Mooresville-South Iredell NAACP
Passionately committed to advancing the cause of racial equity and social justice.
Ensure equality and help eliminate racial discrimination now and in the future.
Mooresville South Iredell NAACP
Post Office Box 5671 ♦ Mooresville, North Carolina 28117 ♦ (704) 658-8175
Greetings!
For 89 years, the South Iredell Branch of the NAACP has diligently served the Mooresville community.
In the last year, the branch has provided community programs such as a Juneteenth Breakfast, a Kwanzaa Scholarship Fundraiser, a Health Awareness program, and a Voter Education and Registration event.
In 2024, our focus will address activities with our youth. The branch will continue to bring civic awareness of voting inequities, education disparities, affordable housing, and racial injustices right here in Mooresville.
Our Annual Freedom Fund Banquet will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The banquet theme is Peacebuilding, with Dr. Chris Rey, president of Barber-Scotia College as our guest speaker. During the banquet, the branch will recognize past scholarship recipients, and those who have made significant contributions to the community in their professions. The banquet will be held at the Charles Mack Citizens Center, 221 N. Main Street in Mooresville from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 each; tables with seating for eight can be reserved on a first-come basis. The deadline for ticket purchase is April 18, 2024. Tickets will not be sold at the door, so early purchase of tickets is recommended.
The Annual Freedom Fund Banquet is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Your donations will ensure another successful banquet year in 2024, while helping to renew your civic duty to our local community, our state, and our nation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call or text, Eva Johnson, 704-439-7803 or Pam Bryant, 704-658-6355.
We look forward to your participation and attendance at our Freedom Fund Banquet 2024 with your ticket purchases and sponsor donations. Thank you in advance for your support.
Yours in Truth and Service,
Eva Johnson, Chairperson, Freedom Fund Banquet
Email: johnsoneva@icloud.com
Dr. Chris V. Rey
On July 17, 2023, Dr. Chris Rey began his duties as President of Barber-Scotia College, one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education.
Born in St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Chris Rey spent his formative years in Spring Lake, North Carolina. In 2011, he was the youngest person elected to serve as Mayor of Spring Lake, where he served three terms.
Dr. Rey graduated high school as a track and field All-American and attended East Carolina University on a full athletic scholarship. He later enlisted into the U.S. Army as a computer information technology analyst. After two short years, he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Signal Corps through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School. Thereafter, he saw deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
His service and leadership in the armed forces earned him numerous military awards and accolades including the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Dr. Rey retired at the rank of Major after 22 years of combined active and National Guard service.
In 2008, Dr. Rey was elected as the youngest member of the Virginia Delegation to the United States Electoral College, where he officially cast the ballot to elect the President and Vice-President of the United States.
He has worked as an executive in corporate America, and in the non-profit sector. As an entrepreneur, he has created or helped to create several companies. Dr. Rey is the founder of HBCU Internships Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing internship opportunities to HBCU students around the world.
For more than a decade, he served as an adjunct professor where he taught classes on organizational leadership, constitutional law, criminal law, juvenile justice, criminal courts, and cyber-crimes. Dr. Rey has presented numerous times around the world, working with local governments on developing strategic plans that focus on growing their economy and their communities.
In 2021 he was elected the 36th International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., one of the nation’s largest and oldest historically black fraternities committed to community service to all humanity. In 2023 he was re-elected to a second term.
Dr. Rey holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Information Systems from Walden University, and a Juris Doctor degree from William & Mary School of Law. He is currently pursuing an MBA from The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Rey currently serves on the Board of Visitors for Fayetteville State University, the Alumni Association Board of Directors for William & Mary University, and the Board of Trustees for Charisma University.
He is married and is the father of nine beautiful children.
Dr. Chris Rey, President
Barber-Scotia College
New Book Reveals Untold Story of Pioneering African American Artist Selma Hortense Burke:
Renowned African American artist Selma Hortense Burke's talent transcended boundaries, and is the focus of a groundbreaking new book that sheds light on her extraordinary life and career.
Written by local author, L. Melissa Smith, “Graven Images: An In-Depth Chronicle of the Life of Prolific Artist Selma Hortense Burke” offers a compelling narrative that delves into Burke’s journey, revealing previously undisclosed aspects of her personal and professional life.
Born here in Mooresville, Burke defied societal norms and racial barriers to become a prolific artist of her time. While her artistic contributions are widely recognized, Smith's book unveils intriguing details about her personal life, including her marriages and divorces, which have remained largely unknown until now.
