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PrintCOLUMBIA — After a few years' hiatus in which membership dwindled, the Columbia NAACP youth council is once again active and growing after regaining its charter a year ago.
Council President Stephany Cox, a senior at Hickman High School, said the council's current mission is to inform youth of their rights and educate those who are afraid to stand up for themselves.
Myah McCrary
Age: 15
Grade: 9th grade at West Junior High School
Position: Secretary
Interests: Cheerleading, dancing, Tae Kwon Do
Other organizations: MAC Scholars, National Junior Honor Society
Stephany Cox
Age: 18
Grade: Senior at Hickman High School
Position: President
Interests: 2008 Homecoming queen, cheerleading
Other organizations: MAC Scholars
Gary Smith
Age: 18
Grade: Senior at Hickman High School
Position: Second vice president
Interests: Football, track
Other organizations: MAC Scholars
KaDarrius Anderson
Age: 14
Grade: 8th grade at Jefferson Junior High School
Position: Education chair
Interests: Basketball, piano
Julian Cheatum
Age: 13
Grade: 8th grade at Jefferson Junior High School
Position: Assistant treasurer
Interests: Basketball, track
Charity Gant
Age: 12
Grade: 7th grade at Lane Middle School
Position: Assistant secretary
Other organizations: MAC Scholars
Other board members:
Cameron McCrary
School: Moberly Area Community College
Position: First vice president
Samantha Harris
Grade: Senior at Hickman High School
Position: Treasurer
Stephanie Adams
Grade: Senior at Hickman High School
Position: Chaplain
Shantia Solomon
School: Moberly Area Community College
Position: Publicity chair
Hickman senior Gary Smith, second vice president of the youth council, said the response of his peers to the NAACP is positive, and he thinks most are open to hearing more even if they choose not to join.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People requires 25 members for a youth council to obtain a charter. The original charter was lost several years ago when the council's high school seniors graduated and left, leaving few older members ready to assume leadership positions.
Even when there was not enough interest for a youth council, young members were still involved in the adult NAACP, said adviser Pamela Hardin, who is the daughter of state and local chapter President Mary Ratliff.
The youth council, which was re-established in February 2008, acts as an arm of the Columbia NAACP chapter as it rebuilds. Youth members have participated in joint programs and volunteer their time to assist with the adult chapter's events.
During the past election season, for example, the youth council went door to door to promote voter registration. Benjamin Jealous, president of the national NAACP, began his activism in a similar manner, according to the Washington Post.
Recruitment is currently done by word of mouth, but there are plans for a membership drive to reach more Columbia youth.
The council does not have an organized Facebook presence yet, but that could change, Cox said. She said she also hopes to create a Web site specifically for the youth council.
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