On July 6, 1984, the Garland Unit of the NAACP was chartered with 127 members. The founding president of the organization was Goldie Locke, and the first vice president was Johnnie O. Steadham, along with 18 members of the Executive Committee. Mr. Chester Johnson is the current chair of Legal Redress, and Ms. Carol Montgomery serves on two committees.
The NAACP regional director, Richard Dockery, chaired the standing-room-only meeting where two major issues were raised: 1). The firing of African American officer Sam Allen, and 2). Garland's minority area has substandard schools. Sam Allen was later rehired as a fireman in Garland. The Garland Unit joined the original school desegregation court case filed by the United States Justice Department and the Texas Education Agency. Today, the judgment stands.
The NAACP supports and champions outstanding students, professionals, and branches and units through scholarships, awards, and internship programs
On Thursday, May 19, 2022, Mrs. Genai Walker Macklin was awarded with the NAACP Garland Scholar/Athlete Recognition. Genai Walker Macklin is a graduate from the University of Central Arkansas. She is also a former member of the Women's National Basketball Association.
