Branch History Many people friendly to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored  People (NAACP) have urged it to pause, to slow down, while many others suggest  that it is doing nothing and has lost its effectiveness. However, the NAACP keeps  working and making progress in the continuing struggle for equality of its people.  The National Association gains its strength through the volunteer workers operating  the local branches. One such branch is located in Clarksville Tennessee and was chartered September  8, 1955. Some of the early organizers of the local branch were Dr. Bailey Cobb, Mr.  Francis Young, and Professor Allison. Sadly to say, not many records w ere kept  during those days. In its conception, monthly meetings were held at the Saint Peters AME Church but  were discontinued in December 1972 because of lack of participation. The number  of person attending meetings often depended upon issues. Several outstanding citizens have headed the Clarksville Branch of the NAACP.  Professor Allison, principal of Burt High School, and one of the branch’s original  organizers served as the first president. It is said that he was forced to leave his  position at Burt High School because of his involvement in the NAACP. Mr. L. R.  Jenkins was elected in 1956 and was followed by Reverend W.T. Couch. Mrs. Mary  Ellen Boyd was elected in 1957 and served for ten years. In spite on many threats  on her life and property and the fact that she had no vice president to assist her,  Mrs. Boyd did an outstanding job. However, the membership fell below the  requirement to keep the charter. In 1968, an Alabama district organization was empowered to reorganize the  Clarksville Branch. The Reverend John Cunningham was elected and served until  1972. Others leading the branch since its reorganization were Mrs. Virginia Martin,  Reverend Jerry Jerkins, Mr. John Johnson, Mrs. Dorothy Griffey Stowe, Reverend  Wiley Moore, and Reverend James Yeary, Sr.  Reverend Yeary served for one year  and at the end of 1985, presented his written resignation to Executive Director  Benjamin Hooks listing, among other reasons for stepping down, the lack of  concern and involvement of local citizens for NAACP objectives. Immediately  following the resignation of Reverend Year, a special called meeting to fill the  position of president, and the mantle fell once again on Reverend Jerry G. Jerkins  to serve. Following in the footprints of Past President Jerry G. Jerkins were  Reverend Harold Murray, Reverend Boone, Mrs. Barbara Johnson, Mr. Harvey  Johnson, Reverend Craig Hargrow, Esq., Mr. Robert Hatcher, Mr. Jesse Owens and  currently leading the branch to meet the objective of the NAACP National, Regional,  And State bodies is President (Elder) Jimmie M. Garland, Sr.  The Clarksville Branch of the NAACP continues the work that it has been best  known for in the past. It continues to assist members of the local community with  problems relating to equality and racial conflicts. The branch has adopted a  progressive agenda focused on addressing issues associated with education,  employment, crime, drugs, police brutality, political involvement, accountability of  elected officials, and fair share agreements have been added to our efforts to  eliminate racial prejudice and inequality. The Clarksville Branch of the NAACP #5582 appreciates the support it receives  from our community throughout Montgomery County. However, the membership is  not what it should be. We believe membership is the life-blood of our organization.  Be assured that membership in the local branch is available to anyone who desires  to support the objectives of the NAACP National agenda. Come join us as we  continue the struggle. The Clarksville Branch of the NAACP #5582 holds regular meeting each fourth  Thursday of the month. The meetings are held at the New Providence Outreach  Center, Clarksville, TN, at 7:00 p.m...   You can reach us by calling 931 216-6745.   CLARKSVILLE MONTGOMERY COUNTY TENNESSEE                                      @Clarksville Branch 5582 2009 All Rights Reserved Powered By Dpp Productions BECOME A MEMBER Join today and become one of the hundreds of thousands of NAACP Freedom Fighters across the globe! The work of the Association - equality and justice for all - depends on the support and participation of caring and progressive individuals like you. A stronger NAACP with a larger, more active membership is the best hope for protecting our freedom and advancing our rights.