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The Covington County Branch 5049-B of the NAACP has elected Rev. Jimmie Samuel of Andalusia to serve as its new president effective Jan. 1, 2025, replacing outgoing President Hazel M. Bryant of Florala.

Rev. Samuel, Pastor of St. Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn, joined the U.S. Army in 1974 and served as a medical corpsman until his honorable discharge in 1982. Afterwards, he served in the National Guard and in the U.S. Air Force Reserves where he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and was Nurse Manager of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at various veteran health institutions.

Rev. Samuels, a fourth degree black belt master in Korean Tang Soo Do martial arts, is current president of the Andalusia Lions Club, member of the Covington Veterans Foundation, is 2nd Vice-Moderator for the East Star District Association of the Southeast District State Convention, and a member of The Firm Believers in Jesus Ministry. He is married to his companion for life, Diana (Glover) Samuel.

Rev. Samuel brings with him strong leadership skills and a vision for the Covington County NAACP Branch that is consistent with the goal of the National NAACP whose goal is to create an inclusive community where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination.

“‘And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men’ (Colossians 3:23 KJV). Paul is saying, whatever you do, do it with your entire soul, every bit of life within you. Let the depth of who you are flow out of you. Rather than superficial or obligatory work, make your effort a matter of the heart. As incoming president of the Covington County Branch of the NAACP, I will be driven by these same incentives,” Rev. Samuel said.

The Covington County Branch is under the governance of the NAACP Alabama State Conference, Benard Simelton, president.

The NAACP is a nonpartisan organization that was founded in New York City by Black and White participants following the devastating Springfield race riots of 1908 where an entire Black community was destroyed.

The Covington County Branch of the NAACP is open to membership.