The NAACP Tulsa Branch has a new president who wants to breathe new life into the “dormant” organization.
Mareo Johnson, 51, took office in mid-October. Part of Johnson’s push to reactivate it includes more fundraising opportunities, like the Freedom Fund dinner, improving the organization’s efficiency and trying to attract a younger generation to get involved.
Since it was a special election, he will be up for office again in 2026. The Oklahoma Eagle spoke to Johnson about his goals and what’s next for the NAACP under his leadership.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Ross Terrell: What are your priorities as president?
Mareo Johnson: Being the second largest in Oklahoma, it’s very vital, very important, that we have an NAACP branch here that functions and is effective. People need a source to reach out to about concerns about things that they may feel is unfair, things like that. So one of my roles and priorities would be to help build an efficient NAACP branch in the City of Tulsa.
RT: How would you define efficient?
MJ: Being able to be present for people to call if they need information, direction or some type of support. Also, if there needs to be a rally or protest, or even if it’s just some phone calls or having some meetings to straighten out some things. Efficiency is also having something in place that can be a positive influence for accountability and working things out when it comes to inequalities, racism and things like that.
RT: How do you bring the NAACP back to mainstream relevance in Tulsa?
MJ: With the NAACP already being a structured organization, there is already a foundation or structure there. Now, what needs to be done is someone like myself that has relationships, that is known for the work of social justice and bringing people together regardless of what your gender, your race, your background is. It’s about all people working together for the greater good of humanity, and that’s the message. That will enable people to perceive the NAACP as that organization that it once was years ago, being the forefront, being that pillar in the community for people.
RT: What’s your plan to attract the younger generation to be a part of the organization?
MJ: We have to get youth chapters going in our colleges and in our high schools. When those things are put in place, it gives the youth an opportunity to be involved. In society today, especially more than ever, there has to be something going on or it has to be a presence for our youth to want to engage. As far as Tulsa goes, it’s been a long time since it had functioning youth and college chapters, so that’s what another one of my priorities is.
Johnson says next up, they still need to fill out the rest of the leadership positions and appoint some chairpersons. He says that could happen as soon as mid-November.
