The 2025 Annual Report highlights organizational impact, financial stewardship, and program outcomes, demonstrating accountability, transparency, and a continued commitment to advancing civil rights, community empowerment, and educational equity throughout the year.
ANNUAL 2025 REPORT
P.O. Box 3002 Springfield, Illinois 62708 217-789-2721 info@springfieldnaacp.org
OUR VISION
We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all person can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination.
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.
THEORY OF CHANGE
We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. Our work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Austin S. Randolph, Jr.
As I reflect on 2025, I am proud to share that this year marked a period of growth and rebuilding for the Springfield Branch NAACP. We saw record attendance at our General Membership Meetings, secured a new office space, and continued to strengthen partnerships with local organizations to help build a better Springfield. I remained committed to bridging the gap between the Springfield Police Department and the community, and I was honored to serve on a subgroup of the Massey Commission, created by the Sangamon County Board. Our branch expanded its visibility and impact across the city, strengthened our relationship with Ameren Illinois, and participated in numerous community-wide events.
We also held a three-day, citywide observance of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, reaffirming our commitment to remembrance and supporting the development of the future national monument. I want to thank the Executive Committee and membership for their belief in my leadership and their continued dedication. I look forward to building on this momentum and moving into 2026 with purpose and optimism.
In Solidarity, Austin S. Randolph, Jr.
2025 Branch Officers Austin S. Randolph, Jr., President Candice D. Trees, 1 Vice President st Robert Moore, 2 Vice President nd Theresa Clay, Secretary Tina Montgomery, Treasurer Dawn Howard, Assistant Treasurer Executive Committee Members James Bass Unita Boyd Kathy Davis Debbie Grant Carol Hale
Financial Report
JANUARY - DECEMBER 2025
SUMMARY OVERVIEW
Category
Amount
Total Revenue
$97,269.29
Total Expenses*
$52,995.86
Net Profit
$44,273.43
REVENUE BREAKDOWN
Source
Amount
District 186 Springfield Public Schools
$40,000
Freedom Fund
$27,487.41
Ameren Illinois MDI
$12,000
HAP, Incorporated
$5,000
HSHS St. John’s Hospital
$1,500
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network
$1,000
Expenses Breakdown BTS/SIS (~40%) – The largest share of spending, investment in direct youth and education impact. Freedom Fund Expenses (~27%) – A significant but strategic investment to generate unrestricted revenue. Core Administrative Costs (~24%) – Covers essential operations (assessments, rent, insurance, office expenses). Other Programs (~5%) – Standing committees and general programming support. Miscellaneous (~3.5%) – Support to other organizations for community engagement (Senior Services of Illinois, Frontiers, African American History Museum, etc.).
The Numbers Behind the Work 2025
100+ Members
Active members are the lifeline of the branch, driving our work, our impact, and our future.
The branch served the community by responding to calls for assistance, addressing housing, employment issues and legal matters. The branch showed up powerfully, participating in events and connecting with thousands across our community. During the 2024–2025 school year, the Back to School/Stay in School program kept students engaged and on track.
