A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings,

I’m Esther Sanni, and it is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP – Branch 5130.

We are living in a time that demands bold action, unity, and unwavering commitment. Now more than ever, the NAACP stands at the forefront of the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity for all. And I believe this fight starts right here — in our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, and our homes.

We must ENACT change – BUILD bridges – and UNITE our community.

As your President, my commitment is grounded in purpose and driven by the people. My ongoing priorities are:

• Re-Energizing our Branch and reigniting hope throughout the community
   
• Re-Claiming the dignity and respect our community deserves
   
• Re-Cruiting bold, passionate, and visionary leaders to help carry this work forward
   

Our focus areas are clear:

• Promoting impact and change through meaningful collaboration
   
• Encouraging NAACP membership to build a “One Community” mindset
   
• Advocating for true workforce housing solutions
   
• Partnering with our faith-based community to uplift families in crisis
   
• Supporting our schools in implementing evidence-based social-emotional learning
   
• Rallying around the urgent need to boost literacy, with only 27.1% of Black students currently reading at grade level despite an 81.3% graduation rate
   
• Partnering with local law enforcement to cultivate a culture of prevention over punishment
   

I lead with both passion and openness. I am committed to showing up, speaking out, and standing beside you in this work. But I cannot—and should not—do it alone.

We need YOU.

If you believe in the power of justice, equity, and community, we invite you to join the St. Petersburg NAACP today. Because together, we are stronger. Together, we are unstoppable. Together, we will make a difference.

In Solidarity and Service,
Esther Sanni, MSW, MLC
President, NAACP St. Petersburg Branch #5130