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White Guy Runs Maine Chapter of NAACP

From prison, that is— he says being a felon makes you a minority

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 9:18 AM CST

(Newser) – The president of the NAACP doesn’t often go to Maine, the whitest state in the country. But recently Todd Jealous took the Washington Post to a state prison there, to meet his new favorite chapter—one comprised almost entirely of white convicts. It’s run by Billy Flynn, who’s doing 28-to-life for a once-famous murder. “There’s some confusion when people see an Irish guy as president of the NAACP,” he says. “I’ve had my share of comments.”

Flynn was surprised to learn that few white men lead NAACP chapters; he points out that the organization was founded by whites and blacks together. His chapter is concerned mostly with prisoner rights; it’s one of only three groups prisoners can join, and the only one that gets outside support. For Jealous, this is part of a push to broaden the NAACP’s appeal. “Colored people come in all colors,” he tells the convicts.

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William Flynn appears in court, Jan. 25, 2008. Flynn is serving a 28 years-to-life prison term for killing his lover's husband as a teenager. He's also president of his Maine prison's NAACP chapter. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter, Poolr)

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This is a black organization, but you have that felon beside your name and that makes you a minority. You're treated like you're black. Frankly, everybody needs civil
rights here. - Joseph "JJ" Jackson, vice president of the prison's chapter

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White Guy Runs Maine Chapter of NAACP