564
Calls
Events 20
Students 70
Consent Decree McPherson v. Springfield School District 186 Summary Statement: District 186 Ethnic Analysis (2023–2024 vs. 2024–2025) In the context of the NAACP Consent Decree (McPherson v. Springfield School District 186), an analysis of District 186’s Ethnic Analysis Reports for the 2023–2024 and 2024– 2025 school years reflects modest enrollment changes but continued and significant disparities between the racial composition of the student population and that of the District’s full-time certified staff. Total student enrollment declined slightly from 12,861 in 2023–2024 to 12,665 in 2024– 2025. In 2023–2024, Black or African American students comprised 45.1% of the student population (5,792 students), followed by White students at 35.5% (4,564). Students identifying as Two or More Races represented 12.7% , Hispanic or Latino students 3.7% , and Asian students 3.0% . In 2024–2025, Black or African American students remained the largest group at 45.5% of enrollment (5,757 students), while White student enrollment declined to 34.0% (4,310). Students identifying as Two or More Races increased to 13.3% , Hispanic or Latino students rose slightly to 3.9% , and Asian students represented 2.8% . The District also reported Middle Eastern/North African students (0.3%) as a new category. Across both years, students of color collectively accounted for roughly 66% of total enrollment, underscoring the District’s diverse student population. By contrast, the 2024–2025 full-time certified staff demographics show a workforce that remains overwhelmingly White across all school types . At the high school level, White staff represent 90.7% of certified staff (223 of 246), compared to 6.5% Black, 1.6% Asian, 0.8% Hispanic, and 0.4% American Indian staff. Middle schools reflect a similar imbalance, with White staff comprising 92.3% of certified staff (215 of 233), while Black staff account for 5.6% , Hispanic 1.3%, and Asian 0.9%. Among the District’s 23 elementary schools, White staff make up 89.4% of certified staff (390 of 436), compared to 7.6% Black, 1.4% Hispanic, 1.1% Asian, and 0.5% Two or More Races. At alternative schools, White staff represent 78.3% of certified personnel, while Black staff account for 21.7%. Viewed through the lens of the Consent Decree, this data highlights a persistent and pronounced gap between the racial and ethnic diversity of District 186’s student body, where students of color comprise nearly two-thirds of enrollment, and the certified instructional workforce, which remains between 78% and 92% White , depending on school type. These disparities underscore the continued relevance of the Consent Decree’s goals and the need for sustained, intentional efforts to improve equity in recruitment, hiring, and retention practices so that staff representation more closely reflects the students served by District 186.
104th Annual Lincoln-Douglass Freedom Fund Celebration Friday, April 25, 2025
HONOREES Webster Plaque: Mrs. R. Beverly Peters was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Springfield Branch and her enduring service to the Springfield community. Education Award: Mrs. Sherri Hamilton received this honor for her dedication to the Consent Decree and her collaborative work with Springfield School District 186. Community Service Award: Mr. Robert Frazie r, a community activist and CEO of Clean Slate Advocates, was celebrated for providing free laundry services to families and individuals underserved in the community. The Freedom Fund 2025 event marked a departure from previous years, featuring a refreshed format with significant changes. Under the guidance and approval of the Executive Committee, organizers opted for a new day, a different venue, and delicious food selections to enhance the experience for all attendees. This year’s celebration was hosted at the Pole Chic Barn, which provided an exceptional setting for the Friday evening festivities. Guests were welcomed with an array of food stations offering diverse options, accompanied by lively music. The atmosphere fostered connections between old friends and new acquaintances, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a memorable evening.
Mrs. R. Beverly Peters
Mrs. Sherri Hamilton
Save the Date: Friday, April 17, 2026 105 Freedom Fund Celebration th
Mr. Robert Frazier
1908 Springfield Race Riot
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
3 Hot Days in August Reflect. Remember. Reclaim. August 14-16, 2025
Community Partners
The 3 Hot Days in August citywide observance commemorated the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, creating an intentional space for the community to remember the lives impacted, reflect on the lasting legacy of racial violence and injustice, and reaffirm Springfield’s commitment to equity, truth, and healing. Through shared remembrance and dialogue, the observance encouraged residents to confront our city’s history honestly while honoring the resilience of those who endured. The reflection sparked during these three days continues to call us forward toward accountability, reconciliation, and a more just future for all.
Springfield Branch NAACP Lincoln Library Springfield African American History Museum National Park Service HSH St. John’s Hospital Illinois State Museum Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois State Museum Society Fever River Research Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Center for Lincoln Studies - UIS Sangamon Experience - UIS Hanson Professional Services, Inc.
Save the Date: August 13-15, 2026 3 Hot Days in August
Standing Committees
Criminal Justice Committee
The Health Committee led Community Conversation: Heart Health Matters , a three-part series focused on improving cardiovascular health literacy and empowering Black and Brown communities. Through culturally responsive dialogue, 67 participants, including residents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and community advocates, gained tools to prevent and manage heart disease. With lead support from HSHS St. John’s Hospital and additional partners, including Molina Healthcare, Prairie Cardiovascular, The Criminal Justice Committee strengthened partnerships with the Springfield Police Department and Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, both formally adopting the updated 10 Shared Principles emphasizing transparency, fairness, accountability, and respect for human life. The committee held three community meetings with police leadership, expanded oversight and engagement with the Sheriff’s Office, and delivered a high-impact workshop, “Reimagining the 10 Shared Principles”, at the Illinois State NAACP Conference. Throughout the year, the committee supported families, monitored policy changes, and advocated for youth and vulnerable populations, advancing reform and reinforcing the NAACP’s role as a justice leader.
