Quotes by Sheley Secrest

“I want to combine a fiery leadership while using the old wisdom that is available to me. We are going to focus on three problems: the schools, police accountability, which really needs improvement, and black contracting. There are so few minority-owned firms getting work on local construction projects.”

“You would be amazed at how many people come in here with a complaint and when we ask them, is your race a factor, at first they dont want to admit that. They will try all kinds of other answers out first.”

“I think the young are very much aware of the current race climate [in their schools]. They see certain black males being sent to the principals office. They see Advanced Placement programs passing them over.”

“Our marching orders remain the same.”

“Im impressed with the Federal Way School District. They had disparities so extreme in their system they were forced to come up with a solution to address it. They are holding the teachers accountable. So many school districts put the burden of responsibility on the parents and the kids.”

“They are still having their disparities.”

“Under Carls leadership the NAACP became more of a service organization for cases of discrimination against individuals. I plan to continue the service organization approach. This branch was recognized (under Mack) as the number one branch in the nation. We know how to fight discrimination best. I feel we can make a difference while utilizing the experience of the older leadership. I still have [past leaders] Judge Charles V. Johnson and Judge Donald Haley and others to go to [for advice].”