When James E. “J.J.” Minor III, the newly installed president of the Richmond Branch NAACP, was pulled over while driving more than 15 years ago, he never imagined he’d be in fear for his own life.

Mr. Minor, whose hair was in twists, was driving through his Church Hill community when he was stopped by a white, male police officer. When asked for his license and registration, the situation took a turn for the worse.

“As I proceeded to reach for my registration, he hit me in the chest with his hand and stuck a gun to my head,” Mr. Minor says. “I am haunted by that traumatizing incident. It’s an experience I will never forget.”

He went before Richmond City Council to report what happened and filed a formal complaint with the Richmond Police Department. “But nothing ever happened,” he says.

That experience is just one that propels Mr. Minor’s activism within the Richmond community. The rights of citizens when interacting with law enforcement, criminal justice reform, education and voting rights are just a few of the issues he wants to address during his tenure as president of the local civil rights organization.

“Building trust between the police and the community is important,” Mr. Minor says, noting that he has worked on several collaborative efforts with Richmond Police in the East End since his encounter. He says the Richmond NAACP’s focus is in alignment with the state chapter’s agenda for the 2017 legislative session, with education being the new civil rights issue in Virginia.

“It is imperative that every child have access to quality, equitable and excellent education,” he says. “There must be quality education for every child in public schools on the elementary and secondary levels, and affordable education and training for those who are seeking higher education opportunities, armed services or skill training for employment or entrepreneurship.

“Every child must have a clear pathway to success in reaching their maximum potential.”

Mr. Minor was introduced to the NAACP by his mother, state Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, who represents a portion of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield in the Virginia House of Delegates. His mother, he says, joined when she was a youth and is a life member. She used to take him to meetings when he was a youngster.

As an adult, he has been active with the NAACP for many years, serving on the Richmond chapter’s executive committee before being elected to the top position last year. He was installed as president in mid-December for a two-year term. He is working on his life membership.

He recognizes that many of today’s youths are disconnected from the organization. The keys to attracting young people are educating them about the NAACP’s history and its relevance in their lives. That’s one of the motivations behind his “Membership 1,000” initiative, an aggressive effort to increase the number of chapter members.

“We’re in the capital of the Confederacy,” he said. “We have to educate people about why we exist and get back to making a difference, fighting the good fight.”

Because African-American history is not a focus of public school curricula, Mr. Minor says it is essential to teach children that history to close the generation gap between NAACP members who lived through the Civil Rights Movement and younger people who are not fully aware of the trauma and triumph of that era.

“I believe people would want to participate with us more if they knew who they really are, that we are descendants of kings and queens.”

He remains dedicated to leading the chapter in tackling the issues on the NAACP’s state and local agendas, including an increase in the minimum wage, mandated use of body and dashboard cameras by law enforcement officers, and employment and procurement opportunities for African-Americans at state colleges and universities.

Because the NAACP is nonpartisan, he is careful to keep his work as an officer with the Richmond Democratic Committee separate.

“It takes teamwork to make a dream work, and together we can do it,” he says. Meet civil rights advocate and this week’s Personality, James E. “J.J.” Minor III:

Community involvement: President of the Richmond Branch NAACP.

Other community leadership positions held: First African-American appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission; chairman, Richmond City Democratic Committee; vice chairman, Greater Richmond Organizing Committee of Justice or Else; and former first vice president, Richmond Crusade for Voters.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 6 in Richmond.

Current residence: Richmond.

Education: Attended Virginia State University, studied music education; received mental health professional certification.

Family: Single.

Occupation: Community outreach coordinator, City of Richmond.

Why I want to serve as Richmond NAACP president: I strongly feel that I can make a major contribution to the oldest civil rights organization in the United States. It is an honor and privilege to take on the responsibility of infusing new energy into this prestigious organization and assisting in elevating the NAACP’s status in Richmond.

No. 1 priority of my presidency: Increasing the membership by 1,000 and re-engaging members to be active in our new fight for civil rights.

Position before election: Served on the executive committee of the Richmond Branch NAACP.

Richmond Branch NAACP’s No. 1 challenge: Promoting its relevancy in 2017 to a generation that did not grow up during the civil rights era.

How I plan to meet it: I envision bringing in 1,000 new members who are willing to be active in the fight for equality. The same issues our forefathers dealt with are the same we are dealing with today, just differently. We need people who are willing to fight and who will not stop until we have equality and justice for all people of color.

NAACP then versus now: Founded in 1909 by a multiracial group of progressive thinkers, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. Given the political landscape in our nation, this nonpartisan organization must continue to protect the civil rights and voting rights of all people.

NAACP and youths are: If the NAACP is to survive and carry out its objectives, we must be deliberate in introducing the NAACP to our youths at an early age. Our young people must be made aware of the NAACP’s fearless leadership and realize the importance of the mission to eradicate discriminatory policies and practices. Youths must understand that the “Black Lives Matter” movement stands on the shoulders of organizations like the NAACP, who, beginning in 1909 and thereafter, showed the world that people of color do matter. As we face the rhetoric on the national landscape, the rise of white supremacy, biases and prejudices, it’s more important than ever to prepare the present generation for future leadership.

How NAACP plans to increase membership: I have started the initiative “Membership 1,000.” This includes creating recruitment groups to solicit and recruit new members through churches, civic associations, colleges, social media, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Also, I will request and encourage members to consider sponsoring young people.

How NAACP plans to increase youth membership: We will be diligently operating the Young Adult and Youth Works Committee of the NAACP to enhance the membership of youths and young adults. This will take place by soliciting memberships through various youth organizations, colleges and sponsorships.

Key to improving race relations: The only pathway to improving race relations is a balanced and shared history of those who built Virginia, including constant dialogue about Virginia history and the contributions of enslaved Africans and African-Americans. Those in power must be intentional in showing appreciation for those who have come before us and their contributions.

Economic justice is: Making sure that minorities are at the table and provided fair chances and tools for educational opportunities and skilled and quality job placement.

How I start the day: With prayer.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn.

How I unwind: Fishing and cooking.

When I look in the mirror, I see: The reflection of a people who survived, persevered and were resilient in a struggle to obtain equality and justice for themselves; people who looked like me. They were determined to survive through hell and tormented circumstances so that I might realize my dreams of equal rights and opportunities.

Biggest chance I ever took: I am a Patti LaBelle fanatic. At 16, I attended a Patti LaBelle concert and walked up to the stage with a teddy bear and roses for Ms. LaBelle. She asked me to join her on the stage to sing and dance with her, gave me the microphone and I sang for her. It’s an experience I will never forget. We have established a friendship and she will call me on the stage when she’s performing.

What makes me tick: Having social interactions with positive people and being around peers who challenge me in some way to improve myself.

The best thing my parents ever taught me was: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Live each day as if it’s your last because tomorrow is never promised.

If I had more time, I would: Make more time for myself. I’ve spent many years helping others and not helping myself. Sometimes you need to make a living before you can make a difference.

The book that influenced me the most: “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by Alex Haley.

The book I’m reading now: “Grace” by Natashia Deón.

Next goal: To strengthen the Richmond Branch NAACP.