There was a call to change history in Athens, Alabama in early 1970. Mrs. Margaret Yarbrough of Limestone County had issues and concerns with the Limestone County School board. She knew justice and democracy were needed.

Mrs. Yarbrough approached a group of local men with an idea and the seed for the NAACP was planted. Huber Ward, Charles “Sonny” Nichols, Bennett Higgins and Sandy Lucas came together and decided to take action. Grover Smith who was a Field Representative for the NAACP from Birmingham, Alabama was contacted.

An organizational meeting was planned and was held at Trinity Congregational Church on Browns Ferry Street. Many interested citizens came out to learn more about the organization that would demand justice and democracy for all. It is said, “The church was packed.” H.B. Provience was elected president and his wife Rachel was elected secretary.  

The organization was off to an excellent start and continued to grow and be an active and vital part of the community. At one point the branch was 300 members strong and had many victories in justice.

The first branch president was H.B. Provience. The second president was Bennett E. Higgins. The third president was Katie Settle. The branch continued to thrive and grow under her leadership. The fourth president was Barbara Clemons. During her term the Commercial Food Workers Union was established at two local food processing facilities. The fifth president was Barney May and the sixth president was Horton Matthews.The seventh president was Benard Similton, who is  now serving as the Alabama State Conference President, and serves on the National NAACP Board of Directors. The eighth and current president is Wilbert Woodruff, who also serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Alabama State Conference NAACP.

The Limestone County Branch of the NAACP continues to be an important force in this county; still striving toward democracy and justice for all.