COMMUNITY
December 2006
(Read the previous stories in the series.)
 William M. Braxton, Charles County NAACP Branch President |
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The Charles County branch of the NAACP was founded September 8, 1941—32 years after the national organization. Although originally established to protect the rights of African Americans, the NAACP actually helps protect the rights of everyone. That’s because when one individual’s rights are upheld, so are the rights of all.
The president of the NAACP Charles County branch is William Braxton. Before he was elected in 1997, Mr. Braxton was involved with the organization for 20 years. Although he had always actively participated in branch events, he began volunteering for an increasing number of projects a few years before becoming president. Within the scope of those projects, he took on increasing responsibilities. Mr. Braxton soon realized that what he was accomplishing through the NAACP wasn’t just good for the community—it was also having a profound effect on him personally.
“There was so much work to do, and not enough people to do it,” Mr. Braxton said. “I had to help—it was my calling.”
Often, the NAACP acts as a resource to employees who are unsure if their rights have been violated. “When an individual comes to us and believes his or her rights have been violated, the first thing we do is help them review their work policies manual, if their employer has one,” Mr. Braxton says. “A lot of hard feelings can be caused by a simple misinterpretation of company policy. That’s why communication is so vital in the workplace.”
If, after reviewing the manual, it still appears that the employee’s rights may have been violated, the NAACP helps direct the individual to the best source of help for the employees’ situation. The NAACP also has the option of recommending the case for legal action on a national level.
As President, Mr. Braxton oversees arrangements of a number of events sponsored by the Charles County NAACP. The events are open to everyone, and many are forums that enable community members to receive information on a variety of topics. In 2006, events included community meetings held in conjunction with the Charles County Government, elected officials, and the Ministers’ Alliance, and included topics such as housing issues, land disputes, and hate crimes. In addition, the annual Hall of Fame banquet allows the branch to honor individuals who have promoted NAACP values in the community.
According to Mr. Braxton, things have really improved in Charles County with regard to workers’ rights.
“During the last 20 years, many companies have made big changes in the way they do business,” Mr. Braxton says. “There are always going to be a few exceptions, but as a whole, companies are working a lot harder to make sure workers’ rights are upheld.”
To learn more about the Charles County branch of the NAACP or to find out about upcoming events, please visit their Web site at www.ccnaacp.org.