The New Hanover County Branch of the NAACP was established in 1919, during a period of national expansion for the NAACP following World War I. Its founding came just two decades after the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and coup, a defining and traumatic event that violently dismantled Black political power in the city. In this historical context, the creation of a local NAACP branch represented a determined effort by African American citizens to reclaim civic engagement, protect civil rights, and build organized resistance to racial injustice.

In its earliest years, the branch focused on community organization, advocacy for fair treatment under the law, and political awareness, laying the groundwork for sustained civil rights activism in Wilmington and surrounding areas of New Hanover County.

As the national Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, the New Hanover County NAACP played a vital role locally in addressing segregation, unequal access to public services, and discriminatory practices. During this era, the branch supported efforts aimed at:

• School desegregation
• Equal access to healthcare and public facilities
• Fair employment opportunities
• Legal redress for racial discrimination

Local civil rights leaders and professionals—working alongside or in partnership with the NAACP—helped challenge Jim Crow practices in education, hospitals, and municipal services. The branch served as both a coordinating body and a trusted advocate for residents navigating racial barriers in everyday life.

Following the legislative victories of the Civil Rights Movement, the branch shifted toward community empowerment, monitoring civil rights compliance, and sustaining political participation. During these decades, the New Hanover County NAACP worked to ensure that legal gains translated into real, lasting equity.

Key areas of focus included:

• Voter registration and voter education
• Monitoring local government and school systems
• Economic justice and employment equity
• Youth engagement and leadership development

The branch also strengthened its presence through public forums, community meetings, and partnerships with churches, educators, and civic organizations, reinforcing its role as a central voice for civil rights in the county.

Deborah Dicks Maxwell Era

A defining period in the branch’s modern history came under the leadership of Deborah Dicks Maxwell, who served as President of the New Hanover County NAACP before ascending to statewide leadership as President of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP—the first woman to hold that position.

During this period, the branch:

• Expanded its focus on health equity, environmental justice, and education
• Increased community visibility and engagement
• Strengthened relationships with regional and state NAACP structures

Maxwell’s leadership elevated the profile of the New Hanover County branch and reinforced its influence beyond county lines, while remaining grounded in local concerns.

In 2019, the New Hanover County NAACP marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of continuous civil rights advocacy. The centennial served as both a moment of reflection and recommitment—honoring the generations of leaders and members who sustained the branch through periods of profound social change.

The milestone highlighted the branch’s longevity, resilience, and ongoing relevance in addressing racial inequities in Wilmington and New Hanover County.

In 2021, LeRon T. Montgomery was elected President of the New Hanover County NAACP, representing a new generation of leadership. Under his presidency, the branch has emphasized:

• Youth and young-adult engagement
• Voter mobilization and protection
• Public policy education
• Coalition-building with labor, faith, and community groups

Montgomery’s leadership has continued the branch’s long tradition of combining advocacy with education, ensuring that civil rights work remains active and visible at the local level.

Signature Initiatives and Programs

Across decades, the New Hanover County NAACP has maintained several core initiatives that define its public presence:

Voter Empowerment:

• Souls to the Polls marches
• Candidate forums
• Voter education and turnout campaigns

Community Education and Awareness

• Public forums on social justice and policy
• Observances connected to historic events, including the legacy of 1898
• Youth-focused programming

Annual Events

• Freedom Fund Banquet, the branch’s primary fundraiser supporting local advocacy
• Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, honoring Dr. King’s legacy and reinforcing community unity

Recognition and Legacy

In recognition of its sustained work and organizational strength, the New Hanover County Branch has received national NAACP honors, including induction into the President’s Circle and 100 Club, which acknowledge high-performing and impactful branches.

Conclusion: A Living Legacy

For more than a century, the New Hanover County Branch of the NAACP has served as a pillar of civil rights advocacy in southeastern North Carolina. From its founding in the shadow of racial violence, through the struggles of segregation, to modern-day challenges of equity and justice, the branch has remained steadfast in its mission.

Its history is not only one of protest and policy, but of community care, education, and resilience—a living legacy that continues to shape Wilmington and New Hanover County today.

Past Presidents
Glenn Hughes
Andrew Waters
James Hankins
Dr. Earl Sheridan
Delores F. Moore
Rev. John Fredlaw
Harold Beatty
Deborah Dicks Maxwell
Elder Reddego Long