The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING NAACP MONTEREY COUNTY BRANCH
______
HON. JIMMY PANETTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 29, 2022
Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Monterey County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as they celebrate 90 years of service to the central coast of California. Since its inception in 1932, the NAACP of Monterey County has fiercely advocated for the expansion of civil rights. It has been at the forefront of all struggles and movements to defend and extend the political, social, and economic rights of all those who were the victims of injustice.
The Monterey County branch was originally founded as two separate branches. Both were created with the shared goal of raising awareness to racism and racial discrimination in all its forms. In 1932, Reverend Wellington Smith, Sr., then Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pacific Grove, took a step toward equality by founding the Monterey Peninsula branch. Seven years later, Mr. William Greenwill founded the Salinas Branch with the same goal of ridding the county of its most abject forms of racism and discrimination. Despite enduring long periods of threats to their members and families, both branches never faltered in their quest to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure political, educational, and social economic equality.
Before merging in 2006, each respective branch spearheaded decades-
long battles in fighting against racist police practices, barriers to accessible housing, and employment discrimination. Over the years, both branches have received numerous national awards for their outstanding work in fighting for equality. Most recently, in 2012, the Monterey County Branch was awarded the Claude Hudson Award, which honors a local branch that exemplifies the NAACP standards. That same year, Mr. Jim Black, treasurer of the branch, was named Treasurer of the Year for his honorable work in the organization. In 2013, the Branch was awarded the Ruby McKnight Williams Award, which recognizes branches with the largest percentage increase in membership.
Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize this historic milestone. I personally extend my gratitude to the members of the Executive Team and the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to become one of the most effective civil rights organizations in Monterey County and the State of California.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 127(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 127(2)
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