Mr. Robert Moore Criminal Justice Chair
Health Committee
Mrs. Mary Hardy Hall Health Chair
SIU Medicine Dale and Deborah Smith Alzheimer’s Research Center, AARP Illinois, the Illinois Department on Aging, the Springfield Branch of the NAACP, and the National Pan- Hellenic Council hosted sessions in trusted community spaces. In partnership with the SIU School of Medicine Smith Alzheimer’s Center, the Springfield Branch also hosts Minds in Motion , an evidence-based program serving individuals with memory loss or dementia on Springfield’s Eastside. Held twice a month on the second and fourth Fridays, sessions engage 35 participants through themed, multisensory activities, including brain games, art, music, socialization, and chair yoga, to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Thank You to Our Supporters
We extend our deepest gratitude to our financial and in-kind contributors whose generosity and partnership made our work possible this year. Your support through funding, resources, services, volunteerism, and collaboration strengthened our ability to serve, advocate, and uplift our community. Special thank you and appreciation to Unita Boyd, Executive Committee Member for taking pictures of the branch’s work!
AARP Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalists All About Wine Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. AFSCME Local 2600 Ameren Illinois Ava Carpenter Black Marshall Publishing - Robert Moore Brenda Montgomery Brian McCurdy Brown, Hay & Stephens Bun-O-Matic Carolyn Blackwell and Jeannette Goza Cardologist Chuck E Cheese Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Corrine’s Closet Daisy Jane’s Darcy’s Pint District 186 Springfield Public Schools Dr. Erika Austin, Board President, District 186 Elmer Tabor - Kaden Harris E.T. Lawn Care Services Ethan Posey, Director of Community Relations, City of Springfield Frank Lesko, Recorder, Sangamon County Frontiers International Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network Girlz Dezign - Paparazzi Green Toyota - Mylas Copeland HAP, Incorporated HSHS St. John’s Hospital Holly Rose Skin Care HyVee Illinois State Museum Society INB Itty Bitty Fashion Trunk Isringhausen
Kathy Davis Kim Moore Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Foundation LaPiazza Cucina Italiana Law Automotive Lincoln Plaza Gallery Maldaner’s Restaurant Mayor Misty Buscher, City of Springfield Monica Jeont Nami Poke Nikki Budzinski, US Representative One In A Million, Inc. Pappi’s Pizza Pub Regena Wilson Robert Moore Robert Wesley Dr. Ruby Davis - Ruby Funeral Services, Chapel & Crematories Rev. Shawn Brooks Sherri Hamilton SIU Medicine Dale & Deborah Smith Center for
Alzheimer’s Research & Treatment Springfield Aldermanic Black Caucus
Springfield Fire Department Springfield Police Department Springfield Vintage State Farm - Trae Covington Tammy Lackland Teresa Jones
Teresa Osburn Terrance Mays Union Baptist Church - Rev. T. Ray McJunkins Unveiling Black Springfield WILD Thrift and Sniff Willow and Birch World Affairs Council of Central Illinois YMCA Zion Missionary Baptist Church
“ We are not makers of history. We are made by history. ”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Growing Strong Together
2025
“ When we come together, our collective voice becomes impossible to ignore. ”
Fannie Lou Hamer, Civil Rights Leader and Voting Rights Activist
Growing Strong Together
2025
“ Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. ”
Barack Obama, The 44th President of the United States
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HOW TO JOIN:
📞 Springfield Branch NAACP PO Box 3002, Springfield, IL 62708 217-789-2721 info@springfieldnaacp.org 📧 🌍 Visit: https://springfieldnaacp.org
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