WHO WE ARE
COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
Phenix City Russell County NAACP is dedicated to serving the community by advocating for civil rights and social justice. We are committed to creating positive change and promoting equality for all residents of Phenix City and Russell County.
HISTORY
The Phenix City–Russell County NAACP Unit #5050, located in Phenix City, Alabama, is a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. The NAACP has been active in Alabama since 1913, advocating for Black constitutional rights and challenging racial discrimination. Despite facing significant opposition, including being outlawed in Alabama in 1956, the NAACP's efforts have been instrumental in the fight against disenfranchisement and Jim Crow laws .
Unit #5050 continues this legacy by engaging in various community initiatives and events. Notably, the branch hosts an annual Emancipation Celebration at the historic Nichols Chapel AME Church in Phenix City, commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation and educating the community about the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. In 2020, the event marked its 157th anniversary, emphasizing the theme "Freedom Ain’t Free" .
Additionally, Unit #5050 organizes events like the Freedom Fund Gala to support organizational growth and scholarship programs. For instance, in October 2023, the gala featured Alabama State Senator Robert Stewart as the guest speaker and honored local educators and community leaders for their contributions .
The unit also includes the Women in the NAACP (WIN) division, which focuses on empowering women through events such as the "Loving Me Again: Sip & Tea" gathering, fostering community engagement and support.