Written By JR Robinson

This is the first #getAMPLIFIED feature, and it is only appropriate that we kick things off in Memphis. In the spotlight is Kermit Moore, who stands as a resolute leader guiding the NAACP Memphis Branch into a new era of social justice, empowerment, and relentless advocacy. Moore’s story is inseparable from the city he calls home—a lifelong Memphian whose life’s work is rooted in community, labor rights, and civil rights activism across the South.

A Life Dedicated to Justice

Kermit Moore’s journey began in Memphis, where he graduated from Memphis Technical High School before earning a track scholarship to Alcorn State University. His commitment to fighting injustice was ignited early in his career as a union activist starting in 1985 with the United Paperworkers International Union Local 1766. His leadership talents quickly propelled him to key roles, such as Chief Steward at Cleo Inc and President of the Memphis A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) beginning in 1991.

Moore’s advocacy transcended labor rights, reaching into human rights on a broader scale. Between 2005 and 2006, he served as a community organizer with the Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights, gaining experience that would later serve the NAACP in campaigns across the South geared toward voter education, get-out-the-vote efforts, and human rights training. His work even took him to the World Social Forum in Caracas, Venezuela, where he facilitated social justice and human rights discussions on an international stage.

Leading the NAACP Memphis Branch: A Renewed Vision

Now, as President of the NAACP Memphis Branch, Moore carries forward this legacy of tenacity and service. Under his leadership, the branch retains its proud standing as a beacon for civil rights advocacy. The branch has been recognized nationally, even named the “best local branch in the nation” at the 2022 NAACP National Convention—an accolade that speaks volumes about the strength and impact of the organization in Memphis.

The Memphis NAACP under Moore’s stewardship has expanded its fight against systemic injustices—from combating voter suppression to pushing for police accountability, addressing racial disparities in healthcare, and supporting lawsuits to challenge policies harmful to African Americans. Moore is vocal about the need for a “new deal” approach to civil rights—one that embraces voting rights protections championed by John Lewis, holds law enforcement accountable, studies reparations for slavery’s legacy, and fights the modern-day lynching of Black people in America.

Grassroots Leadership and Community Roots

Moore’s leadership is deeply tied to the streets of Memphis and its neighborhoods. As President of the Lauderdale Sub Neighborhood Association, he understands the importance of local engagement and the power of neighborhood voices in shaping city policies. His ongoing role on the Executive Board of the Memphis and West Tennessee AFL-CIO Central Labor Council further cements his commitment to working-class families and labor rights, an intersection that enriches the NAACP’s advocacy platform.

In a city where the echoes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps still inspire, Moore channels that history into today’s activism. He honors the work of past Memphis civil rights icons like Maxine Smith, Vasco Smith, and Ben Hooks, acknowledging that the fight for equality is a continuum requiring steadfast resolve.

Fighting for Equity on Multiple Fronts

The NAACP Memphis Branch under Moore is not afraid to take legal action to protect African American rights. The branch continues to support families affected by injustice, such as parents seeking justice for their son beaten by police officers. It also challenges state-level policies like school voucher programs that risk undermining public education equity in Tennessee.

Freedom Fund Luncheons and other fundraising events led by the branch raise not only funds but awareness. These gatherings bring nearly a thousand community members together to stand firm on issues like voting rights and civil liberties, with Moore often articulating the organization’s firm stance on not standing by idly in the face of hate and racism.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Moore is committed to adapting the NAACP’s historic mission to the challenges of the 21st century. The push for innovative and inclusive activism that addresses economic, social, and racial inequities remains central. Whether through grassroots organizing, legal challenges, or education initiatives, Moore’s presidency promises a Memphis branch that is as relentless in its pursuit of justice as the city is proud of its civil rights heritage.

Kermit Moore exemplifies the spirit of Memphis—a city that rises above adversity with resilience, courage, and a community-driven determination. Through his leadership, the NAACP Memphis Branch continues to empower, elevate, and amplify the voices of those who strive for a just and equitable society.