Garland Branch Officers

Garland Branch 2003 Officers

and

Executive, Freedom Fund & Silent Auction Committees

Mr. Billy J. Williams

Garland Branch President

Mr. Billy J. Williams is the proud President of the award-winning Garland, Texas Branch and a native of Bossier City, Louisiana. He and his wife Dorothy have one adult daughter, Chonda. They are longtime members of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church (Dallas), where he serves on the Board of Deacons and chairs the Personnel Committee. Mr. Williams is a graduate of Wiley College, Marshall, Texas (B.S.) and Amberton University (Masters Degree, Human Relations and Business). He is a career employee of the Social Security Administration, currently holding the position of Resources Manager. B. J. also has an extensive community profile. He served as past Chairperson and Member, Garland ISD Multi-Ethnic Committee, Commissioner, City of Garland Plan Commission (Vice Chairman), former member of the City of Garland Housing Standards Board, along with a host of other appointments and positions.

Mr. Chester Johnson

1st Vice President

cbjohnson@gisd.net

Mr. Chester Johnson holds the position of 1st Vice President of the Garland Branch NAACP, Chairs the Legal Redress Committee and also Chairs the Financial Committee. Chester was a major player in the desegregation of the Garland Independent School District (GISD). He's a long time champion in promoting justice, equality, and fair treatment of citizens, minority and students in Garland communities. Chester has served as President of the Citywide Garland Area Brotherhood, served on the GISD Multi-Ethnic Committee, served on the City of Garland's Planning Commission, Leadership Garland, Garland's Citizen Police Academy, Garland Community Development Advisory Committee, and has served as Chairman of the East Garland Concerned Citizens as well as Vice-President of George Washington Carver Alumni Programs and Services. Has created and produced cable public access programs, has been a Target Area Representative of the Dallas County Action Committee, a Democratic Precinct Chairman, and Chairman of the campaign to elect Mrs. Annie Dickson to the City Council of Garland.

Chester was also an athlete having served as player/coach of the Garland Texans and Garland Cobras semi-pro football teams.

Chester graduated from Southern Bible Institute and earned a degree in Bible Studies, and attended Slidell Baptist Seminary as well, earning a Bachelor of Theology Degree. Chester also attended Richland Junior College and Amber University with and earned credit hours in Business Management.

Chester is a member of the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. D. L. Wilson. Mr. Johnson is married to Gertha Lady Johnson. They have one son, Christopher, and one daughter, Angerlisha. In addition, Chester and Lady are entrepreneurs as they are owners of "Weddings By Lady" located in downtown Garland.

Ms. Goldie Locke

2nd Vice President

glo037@comcast.net

Goldie Locke is founding President of Garland Branch NAACP as well as a charter member. She also holds a Life Membership. She organized the branch with assistance from other community leaders after receiving many city wide complaints. During her term as president, the Branch filed to Intervene in the Desegregation of GISD Schools with Attorney Edward Cloutman.

Goldie is involved in all facets of the city. She has served on the Revenue Sharing Committee, Goal for Garland 2000, was President and Vice President of East Garland Homeowners Association, formed East Garland Food Co-op, Community Development Block Grant Committee, COPC Advisory Committee, Multi-Ethnic Committee, Precinct Chairman and Planning & Zoning Committee.

She is a active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church: teaching religious classes, Little Rock Bible Study, and a member of the Stewardship Committee.

Ms. Tammy Needum

Branch Secretary

ttneedum@aol.com

Ms. Tammy Needum is a proud secretary of the N.A.A.C.P Garland Branch. Tammy has one son and is a native of Dallas, Texas. She attends Kaiser Street Baptist Church were she currently serves on the Usher Board, President of the Singles Ministry and is the Historian for the church.

Mr. James Anthony

Banquet Tickets

james.anthony@twc.state.tx.us

Bio not available

Ms. Katherine Porter

Religious Affairs & Silent Auction Committee

portkayp@aol.com

Picture and Bio not available

Dr. Joyce Miller

Education Committee & Youth Advisor

jekmiller@compuserve.com

Bio not available

Mrs. Lillie Hopkins

Memberships

Bio not available

Mr. Ricky McNeal

Political Action & Freedom Fund Program Ads

ricky.mcneal@eds.com

Ricky currently serves as the Garland NAACP's Political Action Chair. Ricky also is responsible for ad sales for the annual Freedom Fund Banquet. What a great job he does! In addition to those duties, he serves as a Deacon at Kaiser Street Baptist Church, Garland, Texas, Garland Area Brotherhood, Treasurer, City of Garland Utility Advisory Board, Member, Deputy Registrar of Voters Dallas County, and is a member of the PTA at Lister Elementary & Hudson Middle Schools.

