The LSU chapter of the NAACP soon will have new officers.
“On Tuesday, May 4, the paid members and candidates will be contacted to cast their votes via e-mail,” current NAACP President Shavon Magee said. “These individuals have until 12 p.m. Wednesday to return their responses to the LSU NAACP e-mail account.”
The elections originally were scheduled for April 15, but were postponed to April 29 because of low voter turnout.
However, the NAACP’s Image Awards last Thursday caused elections to be further postponed.
Magee said only dues-paid NAACP members are eligible to run for officer positions and vote in the officer elections.
Magee said there are an estimated 30 paying members.
“NAACP membership dues are $10 a semester or $15 for the entire year,” Magee said.
Ralph Johnson, the NAACP parliamentarian and elections commissioner, said there were six people running for office. Executive staff are appointed by the president.
Alicia Calvin is running unopposed for the presidency.
Nicole Brannon and John Chretien are first vice presidential candidates. Ashley Ransburg and Tanessa Turner are second vice presidential candidates. Celena Noel is unopposed for the secretarial office, and there are currently no candidates for treasurer.
Calvin said NAACP is an organization that is very important to her.
“I am a member of NAACP because I am empowered by its activism, fire and stance on civil rights,” she said.
Calvin said there is a common misconception that NAACP is only for African American people, but the group exists for everyone.
“I am an advocate for inclusion and diversity, and I understand the importance of working to promote racial harmony throughout the community.”
Magee, a NAACP member since her sophomore year, said during her presidency she has enjoyed interacting with student leaders and discussing race relations with students across campus.
“Whenever you have the opportunity to speak to people about race relations, you generate a dialogue that can lead to social change,” Magee said.
Magee said she also will miss the camaraderie she has shared with her executive board members.
“This year, we have become more than an exec staff,” Magee said. “We have become a family.”
Magee’s advice for the next administration is to be nice, but firm.
“Don’t be a tyrant, but stand firmly behind what you say,” Magee said.
Magee said it also is important to make a distinction between business relationships and friendships.
“In any leadership position, it is important to delegate responsibilities among the members and have faith they will be executed,” Magee said. “Do not attempt to do everything yourself. Utilize your support system.”