Meet DeAnna King, the new President of the Corpus Christi NAACP

As Black History Month kicks off, 3NEWS sat down with DeAnna King, the new leader of the Corpus Christi NAACP.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As Black History Month kicks off, the Corpus Christi NAACP is entering a new chapter under its new President, DeAnna King.

King previously served as the organization’s first Vice President and Political Action Chair. She said she is grateful and excited to step into the leadership role, saying her work is “a calling” and emphasizing her commitment to unity across the Coastal Bend.

King’s dedication to service is rooted in her upbringing in Corpus Christi’s Hillcrest neighborhood, where she said generations of family members helped pave the way for Black residents.

“My grandmother and her sister were the first African American family to live in that area, because it was predominantly white then,” King said. “It was considered a country club. But then they moved in, and then more Blacks started moving in.”

She said those women, her family’s matriarchs, shaped her values.

“It’s amazing to see that my grandmother lived through that, and to be in a position to try to help combat some of that,” King said.

While Black History Month is a time of reflection, King said it deserves year-round recognition.

“Black history is more than just one month,” she said. “But I’m glad people are recognizing at least one month.”

As President, King said her top priority is unifying local organizations that share similar goals.

“To build unity within the community,” King said. “We have other organizations here like LULAC, AFT. We’re all fighting for the same thing, but we need to come together.”

She also encouraged younger generations to learn about their history and get involved.

“Read about your history, read about your ancestors, because they’re trying to take that away from us. And get your education, school might not be fun but that’s one thing they can’t take away from you is your knowledge,” King said. “We’re not always going to be here, so we need new leaders to fill our shoes.”

King said she is grateful for the opportunity to lead the local NAACP chapter.

“I never thought I would see myself in this position,” she said. “But God put me in this position, and I’m willing to do the best that I can for people and the community.”

The NAACP also operates a youth council for children and teens interested in community involvement.

Throughout Black History Month, 3NEWS will continue highlighting leaders and community members making an impact across the Coastal Bend.