Hanford Falcons. After a months-long investigation, police were unable to find evidence that slurs were used.
The chapter also fought for additional funding for improvements on the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in east Pasco. The building has been a cornerstone of the historically disadvantaged area for nearly 50 years and has needed major upgrades.
Saturday grand opening
There will be a grand opening on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at 707 W. Margaret St. The governor is set to speak during the event.
The event will include music and a kids zone. Free hot dogs, hamburgers, food and drinks will be available.
Adult volunteers and youth will use the new office for chapter meetings, discussions with local leaders and conversations with community members in need. Brown expects that volunteers will start using the space in the next couple weeks.
