The Henrico County Branch of the NAACP has been organized since 1938 and has fought for dignity, rights, and justice for all citizens in Henrico County. It has had many presidents over the decades who focused on issues like education, civil rights, voting rights, and membership growth. The branch continues its important work for social justice.

1. Henrico County NAACP
The Henrico County Branch of the NAACP has
been at the forefront of fighting for the dignity
and the rights of citizens in the community. The
NAACP has been an immovable force for justice
and equality for all the citizens of Henrico.

2. 1930s to 1960s
In 1938, the Henrico County Branch NAACP was organized under the leadership of Mr. M. J.
Robinson, Sr. He served as the first president for 23 years.
From 1961 through 1965, Dr. H. R. Plummer, Sr. succeeded Mr. Robinson as president of the local
branch. Mr. Plummer's primary interest was focused on education and creating a better school system
to serve the needs of the community. Ms. Annie E. Hewlett was a dedicated member that worked with
both past Presidents during their terms. She was steadfast in her service by holding the branch
together as the Life & Regular Membership Chairperson and Freedom Fund Worker initiatives. Also,
Ms. Hewlett worked closely with the solicitors that were appointed by each church within the county.
At that time, there were at least two solicitors in each of 21 churches totaling 41, which focused on
Education, Voting, and Self Motivation.

3. 1970s
On Sunday, July 20, 1975 at 6:00 p.m., the branch held its first Freedom Fund Dinner Banquet at the
Holiday Inn that was located at 3200 West Broad Street in Richmond, Virginia.
From 1974 through 1976, Mrs. Lucy Cordell Wells served as the first female president. The heart of her
administration was Civil Rights, Voter Education, Self Motivation and increasing the number of both
Life and Regular memberships. She was re-elected for a second term and served from 1976 to 1978.
In 1978, Reverend Waverly E. Taylor, Jr., served as president for a short tenure that was less than one
year. In 1979, Mr. Ray Perry became president and he served for a short period as well.

4. 1980s
Reverend Joe B. Fleming served as president from 1980 through 1981. During his presidency, membership
was at an all time record high, exceeding 400 members. After one and a half years, Reverend Fleming was
called to pastor the Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.
In 1982, Reverend David Forbes became president, serving a one year term, still carrying out the goals of the
branch. In 1983, Mrs. Eve Davis became president for a term of one year. The Executive Board of the Branch
grew with the help of Mr. Donald A. Willis, as a great Co-Chairman of the Freedom Fund Banquet, until his
early departure.
From 1985 to 1986, Reverend Leonard Davis served as our branch president. In January of 1987, Mr. John E.
McNeil, Sr., was elected President. Through his leadership, we continued the struggle for human equality,
justice, and freedom for all Americans.
On April 29, 1988, the branch celebrated its 1st Annual Prayer Breakfast, which was directed under the
leadership of Mrs. Lucy Wells, the chairperson. On June 2, 1990, we enjoyed our first Day in the Park and
Membership Rally.

5. 1990s
In December 1990, Reverend James E. Coleman, Jr. was elected as the branch president and he served
for one year. Subsequently, he was called to serve as pastor of the Hayes Grove Baptist Church of
South Hill, Virginia. By a common consent, Mrs. Lucy Cordell Wells moved up to serve in an interim
role as president. In 1991, Mrs. Lucy Cordell Wells was re-elected as president of the Henrico Branch.
She served faithfully in that role until the year 2000.

6. 2000s
In 2001, Reverend Helen Clayton-Brown was elected president. Under her leadership, the
membership has increased by 192%. In March 2002, the National Office elevated the branch from a
small branch to a medium branch and Reverend Clayton-Brown received a trophy on behalf of the
branch. Also, under her administration, the branch held its first Fashion Show Fundraiser.
In December 2004, Reverend Dr. J. Rayfield Vines, Jr. was elected as president and he served the
branch tirelessly in his fight for freedom. President Vines led by example and promoted the cause of
the association while celebrating its legacy.
In 2007, President Vines was elected President of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP; he was
the first Henrico Branch President to serve in that capacity.

7. 2008 to 2010
At the end of 2008, the branch elected its youngest president, Ms. Tyee Davenport. During her
administration, the branch held several events serving the community: the annual Freedom Fund
Banquet, A CROWNS luncheon, and a health forum in the Essex Village Community. In addition,
forums were held with the Henrico School Board and Board of Supervisors, which awarded $3,000 in
educational awards to Henrico County High School Seniors. Candidates for the House of Delegates
forum and
In 2010, the branch elected E. Drusilla Bridgeforth as its President. Ms. Bridgeforth has been a long-
time veteran of many positions within the NAACP. She has pledged to continue building community
alliances, engaging Henrico's youth keeping in with the theme "Affirming America's Promise!"

8. 2011 to 2015
The branch is moving forward methodically
doing the work in front and behind the scene
for social justice.