As the Ouachita Parish NAACP prepares to select a new leader following Reverend Ambrose Douzart’s resignation, it’s crucial to reflect on the organization’s storied history and consider its future direction.
For nearly a century, this branch has been at the forefront of civil rights initiatives in our parish, demonstrating time and again that active engagement with pressing issues is the key to both societal progress and organizational vitality.
From its early days combating lynching under Reverend S.L. Pierce’s leadership to the courageous efforts of Dr. John I. Reddix in restoring voting rights during the challenging period of the 1950s and 60s, the NAACP has shown remarkable resilience and determination.
The branch’s work in desegregating Northeast Louisiana and pushing for changes in local government structure under Willie Haynes in the 1970s further solidified its role as a catalyst for change.
However, the branch’s history also reveals periods of decline, particularly when it stepped back from active engagement with community issues and resorted to tough talk without legal action which is the strength of the NAACP.
The near-collapse of the organization between 2008 and 2015 serves as a stark reminder that the NAACP’s strength lies in its ability to address the most pressing concerns of the community it serves.
Reverend Douzart deserves commendation for his efforts over the past eight years in reviving interest and rebuilding membership. His focus on public appearances and image restoration has laid a foundation upon which the next leader must build.
As we look to the future, the challenges facing Ouachita Parish are clear: crime reduction, education improvement, and economic development. These issues demand a leader who can channel the branch’s historic activism into tangible results for our community.
The next president of the Ouachita Parish NAACP must be prepared to:
–Tackle tough issues head-on, following in the footsteps of past leaders who confronted the challenges of their time.
–Build and maintain a strong membership base by demonstrating the branch’s relevance to contemporary concerns.
–Balance the need for public visibility with substantive action on key issues.
The history of the Ouachita Parish NAACP clearly shows that when it actively fought for justice and equality, it thrived.
As we enter this new chapter, we call upon the incoming leadership to honor this legacy by charting a course of renewed activism.
Tough talk without legal action means nothing. The next leader must be tough enough to lead the branch to fight. When we fight, we win.
The branch’s future success—and its ability to effect meaningful change in our community—depends on it.
