The president of Peoria’s NAACP chapter is stepping down after more than two decades holding the reins.
Don Jackson, a civil rights lawyer, says it’s time for the organization to take a new direction. The board unanimously selected the Rev. Martin Hightower from Liberty Church to fill the position for a two-year term.
"Pastor Hightower will be that young leadership. I think he’ll be able to engage people his age and younger, I see that movement happening right now,” Jackson said.
The rise of social movements, like Black Lives Matter, present an opportunity for the NAACP to engage with the next generation, he added.
Jackson will continue serving on the organization’s executive committee, as well leading an effort designed to get African American youth engaged in the arts.
He says he also won't stop pressing the city and county to hire more minorities in government and leadership positions. That's a major cause he focused on during his tenure, particularly this year, as the Police and Fire departments adopted new minority recruiting and hiring ordinances.
Jackson says the City should consider adopting its own similar ordinance and developing an office or position responsible for improving diversity and cultural sensitivity.
“Somebody who has to sign off on new hires for every department over there," Jackson said. "And who has the ability to do an analysis of the department to see if they are reaching affirmative action goals, then justify why they want to hire the employee they want to hire.”
Many US cities, including Columbus and San Antonio, have what’s called an Office of Diversity and Inclusion. It’s essentially a department of local government that centers on diversity in the workforce, training, outreach, and contracting.
Jackson, who's 78, says he'll also continue representing Cleve Heidelberg in the ongoing post-conviction case.