The Jacksonville Branch NAACP received one of the organization’s highest national honors during the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago, earning the prestigious Dr. Ross Thalheimer Award for outstanding civil rights advocacy, grassroots organizing, education and community empowerment.
The branch was recognized in part for its “Ask A Lawyer” program, a free monthly legal clinic that connects residents with professional guidance on issues including housing instability, financial exploitation and potential civil rights violations. The clinic is offered on the third Saturday of each month through the branch’s Legal Redress Committee.
Jacksonville NAACP member Joseph Maceo George also received the Benjamin L. Hooks “Keeper of the Flame” Award, recognizing his longtime grassroots leadership and work advancing civil rights and equity within the labor movement.
Jacksonville Branch President Isaiah Rumlin called the honors a testament to the work of the organization’s members, volunteers and community partners.
The national convention brought together thousands of civil rights advocates, organizers, youth leaders and policymakers, with Jacksonville emerging among branches recognized for their impact at the local level.