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Jeffrey Blanck first non-African-American leader in Reno-Sparks Branch 66-year history

RENO, Nev. -The Reno-Sparks NAACP will swear in new leadership at its meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3. Longtime Reno attorney Jeffrey Blanck, who previously served as second vice-president and legal redress chair, will succeed Lonnie Feemster who is concluding the last of four non-consecutive two-year terms.

Blanck becomes the first non-African-American president in the branch's 66-year history.

"I am proud that our leadership and membership reflect the rich diversity of our community and our country," Blanck said.

Feemster expressed optimism for the incoming officers and executive committee members of the local civil rights advocacy organization.

"I have worked with most of the incoming group and I know they are dedicated and committed to the work of the NAACP. I am proud to have served four terms as president of our local branch and will continue to work to reduce racial disparities and discrimination in our community," Feemster stated.

Lonnie Feemster will continue to serve on the branch executive committee and as the Nevada State Director for the NAACP National Voter Fund.

The new leadership will be sworn in at the branch's regular monthly meeting, 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013, 1094 E. 8th St., Reno, NV 89512.
The 2013-2014 governing body of the Reno-Sparks NAACP

Jeffrey Blanck, President
Andrew Barbano, First Vice-President
Patricia Gallimore, Second Vice-President
George Hardaway, Third Vice-President
Olene Boyer, Secretary
Dolores Feemster, Assistant Secretary
Heather Hauskins, Treasurer
Lucille Adin, Assistant Treasurer

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sharrone Blanck, Jimi Bufkin, Ceola Davis, Darryl Feemster, Lonnie Feemster, Donald Gallimore Sr., Brian A. Jackson, Jane Moon, Elder William Moon, Bertha Mullins, Gale Sanders, Dr. R. Grant Seals, James H. Stinson, Tommie J. Vance, Marie A. Velez, Rev. William Webb, Larry Wilson

All were elected to two-year terms last November.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the nation's leading civil rights organization, was founded in 1909.

Reno-Sparks Branch No. 1112 was chartered in 1947. Membership applications, dues payments, civil rights complaint forms and other information may be accessed via RenoSparksNAACP.org. E-mail info@renosparksnaacp.org. Write to P.O. Box 7757, Reno, NV 89510. Phone (775) 322-2992

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