The Vineland Branch, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was formed and chartered in 1959; and has worked, since that beginning, to aid the National Association towards its goal.

The first meeting was held at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church; on North Eighth Street in Vineland. The officers elected, at that meeting, were:

Mr. Cavini G. Andro, President
Mr. Archie Perry, Vice President
Miss Bryno Bell, Secretary
Mr. Albert Perry, Treasurer

Immediately, the Branch became involved in actively seeking an end to employment-bias in hiring practices in the Public School System, the local Police Department, the business community and discrimination in the housing patterns. The first African-American teacher hired was the late Mrs. Pauline Petway. she was also the first, of her race, to be appointed "Principal" in Vineland. Mr. James Peyton was the first African-American 'regular ' Police Officer; although Mr. Otis Segers, Mr. Sanford Bundy and Mr. Cleveland Bailey were appointed as "Special Officers" years prior. Mr. Walter Robinson was the second 'regular' Police Officer appointed and was the 'first' African-American to retire from the Vineland Police Department; after 25 years.

Some other early activities included the establishment of the 'first' Vineland Human Relations Council. Some of the members were: Mr. Ed Heller, Mr. David Ware, Mr. Ben Leuchter, Mr. Ed Schultz and President Cavini G. Andro. Other name were not available at this writing.
The late Benjamin Zion Leuchter was the 'first' new NAACP member; following the installation of officers; 1959.
Eighty-year-old Mrs. Julia Waymon, the aunt of the famous Jazz Singer, Nina Simone, was the 'first' to register to vote; during the Branch's 1st Voter Registration Drive. She had never voted before!

MORE COMING......