Donnell White Appointed Interim Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP

DETROIT, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was issued today by Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit Branch NAACP:

"One of the great joys of this responsibility as head of the Detroit Branch NAACP is to work with a variety of persons who not only make my job easier but remain committed to the cause of freedom, justice and equality regardless of any situation.

"Mr. Heaster Wheeler has boldly served as the Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP for the past twelve years.  Heaster has brought to our organization energy, enthusiasm and excitement.  He has worked to strengthen our public policy initiatives, been on the forefront of youth and educational programs and assisted and led in the development of our Allies Issues and Action Forum, designed to improve networking and communication among grass roots organizations.  

"Heaster has been a champion as it relates to the City of Detroit and the need for economic development, racial equality and social justice.  It was during his tenure with me that we were able to open up a new facility for our Branch and its constituents.  We have marched together, negotiated together, agitated together and uplifted our people together.

"His time at the organization has been a blessing to the Detroit Branch NAACP and our community.  Heaster Wheeler will be missed greatly as the day to day operational leader of our team but he shall never be forgotten as he leaves the NAACP scene.

"Wayne County is getting a champion and one who will speak up and speak out on the issues in behalf of County Executive Robert Ficano as well as the people in our county.  We wish both he and his family well in his new position beginning March of 2011 as Assistant County Executive for Wayne County.  While we say so long to Heaster, we equally are inspired and motivated by the elevation of Mr. Donnell White from the position of Deputy Executive Director to the position of Interim Executive Deputy Director for the Detroit Branch NAACP.  

"I have known Mr. White since he was a child.  As a graduate of Michigan State University, as one who has come under the wing of not only Heaster Wheeler and Wendell Anthony, but also Michigan State Conference President of the NAACP Yvonne White, Donnell is well prepared for this new responsibility.  

"He has served on the front lines with us every step of the way.  He has been a part of every negotiation and discussion affecting the Detroit Branch and the positive outcome for our community.  He has worked diligently as an advisor to our Youth Council Advisors, ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics), organized marches and national demonstrations as well as represented the Branch across the country at various forums.  

"Mr. White reflects the future of the NAACP.  His ability to reach out in particular, into the demographics of young men and women ages 21 through 40 is most significant for our Branch.  We need to increase the participation of these young adults who have been the recipients of the work of the NAACP but for some reason have not managed to step up to the call of the NAACP.  Mr. White will certainly be a leader in the civil rights community as he continues to move our organization in its daily operation in the cause of freedom, justice and equality.

"So long to Heaster Wheeler.  Welcome to Mr. Donnell White!"

The Detroit Branch NAACP is the organization's largest branch.  It holds monthly meetings that are free and open to the public.  For more information please call (313) 871-2087 or visit www.detroitnaacp.org.

SOURCE Detroit Branch NAACP