By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Sanders to lead Bryan NAACP
Luella Sanders
Luella Sanders was formally installed as president of the Bryan County NAACP

Luella Sanders was formally installed as president of the Bryan County NAACP earlier this month during a ceremony at Restoration Worship Center in Richmond Hill.

She brings an impressive resume to the role.

Sanders has more than 20 years of accounting and finance related experience primarily focused on working with non-profits in the areas of social service, academia and arts and culture.

Her educational pursuits started at Savannah Technical College which led to a degree in accounting from Savannah State University in December 1999 and afterwards a MBA from Georgia Southern University in May 2003.

In addition to community service and engagement, Sanders said she is passionate about education and the impact it can have on an individual’s personal and professional goals.

As a result, she has taught accounting, finance and management courses for Columbia College for over 15 years.

Further, Sanders volunteers on the boards of several local non-profit organizations to include Family Promise of the Coastal Empire and the Savannah Jazz Festival. She is also a member of the South Bryan Advisory Council for the Bryan County School System.

NAACP background

Sanders has been a part of the Bryan County NAACP for the last four years, serving in the capacity of chair of the Economic Development, Scholarship and Golf Tournament committees. In 2021, she established the Bryan County NAACP Higher Education Scholarship to provide needed scholarships to students graduating from Richmond Hill High School and Bryan County High School. In 2022, she worked in conjunction with residents of the Ford Field and River Club to host the organization’s 1st golf tournament to raise funds to underwrite 11 scholarships for local students.

She will lead a chapter with 73 members. Sanders answered the following questions by email.

Q: How has the NAACP been relevant in your life?

A: My personal and professional achievements to date are all built upon the guiding principles and values espoused by the NAACP. Community service, education, advocacy have been constant companions throughout my life journey and are all major tenants of my personal vision and life objectives in direct alignment with the values/mission of the NAACP.

Q: What are your goals for Bryan NAACP in 2023?

A: 1. In partnership with community leaders continue the work of political, educational, social and economic equality for all of Bryan County’s citizens. 2. Work throughout the year to maintain and increase membership 3. Provide youth with opportunities for personal and leadership development through our scholarship program 4. Increase organizational awareness through community engagement 

Q: In addition to the golf tournament, what events do you have in the works for 2023?

A: Listed is what we currently have planned for the year. More information and details will be available after our strategic planning session which is scheduled for Feb. 18.

1. We will be participating in the 2nd Annual Gullah Geechee Festival on March 25.

2. We will be hosting our annual Juneteenth event on June 17 at J.F.F Gregory Park 3. We will participate in the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival 4. We will host our annual Freedom Fund Banquet, the date and location TBD 

Q: Why is the NAACP important in this day and time?

A: Despite the many gains made in our society, there is still much work to do. From the very inception of the NAACP, it’s founding members advocated for political, educational, social and economic equality for all citizens and that works continues today!

Bryan NAACP leaders 2023
Bryan County NAACP President Luella M. Sanders, center, along with, from left, Sandra Workman, 2nd vice president; David Williams, 1st vice president; Sanders; Bernadette China, secretary; Sheila Fields, treasurer and Johnnie Quiller, assistant secretary. Photo provided
Sign up for our E-Newsletters