Articles

Yes You Can

Articles   ·   May 2, 2009

NAACP Springfield Chapter President Francine Pratt is a living example of how anyone can get what they want out of life, if they’re willing to try.
Most people are ready to call it a day: It’s 7 p.m. on a Friday night at Big Momma’s coffee shop on Commercial Street. But Francine Pratt is just warming [...]

Plan to cut human rights panel debated

Articles   ·   April 5, 2009

Commission hears cases of alleged discrimination.
After 15 years of investigating and resolving discrimination complaints within the city of Springfield, Kathy Clancy could be out of a job.
City Manager Greg Burris has proposed eliminating her office — the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations — saving the city $129,831. A January memo recommending the [...]

NAACP finds new home at Drury

Articles   ·   March 4, 2009

As the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Springfield branch finds its new home on the Drury campus. 
In a press conference on Feb. 27, the NAACP announced its alliance with Drury University and plans to settle into a new office in the campus Diversity Center, the site of the historic Washton Avenue Baptist Church.
Article Courtesy [...]

Drury smart to help NAACP

Articles   ·   March 3, 2009

The decision by Drury University to give much needed office space to the Springfield chapter of the NAACP is not only generous.
It’s smart.
The move adds appropriate oomph to Drury’s diversity efforts. It also should help everyone realize that the university is taking seriously its pledge to further open the campus to folks of all hues, [...]

Drury, civil rights group strike up partnership

Articles   ·   March 1, 2009

NAACP chapter to get office at Diversity Center
For decades, the public contacted the local NAACP chapter through a post office box or by calling the president’s personal phone number.
That is about to change.
On Friday, Drury University announced a partnership that will give the local civil rights group office space inside the historic Washington Avenue Baptist [...]

Drury’s Diversity Center to house local office of NAACP

Articles   ·   February 27, 2009

Drury University announced this afternoon that it will lend its Diversity Center to the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for office.
In a joint press conference, Drury President Todd Parnell said it would help boost the diversity on the campus of Drury, as Drury strives to recruit more minority [...]

NAACP chapter elects new president

Articles   ·   November 16, 2008

Photo Credit: Amber Arnold/News-Leader

The News Leader featured a front-page profile of President-elect Francine Pratt in today’s edition. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
NAACP member DeAndre White, who got to know Pratt through an organization she started called Young People On the Move, said she is motivated by a desire to help people.
“She’s effective with us [...]