Ricky is a graduate of Jonesboro - Hodge High School and Louisiana Tech University (Marketing Major). He is married to the very lovely Najeda McNeal. They have three lovely children, Hillary, Hannah, and Haylea.

Mrs. Lee Lutz

Press & Publicity

leelutz@msn.com

Lee has a very diverse background. She has lived and worked literally all over the world. Not only has she held positions in Garland and Dallas, she has also lived and worked in Portland, Oregon, Cairo, Egypt, Honolulu, Hawaii, Singapore, Republic of Guyana, and Albany, New York. Wow!

Lee has a B.A. in Sociology from Russell Sage College, Troy, New York and a Legal Assistant Certification from Portland Community College, Portland OR . Her community and civic activities include: City of Garland Housing Standards Board: Executive Committee GNAACP, City of Garland Street Bond Committee 1996, Leadership Garland, Garland Citizen’s Police Academy, Garland Citizen’s Fire Academy Chair, Garland /Richardson Association of Nursing Home Family Councils, elected to D.A.R.T. Community Transportation Forum 1997-1999, and various Civic Boards.

Lee currently serves as the primary contact for the Garland Branch for Press and Publicity. She is a successful organizer/advocate for the rights of the disenfranchised. Lee was presented with the NAACP Branch President's Award at the 2003 Freedom Fund Banquet in September.

Mrs. Terri Dunn

Health & Silent Auction Committee

terri.dunn@verizon.net

Terri Dunn, the little "fireball" of the Garland Branch. Having been born in Dallas, Terri is a life long resident of Garland. She currently attends the New Liberty Baptist Church. She has been married to Garland City Councilman Jim Dunn for the last 24 years. Terri and Jim have 3 children, Christina, Damion, and Kelly. In addition, she and Jim have 3 grandsons, Christopher, Derian, and Kelly James.

Terri has an extensive community service profile. She currently serves as an Executive Board Member of the Garland Branch NAACP, she Co-Chaired the First Annual GNACP Health Fair, is a member of the Freedom Fund Silent Auction Committee, is a current member of the GISD Multi-Ethnic Committee, member and past Vice-Chair, City of Garland Housing Standards Board, member of the Garland Police Department Advisory Board, member of the Garland East Area Implementation Committee, and a member of Main Street Garland, Public Relations Committee, along with a host of other membership and appointments.

Terri has also recieved the following honors: Recipient of the 2003 NAACP President's Award, Garland Branch, Recipient of Garland "Community Service Recognition" from Councilwoman Annie Dickson, and was a Judge in the 2004 Miss Garland Pageant.

Terri's goal for the future is to convince people that together "We Can All Make A Difference", in Our City, Our Neighborhoods, and Our Hearts.

Mrs. Gwen Daniels

Freedom Fund Chairlady, MLK Activities & Winter Ball

larry.gwen@verizon.net

Mrs. Gwen Daniels currently serves as the Freedom Fund Chairlady as well as the MLK Citywide Parade and Program Coordinator and Winter Ball Coordinator. Gwen is a 14 year member of the NAACP, Garland, Texas Branch. in addition to her current duties, Gwen has also served as Scholarship Solicitor for Garland Independent School District Seniors, Member, Excel Awards Program Committee, 2nd and 3rd Vice-President, and also served on the Economic Development Ad-hoc Special Committee.

Gwen's political contributions include serving as a delegate for the Democratic Party District Conventions, Volunteer, County Judicial Races, and Secretary, Elect Annie Dickson Mayoral Campaign. Her civic contributions include serving as an American Cancer Center Volunteer, member of the South Dallas Business & Professional Women's Club, Inc., and the Mayor's Task Force on Crime. She is a graduate of the Garland Citizens' Police Academy. She has also served as a Dallas County Grand Juror and on the Community Development Advisory Committee.

Gwen is a 26 year member of Kaiser Street Baptist Church in Garland. She has served in a number of capacities including being a member and officer of the Mission Society, Sunday School Teacher, Church Coordinator of NAACP activities, Director/Sponsor of the Youth Department, Program Coordinator of African American History Month, and Secretary of the Building Fund Committee.

