Staff

Kamilia Landrum is a top millennial leader in Detroit’s non-profit industry. She is the youngest Executive Director in the history of the Detroit Branch NAACP; a Branch known for its extraordinary leadership and membership base, robust community engagement, and iconic Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner. In her 15-year commitment to the Association, Kamilia has been at the forefront social justice advocacy issues from the fight to uphold Affirmative Action in Michigan to historical legislation such as Promote the Vote which expanded voting access for millions of Michiganders. She has traveled across the country for civil rights demonstrations such as Jena 6 in Louisiana and the 50th Anniversary of the Edmund Pettus Bridge Crossing in Selma, AL. Most recently she traveled from Jamestown, Virginia to Jamestown, Ghana with a delegation of NAACP leaders to recognize the 400-year mark of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

At the Detroit Branch NAACP, Kamilia oversees the implementation of strategic partnerships and programming the Association’s five game changers: education, economic sustainability, criminal justice, civic engagement and health and heath care access. She has served in numerous leadership capacities of the local, state and national level of the organization. Kamilia has engaged hundreds of youth leaders across the country by reactivating NAACP college chapters, training students on advocacy and civil rights issues, and mentoring students as they developed as leaders. In her first year as Executive Director, Kamilia hosted the 110th NAACP National Convention in Detroit, MI. The convention brought 10,000 people to the City and over $11.5 million in economic impact to the region.

Kamilia is a graduate of Lewis Cass Technical High School and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master’s of Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Policy and Management from Wayne State University. In her community, Kamilia serves on the board for Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan, Detroit Future City, and the Wayne State University Social Justice Action Committee. She is also a current member of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Alumni of New Leaders Council Detroit, and member of the Renaissance (MI) Chapter of the Links, Inc. Her leadership skills and dedication have earned recognition as a Detroit Young Professionals 2019 Vanguard Awardee, Leadership Detroit Class XLI (41) Fellow, Michigan Chronicle’s 40 under 40 Awardee, and Walker’s Legacy Power25 Awardee for women in business.

Chui Karega serves as General Counsel for the Detroit Branch NAACP. He has been an attorney in Michigan for more than 40 years. He has worked in the fields of civil rights, among others areas for his entire legal career and life.

Attorney Karega's introduction to the field of civil rights began prior to birth when Mississippi Jim Crow laws forced his mother to travel more than 100 miles, passing white hospitals in route including one in her home town, to give birth in a hospital (for Blacks only).

Following a family move to Detroit, Attorney Karega attended Detroit Public Schools, Michigan State University, and The University of the State of New York Law School.

Darwin Beacham is the Finance Director for the Detroit Branch NAACP. He was hired in 1990 by then Executive Director JoAnn Watson. As Finance Director Mr. Beacham oversees all accounting activities related to income auditing, accounts payable processing, accounts receivable collection, tax compliance, payroll, establishing annual budget and generating reports.

Mr. Beacham received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Mississippi Valley State University in 1981. He is a graduate of Hazlehurst High School.

He is married to Peggy Beacham. They have three children, Dr. Shekitra Green, Darwin Beacham Jr. and Sterling M.D. Beacham and eight grandchildren.

LaToya A. Henry is a dedicated public relations and communications professional. She is the owner of LAH Strategies, where the Detroit Branch NAACP stands as one of her largest clients. LaToya obtained her Master of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Language and Literature from the University of Michigan.

In addition to managing the Detroit Branch's PR and Communications, she also serves as the chairperson for the Detroit Branch NAACP and Detroit NAACP Youth Council ACT-SO programs; and as Advisor for the Detroit NAACP Youth Council.

LaToya Elliott is a natural-born leader and a businesswoman with an entrepreneurial spirit. She embarked on a career in events management 22 years ago and has worked in industries such as business, education, energy, non-profit and telecommunications. Her professional expertise include logistics management, relationship building and strategic planning. LaToya currently serves as the Director of Events and Empowerment Programs for the Detroit Branch NAACP.  In this role, she oversees the development and management of events and programs that focus on the organization’s mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality rights of all people.  Prior to joining the Branch, she held positions with the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan, Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan and Children’s Literacy Network.

LaToya earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan and also obtained her Master of Science degree in Management from Walsh College of Accountancy & Business Administration.

Laurie A. Moore began her tenure with the Detroit Branch NAACP in 1998 bringing over 20 years of management and an extensive background in customer service, negotiating, organizing and community relations. During her tenure she has served as Membership Coordinator and Office Administrator. Her responsibilities included internal operations, project coordination, branch services, event planning, stakeholder management and other administrative functions of the branch. 

Laurie is the owner and Managing Partner of Gazelle II Event Management and Consulting Group, LLC. She currently serves the branch as a consulting Special Projects Coordinator. In Addition to Special Projects, she is responsible for complaint intake and legal programs and initiatives. She is the branch liaison for the Political Education, Criminal Justice, Religious Affairs, Legal Redress, Golf and Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner committees.

Kathleen Wright Coney has been employed by the Detroit Branch NAACP for 39 years – 14 years as a full-time employee and 25 years as a freelance contractor. She is retired from the Detroit Public Schools Community District after 20 years of employment as Administrative Assistant in 2017. During the 39 years associated with the Detroit Branch NAACP, Ms. Coney has mastered and managed such skills as Administrative Assistant, Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner Souvenir Journal Manager, Finance Department duties, and Special Projects managing events, some grant writing, staffer to committees, and other assignments as needed. 

Ms. Coney attended business college in Wayne County North Carolina, and in Columbus, MS.

Jermaine Peguese is the Executive Assistant and Special Projects Manager with the Detroit Branch NAACP. In this role, Jermaine facilitates several key tasks including serving as the staff liaison for the Economic Development, Health, Membership, and Young Adult committees. He is also the project manager for the Detroit Branch NAACP's Building Resources In Detroit Giving Expanded Services (B.R.I.D.G.E.S.) youth summer employment program, Back to School Stay in School Rally, Membership Department, Census 2020 and the Take Your Soles to the Polls campaign.

Pegeuse has a Bachelor's of Science in Construction Management from Wayne State University's College of Engineering.

Robert Green is a Maintenance Assistant for the Detroit Branch NAACP. Robert is responsible for the inward and outward appearance of the Detroit Branch NAACP, assisting with events and coordination with various Detroit Branch NAACP vendors.

Robert attended WSU and University Detroit Mercy with an emphasis on Business and MIS / Software Development.

April Lockett currently serves as Office Assistant for the Detroit Branch NAACP. She is a former producer and on-air talent for The Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Radio One’s HOT 107.5FM in Detroit. AP is young, edgy, and business savvy. Her brand is a culmination of her talents, interests and activities, and spans well beyond her media presence.

April has been working in customer service and within her community for many years and is excited to bring her talents as new member to the Detroit Branch NAACP team.