Wonderful time was had by all at our Freedom Fund Banquet
Chapter Meetings
Join us for monthly Chapter Meetings on the 1st Saturday of every month - at 10:00 at the Burgaw Library.
103 S. Cowan St. PO Box 879. Burgaw, NC · 910-259-1234
Upcoming events
Hello Members,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the summer season. It is HOT!! 
Please review the latest updates, opportunities, and upcoming events below, and feel free to share them with current and prospective members.
Attachment: Please review the attached meeting minutes before our upcoming meeting to stay informed about chapter discussions, updates, and ongoing initiatives.
Follow us on Facebook for more updates and information!
Rise and Lead Program 2026-2027: The Rise and Lead Program is back for the upcoming school year to support all Pender County students! We will host virtual and in-person events focused on:
- Social Justice & Community: Exploring critical issues like voting, health, and advocacy.
- College & Career Prep: Resume building, expert guidance, and scholarship workshops.
Free Youth Memberships: We are awarding five students a free NAACP youth membership to help lead this program and support our Youth Engagement Committee! More info to come!
[CLICK HERE to join our email list for upcoming youth event & scholarship updates!]
Community Countywide Prayer & Family Fun Day: Mark your calendars for this free community event featuring family activities, live music, food vendors, wellness resources, workshops, arts and crafts, and more!
- When: September 12, 2026 (Backup Rain Date: September 19, 2026)
- Where: JCDC Community Center (17808 NC Hwy 210, Rocky Point, NC 28457)
Quick Glance: Upcoming Dates & Events
- September 12: Community Countywide Prayer & Family Fun Day
- September 25–26: 83rd Annual NC State Convention
- November 3, 2026:
VOTE! VOTE - November 3rd, 2026 - November 14: State Fall Meeting
Reminders & Local Links
- Pender County Commissioners Agenda & Minutes - LINK
Please continue inviting others to join our branch, attend meetings, and support our efforts. Every member matters, and every act of service makes a difference.
Scholarship Program Event 4-26-26
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
The Pender County Branch sponsored an event at the Burgaw Macedonia Church on Sunday afternoon. The group came together to raise money for our new Branch Educational Scholarship. Over $1,000 was raised by the generous event participants.
Rev. James Faison, III
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
Rev. Faison was our key-note speaker. He spoke about God's plan for all of us and that we have to continue to work until our goals for been realized. Rev. Faison's family have been supporting the NAACP scholarship program for years.
NAACP WIN Queen
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
Lorie L. Graham Award
Mrs. Dapine Newkirk will be our NAACP 2026 WIN Queen. The mission of WIN is to enhance the leadership role of women within the NAACP and the broader community. Mrs. Newkirk will be competing with other Queens, across North Carolina for the state title. We wish her every success.
Lorie L. Graham Award
NAACP 5431-B Scholarship Program
Lorie L. Graham Award
Ms. Augusta Johnson was awarded the Lorie L. Graham award due to her outstanding contributions to our community and our Pender Branch. Ms. Johnson's years of service, her steadfast support and leadership made her the perfect recipient of this honor. Everyone can agree that Ms. Augusta is an inspiration for all of us.
Empowering Communities through Action
Our Mission
Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
2026 PENDER COUNTY NAACP LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS
Learn about the NAACP Scholarships available for 2026
The Mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to achieve equity, political and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights. To eliminate race-based discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of black people and all persons of color remains a grassroot fixture of our legacy. Our goal is to create a world without racism, removing barriers to opportunity and well-being through democratic processes and legal action, securing rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Pender County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is dedicated to the education and civic growth of young people. As our young adults venture out into the world, we recognize the importance of providing a sound educational foundation. Their right to participate in social and civic minded initiatives that promote and liberate people of all races, creeds, and color promote a powerful desire to give back to communities around the world.
We provide a profound historical impact on the citizens of Pender County, and the work of the organization has not gone unnoticed. The legacy of these contributors has fostered growth and development for all people. The integrity of the organization is unquestionable as the work continues while fighting against racial discrimination, inequality, bias employment practices, voter registration restrictions, and so many other injustices. We invite you to read the legacy profiles of each scholarship sponsor and keep their dreams alive.
