NAACP Founding in Ogden, 1944
Jim and Bettye Gillespie
Ogden’s branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in early 1944. Black women were important leaders in the branch’s early efforts. Mary Louise Finch organized the membership drive to qualify for their charter, and the first two chapter presidents were women: Ruby Timms Price and Sadie Louden.
Ruby Price was born in Texas. She came to Ogden during World War II and worked at the Ogden Arsenal. Later she became a teachers and spent several decades as an activist advocating for children, people with disabilities, and migrant workers. In 2009 she was honored by the NAACP for her many years of service.
One of the branch’s longest-serving presidents was James Gillespie. He joined the branch in 1957, became president in 1963, and served for 33 years. Helping Ogden’s minorities get decent housing was one of his primary goals. He spoke out about the difficulties minorities faced buying homes outside “established minorities neighborhoods” and led discussions with real estate salesmen and city leaders to address these issues.
Members of Ogden’s NAACP also engaged in voter education and registration efforts. They held get out the vote drives and candidate debates. A youth group was also organized, led by Gillespie’s wife, Bettye. These teen and college-aged members offered voters rides to polling places and free babysitting services.
In 1968 James Gillespie and other NAACP members led an investigation into reports of discrimination at the Clearfield Job Corps. Their efforts led to the appointment of an equal opportunity employment officer at the Job Corps. This officer was appointed to emphasize affirmative action programs and promote communication between staff and the community.
Mark Meredith, Deon Gillespie and Dwayne Carrington
Shauna Gillespie and Lynn Boyd
Dwayne Carrington, Wynell Kelley and Pamela Richardson
Ruby Price