Gwen has been employed with Blue Cross blue Shield of Texas for 33 years. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas and attended Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas. Gwen is married to a wonderful man, Larry Daniels. They have 2 children and are the grandparents of 5. Gwen is an incredible woman. She has more energy than anybody you'll ever meet and as big a heart!

Mrs. Annie Dickson

Health & Silent Auction Committee

adickson@gtemail.net

Garland Online Article

Annie married Frank Dickson 34 years ago; they have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. Annie has lived in Garland for 34 years and is a former employee of Varo Inc. where she worked from production line assembler to Production Supervisor managing 3 shifts in Research & Development Engineering Department. When that job ended after 23 years she began increasing her grassroots involvement in the community.

Graduated from Notre Dame Private Catholic School in Shreveport, Louisiana. After 2 years at Grambling State University, Annie redirected her involvement into the 60’s civil rights movement under the directions of Dr. Martin Luther King’s movement for justice, which was the end of segregation. After she and her husband moved to Garland, she completed three semesters attending Richland College while working at Varo Inc. Annie successfully completed the Leadership Garland Program sponsored by the Garland Chamber of Commerce in 1994. Her awards are many, a total of over 30 from the community, churches, local, state and national organizations. Annie was elected as Garland’s first African-American female to serve on the city council from 1995-1999. Her election, policies and presence proved Garland citizens were ready for a new style of leadership. She also made history being the first African-American to file and run for mayor of Garland in March of 2000. She ran against two opponents and came in 2^nd place in the election.

Annie is a member of Kaiser St. B.C. for 34 years, taught Sunday school 15 years and served as mission president for 2 years. She served as Vice President for Habitat for Humanities of Greater Garland, Precinct and Election Judge Chair, served on the Community Development Block Grant Board, served as board member on the Garland Civic Theater and a graduate of the City of Garland’s Citizen Police and Fire Academies. While serving on the Garland City Council, Annie worked hard to direct policies and procedures towards improving neighborhoods citywide. She also improved procedures, which gave citizens a voice to create a more participatory democracy. After serving four rewarding and successful years as Councilwoman, Annie continues to serve the community. An active member in her church, a member of the East Garland Implementation Committee, A Board member for the Achievement Center for disabled children, Chair of Positive Directions for youth and the I-30 Corridor study committee. She is active in the Garland Main St. program, serving on the Advisory Board and Membership Committee. Because she is a devoted Grandmother, Annie served on the Hillside Academy Campus Improvement Team, a Volunteer for field trips, volunteered at Watson Science & Technology Elementary teaching English to over 15 limited English speaking adults twice weekly and volunteered at Williams Elementary Library. Annie is also a member of the NAACP and pass member of the Garland Hispanic Affairs Association, executive board member of the Dallas Urban League and The Minority News Gazette Newspaper. Chaired the Freedom Fund Silent Auction youth scholarship fundraiser for the past 3 years. As a community leader, she has been given the privilege to speak to over 12 GISD schools on civic involvement. Annie also was elected as chairperson of the new Council appointed board, The Garland Community Multicultural Commission of 13 members representing 8 cultures.

During her political career, she and her supporters registered over a 1000 new voters which improved Garland’s voting record. In 1993, the Garland News endorsed her as the best candidate to politically represent Garland and to day is featured continually in the Dallas, Garland and Minority Newspapers.

While serving on city council, Annie Dickson fulfilled a long awaiting dream of the new Gale Fields Community Center, The Plaza, The Performance Arts Center expansion, increased attention to downtown Garland, gave significant input and campaigned to keep DART lite rail stations in Garland. When you look at the DART clock tower on Walnut St, Annie successfully lobbed for this monument. She also increased business and neighborhoods involvement in revitalization, encouraged citizens to empower themselves by forming neighborhood associations, improved public safety through new and improved traffic lights and streets, changed and improved city policies. Encouraged additional city entryway beautification in neglected parts of the city. Annie also traveled to 10 different cities nationwide to study their accomplishments and share the accomplishments of Garland. She says, “now that I am no longer on the city council, I now have the time to reap the benefits of my hard work because everywhere I go in Garland I see my accomplishments enhancing our city as a better place to live. There is still so much to accomplish.

As a Community Leader, Annie’s goals are to continue to keep the community educated and focused on issues that affect the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Annie believes that one person coming together with others to improve their community empowers them and other groups to do more thereby leaving an inheritance of teaching our children to continue the sprit of community and its process.