NAACP Scholarship Sponsors
James H, Faison Jr.
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
James H, Faison Jr.
Mr. Faison graduated from Williston Industrial High School in 1946. He dutifully served in the US Army and received honorable discharge in 1954 as a Second Lieutenant. His love was educating and helping young people reach their academic achievement goals. His first teaching job was at West Pender Elementary School where he served as a te
Mr. Faison graduated from Williston Industrial High School in 1946. He dutifully served in the US Army and received honorable discharge in 1954 as a Second Lieutenant. His love was educating and helping young people reach their academic achievement goals. His first teaching job was at West Pender Elementary School where he served as a teacher and community boy scouts’ leader. He later served as PTA President at Rocky Point Elementary. He was the first fulltime African American Instructor at Cape Fear Technical institute (now Cape Fear Community College). His passion for preparing students for careers and employment opportunities at industries was noted as one of his greatest achievements. He wrote the first curriculum initiative for minority students in vocational education which later expanded to become the Region O’ Council for Minority Students. (ROCAME) in New Hanover County.
Mary H. Faison:
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
James H, Faison Jr.
Mary Faison was a vocational teacher at Pender County Training School in Rocky Point and Pender High School, Burgaw, NC. Her major was Home Economics Education, and she had a great love for music and playing the piano. A consummate seamstress, she always helped students appreciate the proper aspects of daily life; whether it was taking p
Mary Faison was a vocational teacher at Pender County Training School in Rocky Point and Pender High School, Burgaw, NC. Her major was Home Economics Education, and she had a great love for music and playing the piano. A consummate seamstress, she always helped students appreciate the proper aspects of daily life; whether it was taking pride in your appearance, your conduct, your personal health and mannerism, she was always willing to give advice about proper etiquette in such a manner wherein you felt comforted and safe. Her classroom served as a beacon welcoming students into a peaceful home-like safe-space. She was well known for her soft voice, her comforting and beautiful smile and being a model parent to her son and granddaughter, Christa, whom she loved dearly. . The Faison’s were faithful members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Point for over 30 years.
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless graduated from Pender County Training School in Rocky Point. She was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate October 1, 2001, when she began working in the CAR’s capital, Bangui. She served in this position for tw
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless graduated from Pender County Training School in Rocky Point. She was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate October 1, 2001, when she began working in the CAR’s capital, Bangui. She served in this position for two years. She started her government career working stateside in 1965 with the Department of Agriculture (USDA). She worked with the United States Foreign Agriculture Service also. Her life’s journey has taken her to points beyond Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, and France. Mattie pursued higher education at North Carolina College in Durham, NC where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business education. The college became North Carolina Central University, and she returned to earn a master’s degree in business administration and economics. A portion of US Highway 17 stretches five miles between Union Bethel Road and the Onslow County line is named in her honor.
Dr. Johnny Batts, Jr.
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless
Dr. Johnny Batts, Jr. attended Sloop Point Rosenwald School as a child from the first through the sixth grade. He is a retired physicist born in 1942 in Pender County. He credits Ms. Billingslea as a multi-talented teacher who helped him develop his love for science and music. She also helped cultivate his talents in math and science as
Dr. Johnny Batts, Jr. attended Sloop Point Rosenwald School as a child from the first through the sixth grade. He is a retired physicist born in 1942 in Pender County. He credits Ms. Billingslea as a multi-talented teacher who helped him develop his love for science and music. She also helped cultivate his talents in math and science as well as his musical ability. She required students to explain their reasoning when solving the problems. Another technique she used was for older students helping younger students solve problems. Later research defined this as “peer learning” or peer tutoring. He is well known for his work at NASA. Dr. Batts will honor scholarship awards for those majoring in Physics. However, he has focused on updating the major to include Stem classes which include Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and any related field.
