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THE HISTORY OF THE WEST CHESTER, PA BRANCH OF THE NAACP
Since its inception, the NAACP has committed to ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminating race-based discrimination, through
various programs such as legal defense, educational outreach, and community initiatives such as health care and housing forums.
In the spring of 1919...
a decade after the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on April 5th, a group of 88 men and women gathered in West Chester, Pennsylvania for the purpose of establishing a local branch. (NAACP).
As World War I came to an end one of the branch's first priority was to form a committee, to meet and interview local political leaders, to advocate that returning veterans "be remembered when patronage was to be distributed."
The West Chester branch has a rich history & relationship with the West Chester Community Center, founded 1917–1918 . On August 14, 2004, the center was renamed the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center to honor the former director. On November 15, 2025 the center changed its name back to the West Chester Community Center but the building itself remains dedicated to Charles A. Melton.
To this day the branch continues to strive to dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for a more equitable society.
Setting the stage for the next generation
We honor and recognize these women who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future.
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Doris Bond - President for 10 yrs fought fiercely to advocate for the dignified, equitable treatment of inmates incarcerated in the prison system. A member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the West Chester Community Center; worked as the Program and Recreational Director managing youth programs, Interim Executive Director twice, and CoPresident of the Board of Directors.
Alice Hammond - President for over 10 yrs
has served her West Chester community all of her life. She has served on the boards of the Domestic Violence Ctr and Homeless Single’s Women’s Shelter Task Force. A member of the Mayor’s Community-Police Partnership Team (Comitta), and the Charles A. Melton Scholarship Committee. She helped to establish the Historic West End Neighborhood Association and serves as a volunteer at the Chester County History Center
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Rev. Dr. Richelle Foreman-Gunter - Elected President for the 2025-2027 term, has impacted her community as a minister, consultant, presenter, trainer, author, active volunteer and advocate for racial justice and community healing. She embodies the spirit of a community that bands together to support and uplift one another. Richelle is motivated by her faith and desire to spread goodwill in the community, and she understands the need to engage younger generations.
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Their leadership not only reflects our rich history but also sets the stage for the next generation of women leaders.
2025-2027 LEADERSHIP TEAM
