Under the banquet theme “Steadfast and Immovable,” around 200 people came to the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center on Friday, Nov. 17 to hear Russell speak on the group’s national goals, to see retiring Springfield Police Chief Stephen Moody honored with the unit’s Presidential Award and various community leaders and other NAACP representatives speaking and in attendance.
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Funds raised go toward unit operating expenses.
Williams pursued Russell as speaker back in March, shortly after he took the top post. Not getting a confirmation until October was nerve-wracking, but worth it.
“Some of the biggest cities haven’t had him yet. To have him here means he thinks of us as more than a little city and that speaks volumes,” she said.
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Russell calls his appearances across the country a listening tour.
“Springfield is as good as any city in Ohio outside of a Cincinnati or Cleveland or Columbus,” Russell said. “It’s a good opportunity for me to see another branch and talk about our priorities going forward.”
Since its beginnings in 1909, the NAACP’s work has been to eliminate bigotry and discrimination. Russell is focused on where more work needs done, what can be discarded and where the organization will be 109 years from now.
Target areas include education, health, criminal justice and youth empowerment.
“The concept in my mind is a healthy community,” Russell said. “Our job is to make sure we produce good fruit that accrues to everybody in this city, this state, this nation.”
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He emphasized the need for economic stability, access to affordable health care, more help with addiction, making sure young people are given opportunities and engaging people to vote in local, state and national elections.
Williams said Chief Moody had been a huge asset to the community, making him the choice for the Presidential Award.
In his acceptance speech, Moody said his grandparents taught him to see who you interact with and to listen, and the key ingredient in the community relationship is friendship and the ability to speak honestly and openly and take care of business.
Moody indicated the award was just as much for his colleagues.
“It’s about what all the men and women who do the work every day,” he said. “This is for them. We’ll just keep working.”
Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland surprised Moody with yet another honor – a key to the city.
Russell remarked what he liked about this community is the genuine, longstanding relationship with law enforcement.
Williams also received an honor – Clark State’s Diversity Award. She credited her executive committee for it.
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Williams said she’ll follow some of Russell’s recommendations. Her goals for 2018 include reaching out for support from some of Springfield’s biggest companies, as well as focusing on youth including the formation of a youth council.
Following the ceremony, a woman sought her advice for trying to expand her business locally and Williams encouraged a phone call on Monday to discuss it.
“For these young people to come to me, it’s so rewarding to think I’m making an impact,” Williams said.
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