Dr. Reta Moore Shiver
Judge James Faison, III & Minister Angela W. Faison
Judge James Faison, III & Minister Angela W. Faison
Dr. Reta Moore Shiver served as Director of the Pender County Social Services Department for over 30 years. She was a member of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Rocky Point. Dr. Reta Moore Shiver’s family sponsors will honor scholarship awards for recipients who plan to major in Public Service. She was a strong and fierce advocate for fairness a
Dr. Reta Moore Shiver served as Director of the Pender County Social Services Department for over 30 years. She was a member of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Rocky Point. Dr. Reta Moore Shiver’s family sponsors will honor scholarship awards for recipients who plan to major in Public Service. She was a strong and fierce advocate for fairness and equality. She made sure that the ratio of employment opportunities for people of color to work in public service and health was equitable in Pender County. When she met opposition, she fought with courage, poise and grace, Christian love and humility for all people. Dr. Sheba Shiver, her daughter, will serve as contact and a liaison for this scholarship.
Judge James Faison, III & Minister Angela W. Faison
Judge James Faison, III & Minister Angela W. Faison
Judge James Faison, III & Minister Angela W. Faison
The son of James H. Faison Jr. and Mary R. Faison, Judge Faison served as judge for the 5th Judicial District Court. He was appointed to the position by Governor James Hunt in 2000. A proud graduate of North Carolina Central University in Political Science and Judge Faison earned his license to practice law in 1989. He is also the Pasto
The son of James H. Faison Jr. and Mary R. Faison, Judge Faison served as judge for the 5th Judicial District Court. He was appointed to the position by Governor James Hunt in 2000. A proud graduate of North Carolina Central University in Political Science and Judge Faison earned his license to practice law in 1989. He is also the Pastor at Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, NC. He is married to Mrs. Angela Faison, a retired Environmental Planner and avid supporter of her husband and the work he does in the ministry and the judicial system. They have one daughter, Christa, who is an educator and a very accomplished violinist.
Claudia Stack
Judge James Faison, III & Minister Angela W. Faison
Claudia Stack
Claudia Stack was an educator, author and an award-winning filmmaker. Her videos can be found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia-Stack. Her many works included a 2012 film documentary “Under the Kuduz” about the history of the Rosenwald Schools in Pender County and “Carrie Mae: An American Life (2015) story focusing on s
Claudia Stack was an educator, author and an award-winning filmmaker. Her videos can be found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia-Stack. Her many works included a 2012 film documentary “Under the Kuduz” about the history of the Rosenwald Schools in Pender County and “Carrie Mae: An American Life (2015) story focusing on schools that African American families help build during the segregation era. As a preservationist, she worked tirelessly with local citizens and community leaders in the restoration of these historically unique buildings that served as institutions of learning for black children in rural America. This scholarship will honor recipients majoring in History, the Arts, Videography, English and Film.
NAACP members delivering donated snacks to our Schools
Ms. Debbie Walker
Ms. Debbie Walker
Ms. Edwina Adams
Ms. Debbie Walker
Rufus & Gatha Rowell and Rev. Wilson
Rufus & Gatha Rowell and Rev. Wilson
Ms. Dyann Rowell
Rufus & Gatha Rowell and Rev. Wilson
Ms. Pixie Healy
Donations for NAACP and Democratic Women of Pender
Supporting our Pender County Community
Springfest
What a wonderful time the members of our chapter had at Burgaw's Springfest on May 3rd. Pictured here are Ms. Gatha, Ms. Odem, Ms. Augusta and Ms. Connie spreading the word about our NAACP chapter.
One of our main goals was to get at least 50 people to sign our petition to remove the Pender Confederate Statue. To our delight - over 120 people signed their name to the petition. Way To Go Pender County!!
Thank you to all the people who make our first booth at Springfest such a success.
Safe Haven
NAACP member Pixie Healy delivered our donations to Safe Haven on May 13, 2025. Tracey Ray - Save Haven's Director was overjoyed at see the items that our members had donated - especially the diapers and sheets.
Thanks to all of your generous donations - we are making a difference in Pender County.
Join or Renew your NAACP Membership Today
Your contribution helps us fight for justice, equality, and civil rights in our community. Join us in making a difference. Every donation, big or small, counts towards a brighter future for all.