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High Point NAACP urges transparent review of McDonald’s police-involved incident, proposes accreditation and community advisory body; announces officers
Summary
The High Point NAACP asked for a full, impartial review of a Dec. 19 police-involved incident and recommended national accreditation and formation of a community advisory committee for law enforcement.
The High Point branch of the NAACP used the council’s public comment period to push for transparency and reforms after a Dec. 19 police-involved incident at a McDonald’s location, and to announce the organization’s officers for 2025–2027.
Dr. Elma Hairston, identified in the meeting as president of the local NAACP chapter, delivered a media statement referencing remarks attributed to Police Chief Curtis Cheeks that the matter had been referred to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for a full, impartial review with cooperation from the High Point Police Department, including access to body-camera footage and call records. The statement said the NAACP expects the department to review internal policies and procedures and pledged continued NAACP engagement on policing and community relations.
The NAACP’s statement urged the city to pursue national accreditation as a means to enhance transparency and public trust and recommended creation of a law-enforcement community advisory committee to strengthen oversight and community partnership. The statement said the NAACP’s goal is to hold law enforcement and the city to “the highest standard of professionalism and excellence.”
Cheryl Fuller, the branch’s first vice president, read a letter the local NAACP sent in November asking national and state NAACP leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus to request a formal apology from the president of the United States to Black citizens and descendants of enslaved people for the historical atrocities of slavery. Fuller’s remarks referenced longstanding grievances and called for actions toward redress and healing.
Timothy Simmons, who identified himself during public comment, read a roster of the branch’s officers for 2025–2027 including Dr. Elma Hairston as president, Cheryl Fuller as first vice president, Timothy Simmons as second vice president, Terry Dixon Jr. as third vice president, Tenera Garlington as secretary, Niaka Sturdevant as assistant secretary, Richard Fuquay as treasurer, Sherry Brown as assistant treasurer and Dr. Bohnik Bertrand as parliamentarian.
The statements in public comment were delivered by NAACP leaders and framed as organizational positions and recommendations to city leaders; councilmembers did not debate or take formal action on the statements during the meeting.
