The Selma-Dallas County branch of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization has returned.

After reaching the required membership of at least 50 members, the local NAACP reactivated during a Jan. 29 meeting, according to Lawrence Wofford, who was chosen as interim president.

While the group hasn’t determined the responsibilities it will carry out just yet, the mission of the NAACP continues to be to fight for social justice for all Americans.

“I feel better that we have begun the process of restarting the chapter,” Wofford said. “We can elect new officers and have an active chapter that’s really going to make a difference in our city and in our state.”

Wofford said the group has to have at least 50 members each year. Due to a lack of members, the Selma-Dallas County branch has been inactive for at least five years.

Wofford said members hit the streets to convince people in the community to join the local branch by visiting homes, libraries, churches and more.

“You had to actually go out and get people to sign up,” he said. “It was not a process where you could wait for people to come join.”

The interim president said the NAACP has been involved in addressing fatal incidents in which black men were killed, and the Selma-Dallas County area needs to be more involved in national issues through its organization.

“I think some joined because of what’s going on nationally in the country,” Wofford said. “I think some joined because of the history of the organization.”

Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama State Conference, expressed his love for the return of the Selma-Dallas County.

“This is a great day for Selma, and I expect great things to come from Selma,” Simelton said.

To join the area chapter of the NAACP or get additional information, call Wofford at 334-327-9761.