COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The NAACP has launched a local chapter in Kootenai County for the first time in the association's history. To acknowledge its arrival, it was celebrated at the second annual Day of Unity put on by TOC Diversity Resource in Coeur D’Alene.
James McDay has been an advocate for basic civil rights in North Idaho for the last 20 years. A combination of his passion and his own experience with prejudice behavior led to this new chapter that’s been brought forward.
“Why was it not here sooner if we were really talking about being an inclusive community,” asked McDay.
For him, it’s been a long time coming but he’s happy the moment is here.
He already runs a diversity resource program in Coeur d’Alene, but he and his wife are proud of bringing the third ever NAACP branch to Idaho. The others are the Pocatello and Treasure Valley branches.
“What this chapter means is a real opportunity at representation.”
Senate Candidate Paulette Jordan served as the functions keynote speaker.
The Coeur d’Alene native spoke to a full room then took questions and met with some of her supporters.
Right now the new NAACP chapter is in the beginning stages of becoming active in the community.
A Facebook page will be launched in early March and McDay is encouraging anyone to get involved.