Student Spotlight
Michael Spain II
On June 3, 2023 Michael will graduate Summa Cum Laude from Woodrow Wilson High School with an over all 4.2 GPA. He has always been an achiever. He graduated Salutatorian of his 5th grade class at Stratton Elementary School. While attending Park Middle School, he was a 3 year member of the soccer team. He was also a member of the National Junior Honor Society.
Along with the accomplishments mentioned above, Michael's years at Woodrow Wilson high school include participating in the Social Studies fair where he took second place at the county level, attending Advance Placement classes, being a member of the National Honor Society, the Diversity Student Organization, and the GameDay club. Michael was invited to attend a week long history seminar at the Ashland University (Ashland, Ohio) which earned him 2 college credits. Woodrow Wilson's yearbook committee voted him as most genuine.
Michael is devoted to his community and serves on the the City Council Student Youth group. He has been a member of the Raleigh County NAACP since 2020, and Michael was honored to receive a Proclamation from the Mayor and City Council in 2021. He also helped to maintain the Hunter Cemetery and is an entrepreneur with his own lawn care service.
Michael plans to attend WVU Tech in the fall of 2023 and major in Accounting.
NAACP Youth & College Division
History of NAACP Youth & College Division
During the 1935 National Convention, young people challenged the organization to provide youth with a vehicle to address civil rights. The NAACP Board of Directors passed a resolution, formally creating the Youth and College Division in 1936. Under the guidance of Ms. Juanita E. Jackson, the Youth and College Division organized demonstrations against lynching and held group discussions on the inequality of public education.
Today, there are over 600 NAACP Youth Councils and College Chapters actively involved in the work of the association. In fact, the NAACP is the only major civil rights organization that includes young people and encourages them to participate fully in its programs—including membership on the National Board of Directors. Since its inception in 1936, the Youth and College Division has continued to serve as the premier training ground for young civil rights soldiers. With the hard work and dedication of our youth members, the Youth and College Division will carry out its
mission of developing an intelligent, militant and effective youth leadership to ensure the political, educational, financial and social equality of rights for people of color through training, organization and mobilization.
Youth Council - Our Voice, Our Vision
We want to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race by developing a new generation of civil rights and community leaders.
We aim to:
- Inform youth of the problems affecting African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities
- Advance the economic, educational, social, and political status of African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities, and their harmonious cooperation with other peoples
- Stimulate an appreciation of the African Diaspora and other people of color's contribution to civilization
- Develop an intelligent, effective youth leadership
Our Officers & Members
The Raleigh County NAACP Youth Council is in the process of rebuilding. We will hold meetings on the 2nd Thursday of every month at the Community Transformation Center located @ 200 Antonio Avenue, in Beckley. The Meeting time is 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Come and join us!
Raleigh County Youth Council #3832
Membership Privileges!
- Aid in applying for scholarships. Each year we offer need-based and merit scholarships to outstanding and qualified Black students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees as part of our Inspire Initiatives.
- Pursue your creative talents and academic dreams with purpose and unrestricted passion with the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).
- Next Generation (NEXTGEN) Young Professional Leadership Program serves as an incubator for current and future civil rights and social justice leaders. Participants network with peers, establish strong leadership skills, and deepen their understanding of issues impacting the Black community.