Q&A with Rutha Jackson

Residence: Bonaire

President of the Houston County Branch of the NAACP

Q: How long have you led Houston County’s NAACP branch?

A: This is my second year as president. I’ve been directly involved with the NAACP for 20 years, but my stepfather, Silas Smith, was founder of Houston County’s chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, so I’ve been active in such things since my teens.

Q: Is the NAACP thriving or struggling here?

A: Thriving. We’re thriving and have added almost 100 new members in the last two years. We’re right at 175.

Q: You sponsored a Unity in the Community festival July 23 — was it a success?

A: It wasn’t as far as having the number of people we hoped would be there, but as far as building relationships in the community and having a great time, it was a great success.

Q: How many came? And what were your community-wide hopes for it?

A: Around 200 were there and I’d say our hopes were met because of who came and the emails and feedback we got back. (Warner Robins) Mayor Randy Toms addressed the crowd and Mayor Faircloth of Perry was there. Other community leaders came and pastors from quite a few churches were there. The main goal was to bring different ethnic groups together, build relationships and bridge gaps across the community. It was to say we’re all more like one another than separate from one another. We face the same issues, hurt the same and bleed the same. If someone’s son or daughter is hurt or killed, we go through the same emotions. It gave us the chance to be together, talk about situations and do it having some fun. Believe me, the kids had fun. Kids know how to bridge gaps and get to playing and running around together. They’re not so concerned with skin color. It’s us adults that worry about that.

Q: What was some of the feedback?

A: We got a wonderful email from members of the 5th Combat Communications Group out at Robins Air Force Base who volunteered at Unity in the Community. They said they enjoyed being there and it made a difference with the guys. They were thankful we thought of doing something like this and that they were able to help with something off-base in the community where people were working together to toward this kind of a goal.

Q: Yet there are real community problems, aren’t there?

A: We have issues that need taking care of. Important ones. But they need to be addressed in an atmosphere of unity so we can sit and talk constructively. We all have to be reminded we must show love to every man and as we show love we we’re able to talk about differences and work through them without going to war.

Q: What does the NAACP see as the biggest issue facing the black community in Houston County?

A: I’d say racial profiling and job inequality. That parallels national concerns as well.

Q: In 2014 the NAACP issued its Born Suspect report dealing with racial profiling. Is that an issue here?

A: We do have some. We have young males stopped, searched, and if voices are raised or there’s a little disturbance, 10 carloads of police come in. It’s a quick “get on the ground” situation. I understand the fear, but some of it’s cultural, too. We can be loud but that doesn’t necessarily lead to anything. And I’ve heard — I don’t know it to be absolutely true — but I’ve heard rules for some are different for others in our jails. But all this goes back to coming to the table peaceably and cleaning up what needs cleaning. Racism is still prevalent in Houston County. We’re not immune. We have things to address. We know that by the books, by the statistics. They speak for themselves.

Q: What are your immediate future initiatives?

A: We’re gearing up for voter registration and getting people to the polls. That and continuing to network and work for the good of our community — all our community. We have a meeting with Mayor Toms in the works and I’m looking forward to that.

Q: What do you want people to know about the NAACP past and present?

A: That the organization is about unity. It’s about justice and equality; doing what’s right regardless of the circumstances or who’s involved. If the mayor or anyone does something wrong, we’re going to address it but in a way that won’t start a riot. We support law enforcement, but if there are issues, they have to be dealt with but not in hate or antagonism. We have to realize no one is perfect but the Father and that we all have some do-wrong in us and that evil is always nudging and tugging at us. Realizing lets us have an atmosphere where we can understand and give grace to one another and then do whatever needs doing.

Q: That sounds like the pastor in you talking, and you do pastor Grace Temple International Worship Center in Warner Robins, right? As well as teach. So you must stay pretty busy.

A: I’m a pastor and I teach six-grade honors and regular classes at Thompson Middle School. I’m retired Air Force (Reserve), too. One thing compliments the other. It’s all rolled up in Jesus.

Q: Do you have to be an African-American to be a part of the NAACP? And what is your contact information and meting information?

A: No. In fact we have a caucasian member who works hard with us for justice and equality. We welcome others. The work is plenteous. We meet every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 213 Suzanne Dr. and our email is houstoncountynaacp@gmail.com.

This story was originally published July 31, 2016 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Q&A with Rutha Jackson."