Joel Elvin Atkins (d. October 5 1997) was the Senior Pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church for 42 years until his death in 1997. He was a church leader and local president of the Winter Haven, Florida chapter of the
NAACP[1][2] before becoming the NAACP's statewide leader.[3] He was an organizer on
integration and
civil rights efforts in the state.
Personal life
Theodosia Sarah Owens Atkins was his wife of 50 years.[4] His longtime friendship with Jack Young led to his involvement in advocating on behalf of
James Joseph Richardson.[5]
He died in Miami on Sunday the October 5, 1997, at the age of 75.[6] He left behind his wife and four children.[6]
Activism
Joel Elvin Atkins was president of a local chapter of the NAACP in
Winter Haven, Florida He became president of the state chapter and challenged Florida governor
Claude Kirk's obstruction and delay attempts of
school busing.[3][7] He advocated for social action over confrontations at rallies as the solution to ongoing troubles in 1967.[8] In 1970, he highlighted concerns that for most instances of death by law enforcement officers the victims were black.[9]
He was photographed with
Tal Rutledge and Rev. Omega F. Neaman at an NAACP convention.[10]