About Us

From the President

I am excited because the work we are doing as the NAACP SLO County branch seems to be in line with the values being embraced by a growing number in our society. I am referring to the most recent student-led “March for Our Lives,” but not to be overshadowed by last year’s “Women’s March.” The millions of people who have participated in such movements—and those who support them—are embracing the values of the NAACP: justice, equality, diversity, and just common sense.

Consider how your NAACP SLO County branch is promoting and supporting these values: a local candidate for government office is behind us, local high school students are lining up to register to vote, we support Earth Day; and the outpouring of SLO County citizens to view movies demonstrating how embracing diversity leads to a more compassionate and thoughtful citizenry. This is what we are about. If you agree with and identify with these values, join us if you have not already. If you are already a member of our NAACP branch, spread the word to others who embrace these values.

The positive news is that while there are still pockets of society that defy our values, they increasingly represent the minority view. What we witnessed recently with the students and women’s movements represents the hope of continued movement toward justice, equality, diversity, and just common sense for all—and we are making it happen right here in San Luis Obispo County!

It’s time to take the blinders off and make the changes needed to make this world a more just and equitable society. We need to support young people and let them lead the way.

Leading the Fight in Your Community

Vision

We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination.

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.

Two African American women in meeting

Community Partners

We’ve compiled resources to support the specific needs of the SLO County community. Whether you need to understand tenant rights, have experienced discrimination or have a civil rights concern, we are here to support you to the extent possible. Learn more about available resources and services.

Our Team


Branch Leadership

Executive Committee Members:

  • President: Tobin Johnson
  • First Vice President: Roxanne Perez, ESQ 
  • Secretary: Cheryl Vines
  • Assistant Secretary: Lucia Villarreal

Standing Committee Chairs:

  • Communications, Press & Publicity- Christopher Johnson
  • Education – Kathy Simpson 
  • Environmental & Climate Justice – Denise Yaffe
  • Finance – Lachelle Hannickel
  • Legal Redress- Irv Hepner
  • Political Action- K.C Victor
  • Women in NAACP (WIN) – Cheryl Vines
  • Community Coordinator (North County)- Ken Parish

Members at Large:

  • Ken Frye
  • Linda Barra
  • Karen Burish Wyke
NAACP Panel Discussion

Branch Committees

NAACP History

Founded Feb. 12. 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization.

NAACP Panel Discussion

Join Us


We are advocates united in the fight to end racial inequality.

SLO County NAACP at a Glance

300,000

National Volunteers

$27,620

2024 Donations

7

Years as a Local Branch

163

Local Branch Members