NAACP
West Volusia Branch
NEW MEETING DAY AND TIME!
Third Mondays at 6 pm
at the Chisholm Center in DeLand
The West Volusia NAACP is energized and committed to advancing its mission of advocating for human dignity and fostering positive change in our community. Our focus remains steadfast on ensuring equitable and effective education, strengthening political engagement, maintaining a consistent presence and involvement in community affairs, promoting fair housing, ensuring accessible healthcare, expanding economic opportunities, embracing faith‑community cooperation, and eliminating discrimination. We are dedicated to environmental protection, defending civil rights, and upholding social justice for all.
Join Us—Your Voice and Involvement Matter
We invite you to join us in our efforts. Your voice and involvement are crucial to our success. Together, we can engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborate to build and fortify our communities. By coming together, we have the power to galvanize “Boots on Ground” leaders, empower committee members, and create a brighter future for our youth, as well as our young, middle-aged, and senior adults. The essential work begins within our dedicated committees, where proactive strategies are developed and, together, we can implement thoroughly planned initiatives.
Honoring Our Legacy
As your new branch president, I humbly acknowledge and honor the legacy of those who have served before me. I stand on the shoulders of the late Branch President Allen Attaway and past Membership Chairpersons Reverend Mayo D. & Eliza Staples—founders of the West Volusia Branch on August 19, 1943, in DeLand, FL. I also recognize the invaluable contributions of all members and former presidents, including our most recent past presidents, Mr. Michael Williams and Mr. Sean King, who continue to be active members of our branch. I am honored to serve as the first woman to lead this great body.
Leading Through Faith
As a Woman of God, I am guided by the Word of God and my faith in leading our branch forward, knowing that mentoring others to reach their highest potentials is vital. My anchoring scriptures are these: “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:3-6 NKJ).”
The Reverend Dr. Caroline Shine
President, West Volusia NAACP
Here’s What’s Happening in West Volusia
Quiet Resistance, Lasting Impact
This was my first time attending the NAACP State Conference, and it certainly won’t be my last. It was inspiring to see people of all ages learning, communicating, and engaging with one another in pursuit of a more unified community. The emphasis on quiet resistance...
Mike Williams Honored at Celebration
On December 15, the West Volusia NAACP joined community partners at the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex in Mims for the Moore Day Celebration, led by Membership Chair Rakeem Ford. The event honored the enduring legacy of Harry T. Moore and Harriette V....
Reflections from Rakeem
Reflections from the Florida State NAACP Conference This past week, I had the honor of serving as a chapter delegate at the Florida State NAACP Conference, held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, FL. It was a powerful gathering focused on leadership, advocacy, and the...
BLACK BIZ DIRECTORY
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In 2021 the West Volusia Chapter of the NAACP collaborated with DeLand Pride to create a black business directory for the community. In order to satisfy the grant that was awarded to DeLand Pride, the site BlackBizDeLand.com was launched in October. At that time, 50% of the businesses were DeLand and the rest were mostly from the east side of the county. Immediately, we saw the need and ability to support the entire county and transitioned the site to BlackBizVolusia.com on December 1, 2021.
Right now, we need boots on the ground to help lay the foundation and get more businesses (and non-profits) involved. Below are ways the community can help:
1) Encourage black-owned businesses to be listed in the directory. It’s free, just use this link to submit your information: Business Submission Form
2) Invite everyone you know (black, white, purple, and green!) to visit, like, comment on posts, and share the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackbizvolusia
3) Share this information!
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM
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Thank you for contacting the West Volusia NAACP. The attached form is designed to allow you the opportunity to express alleged grievances that have taken place within Volusia County. Please complete the form in its entirety. Once reviewed, you will be contacted at the email or phone number you provide on the form. At that time, you will be informed of the next steps in the process. This may include a request for additional documents, witness names and contact information, and a request for an interview to gather additional details. Thank you for allowing the WVNAACP to assist you.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2025
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Each year the West Volusia Branch of the NAACP awards educational scholarships to students. The scholarship recipients will be awarded funds, which will be “DIRECTLY” disbursed to the college or university of their choosing.
The West Volusia NAACP Education Committee has always made education is a PRIORITY! Applying for the “David H. Staples Freedom Fund Scholarship” will be a great start to a successful future. Please read the following guidelines carefully and submit your completed scholarship application prior to the deadline.
Invest in the critical work by donating and encouraging your networks to also support the NAACP's movement to build civic awareness and ensure the well-being of Black people and all persons of color.
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