Burke’s belief that her bas relief portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was plagiarized to create the iconic Roosevelt Dime is a central theme explored in the book. Despite her relentless pursuit of recognition for her work, she faced numerous challenges, including the alleged appropriation of her art by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Sinnock.
One of the most astonishing revelations in “Graven Images” is the discovery of Burke’s previously undisclosed marriage to a man who remained unnamed until now. And, contrary to her claim of widowhood in 1955, a “dead” husband was found to be alive until 1966, residing in another country with a new wife. The book also addresses longstanding speculation regarding Burke’s marriage to Harlem Renaissance pioneer Claude McKay in 1935. These revelations add a new layer of complexity to Burke’s personal history, and the intricacies of her relationships.
“Graven Images” offers a comprehensive exploration of the life of Selma Hortense Burke, presenting a nuanced portrait of an artist who defied conventions, and left an indelible mark on the art world. “Graven Images” provides readers with a deeper understanding of Burke’s legacy, and her enduring contributions to American art history.
The print and eBook versions of Graven Images: An In-Depth Chronicle of the Life of Prolific Artist Selma Hortense Burke” by L. Melissa Smith are available on SelmaBurkeBook.com, and on Amazon.com. For interviews with the author or further information about “Graven Images: An In-Depth Chronicle of the Life of Prolific Artist Selma Hortense Burke,” please contact L. Melissa Smith at info@selmaburkebook.com.
About the Author: L. Melissa Smith, a native of Mooresville, North Carolina, is a journalist and librarian, and was a student of Geneva Burke Miller, a sister of Selma Burke. Smith’s curiosity about Mooresville’s most famous citizen led her to delve into the life of Burke, resulting in this groundbreaking book.
Book Title: “Graven Images: An In-Depth Chronicle of the Life of Prolific Artist Selma Hortense Burke”
Author: L. Melissa Smith
ISBN: 979-8-8803-2069-1
Available: SelmaBurkeBook.com and Amazon.com
Book Signing at Freedom Fund Banquet Will Feature Local Author of New Book About the Life of Selma H. Burke
History of the
Mooresville-South Iredell NAACP
The Mooresville-South Iredell Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in the late 1930s, with thirty members. Mrs. Odessa Carr was the organization’s first president.
After her tenure, Theodore Thomas and Oates Campbell served as head of the chapter. Rev. Curtis E. Johnson is the current president.
The chapter has constantly worked quietly for the advancement of black people as well as the entire community. The members of the chapter were thankful that the Mooresville community was one of the first to open its doors to everyone without any negative outcomes.
Under the successful leadership of President Norris Graham, the branch made great strides and satisfactory achievements in recreation, housing, and other areas that came about through a united community effort. The NAACP was acknowledged as the most effective organization in working for political and social equality.
The Mooresville-South Iredell Branch of the NAACP expressed its utmost gratitude to the late Rev. John E. McKenzie, who served as the organization’s “Rock of Gibraltar”, with his vibrant personality and leadership skills.
The objectives of all levels and all units of the NAACP are:
· To eliminate racial discrimination and segregation from all aspects of public life in America.
· To secure a free ballot for every qualified American citizen.
· To seek justice in the courts.
· To secure legislation banning discrimination and segregation.
· To secure equal job opportunities based upon individual merits without regard to race, religion, or national origin.
· To end mob violence and police brutality.
Lift Every Voice and Sing is the official song of the NAACP.
NAACP spells out the trials of black Americans and the triumphs they have known, largely through the efforts of the NAACP.
The Mooresville-South Iredell branch of the NAACP is worthy of far more than a passing glance. The branch was and is a source of pride and inspiration under the leadership of its officers then and now.
Mrs. Odessa Carr
Rev. John E. McKenzie
Rev. Curtis Johnson
Our Mission
The mission of the Mooresville/South Iredell branch of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens and to eliminate racial discrimination. We work tirelessly to empower individuals, advocate for change, and foster a more inclusive society.
Regular Meetings
In-person meetings start April 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at 1020 Briarhill Road, Mooresville (W.H. Bryant Funeral Home)
Executive Board members are
asked to meet at 6:30 p.m.
Executive Board Members
Curtis Johnson, President
Randy Cherry, 1st Vice President
Tina Bolar, Secretary
Eva Johnson, Assistant Secretary
Pam Bryant, Treasurer
Brittany Westmoreland, Assistant Treasurer
Adele Harrison, Membership Chairperson