he O’Fallon Metro East NAACP was chartered in 2007. In the mid-2000s, the demographics of the O’Fallon community began to change, marked by an increase in homeownership among African American residents. This rise in home ownership led to greater attendance at local schools. With the increase, there were several incidents of racial animus in the local area.
African Americans and other ethnic groups faced challenges establishing relationships with local officials, including mayors, police chiefs, and other decision-makers.
Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., PhD, pastor of New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church, recognized the lack of representation for the minority community. In response, he and Fred Hatley contacted the national office of the NAACP to initiate the process of establishing a branch in the area. In December 2007, the national office officially chartered the O’Fallon branch.
The O’Fallon Metro East NAACP serves the O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, Swansea, Shiloh, Mascoutah, and Lebanon communities. Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., PhD, was the first president to serve until 2014. Francine Nicholson took over the presidency in 2014 and continues to serve in that role.