Mrs. Carol Blakes

Health

cblakes@tdmn.com

Picture and Bio not available

Mr. Darryle Whitman

Freedom Fund, Newsletters & Website Developer

darrylew@grandeom.net

Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Darryle moved to Dallas in October 1975 from Madrid, Spain.. He graduated from Richardson High School in 1978. Attended Richland College and the University of Texas at Dallas. Has been employed with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas since 1981. Currently attends New Heights Family Church in Rowlett. Current member of NAACP. Proud creator of Freedom Fund Booklet for the Freedom Fund Banquet the last 7 years and Garland Branch website. I am available for hire!

Ms. Carol Montgomery

Silent Auction Chairlady

carolmon@comcast.net

Native of Garland , Texas. Graduated from George Washington Carver High School. Attended North Texas State University – Bachelor of Science in Education , Stephen F. Austin State University – Masters of Secondary Education. Worked in GISD as: Math Teacher at Jackson Middle School, African American Community Liaison, Consultant and Substitute Teacher, Extra Math Teacher at Warren AEC. Retired after 31 years of service. Worked for Texas A&M University-Commerce as a Field Supervisor for Emergency Permit Teachers. Presently works as: High School Math Teacher at Garland Alternative Education Center in GISD.

Member of several religious, civic, fraternal and professional organizations including board member of the NAACP Garland Branch, Treasurer of Harmonia Chapter # 69 Order of Eastern Stars and Carver Alumni Programs and Services, Second Vice President of Kappa Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority International, and Secretary of the Garland Area Model Mission.

Lifetime member of Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and President of the Missionary Society.

Life Memberships in NANBPWC, Inc., NAACP, National Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association, Garland Education Association.

Mr. Larry Daniels

Branch Treasuser, MLK Activities

larry.gwen@verizon.net

Larry D. Daniels is a native of Longview, Texas. He served two terms as treasurer of the NAACP Garland branch and currently is a member of the 2003/2004 Executive Committee. He is devoted to the preparation and cleanup of the 2.2 mile route taken at the annual Martin Luther King parade and march in Garland.

Larry is married, a father of two daughters and a grandfather of three boys and two girls. He is a devoted member of Kaiser Street Baptist Church in Garland, where he serves on the Board of Deacons, President of the Brotherhood and Coordinator of the monthly church nursing home outings.

For 14 years, Larry was the sole owner and operator of Plumbing By Larry. He handled new construction, remodels and repairs for both business and residential customers in the Dallas/Ft.Worth Metroplex. He has served 7 years on the City of Garland Plumbing and Mechanical Board, under the appointment of the Garland City Councilperson, District 2. Currently, Larry is completing his 6^th year of employment with the City of Rockwall, Texas, where he is a team member of the Building Inspections department. Larry was educated in the Gregg County School District, in east Texas, I.M. Terrell High School in the Ft. Worth ISD and Texas Wesleyan University also in Ft. Worth.

Ms. Angela Johnson

Freedom Fund & MLK Activities

angleshiar@aol.com

Picture and Bio not available

Mrs. Gradyne Sennette

Freedom Fund Patrons List

Picture and Bio not available

Mrs. Margaret Gray

Freedom Fund Banquet Menu

Margaret Gray serves on the Freedom Fund Committee. She has the task of making menu selections for the annual Freedom Fund banquet. Margaret is a native of LaTex, Louisiana, but she has made Garland her home for 35 years. She is married to Arthur Gray and they have 3 adult children. A devoted member of the Kaiser Street Baptist Church in Garland, Margaret is President of the Board of Deaconess and the Baptist Training Union. Prior to retirement, Margaret managed LADY WITH THE SPOON Catering Service in the prestigious Turtle Creek area in Dallas, Texas.

Mrs. Dorothy Williams

Silent Auction Committee

Dorothy L. Williams is a native of Bryan, Texas. She is married to B. J. Williams, President of the NAACP, Garland, Texas Branch. They have one adult daughter, Chonda.

Dorothy is a graduate of Wiley College, Marshall, Texas (B.S., Business Education), and is employed as a Medicare Managed Care Specialist with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She is a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Garland Branch NAACP (Silent Auction Committee) and Professional Achievers for Community Excellence (PACE).

Mrs. Patsy Anderson

Silent Auction Committee

Picture and Bio not available

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We Will Never Forget the Sacrifices of Others!