About Us
Founder: Bishop Charles Horton
History of the Polk-San Jacinto NAACP Branch
The Polk-San Jacinto NAACP Branch was officially formed in 2010 under the leadership of President Bishop Charles Horton, alongside founding members Bishop Eldridge Nickson and Pastor Curtis Hester. United by a shared vision for justice and equality, they established the branch to serve as a voice and support system for the community and surrounding areas.
Since its inception, the branch has been actively involved in assisting with discrimination cases, advocating for civil rights, and offering unwavering support to local citizens. A cornerstone of the branch’s work has been its commitment to education: each year, scholarships are awarded to deserving students in both Polk and San Jacinto counties.
The branch holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month, with a six-month church rotation to host gatherings, promoting unity and engagement across congregations and communities.
Over the years, the Polk-San Jacinto Branch has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2024, recognizing the surge of youth involvement, the branch organized and inaugurated its first Youth Unit and elected its inaugural Youth President — a proud milestone reflecting the branch’s commitment to the next generation.
Our branch also proudly participates in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by helping organize MLK Celebrations and Black History Month events. Additionally, we continue to host an annual Scholarship Banquet to celebrate and invest in the future leaders of our community.
In 2025, the branch embraced a historic moment by electing its first female President, Mrs. Jocelyn Traylor. President Traylor honors the foundation laid by those before her while leading with a bold vision for advancement. With a heart rooted in service and a determination to strive for excellence, she is committed to expanding the reach, influence, and impact of the Polk-San Jacinto NAACP Branch.
We are the Polk-San Jacinto NAACP Branch — upholding the legacy, embracing the present, and building for the future.