Charleston NAACP issues proclamation in honor of Rev. Ronald English

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The NAACP of Charleston, on Thursday, issued a proclamation in honor of the late Rev. Ronald English.  

Before the proclamation was released, however, a celebration was held in his memory at Charleston’s First Baptist Church, where the late Reverend served as Pastor for more than two decades. Rev. English is also a past President of the Charleston Chapter of the NAACP. As noted on the NAACP of Charleston’s Facebook page, “A verse that was often quoted in its condensed version during Reverend English’s celebration was Matthew 25:23 ‘His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’” 

“People spoke of Reverend English’s leadership, his ability to inspire and push others to achieve with love, his scholastic aptitude, his calmness, his commanding voice and his patience,” the post continues. “Possibly, most importantly they spoke of his humor.”

Proclamation: 

WHEREAS, the City of Charleston, West Virginia, pauses to reflect upon the monumental life, enduring legacy, and profound spiritual leadership of Reverend Ronald English, who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity; and

WHEREAS, Reverend English answered the highest calling of faith, serving as the esteemed Pastor of First Baptist Church of Charleston for 21 years, where he nourished the spiritual well-being of the congregation and used the pulpit as a beacon of hope, righteousness, and community empowerment; and

WHEREAS, Reverend English further served our community as a vital interim minister in Charleston and as a deeply trusted consultant in healing and restorative justice, proving himself to be a necessary bridge and equalizer during some of the most tense times within the movement; and

WHEREAS, as the dedicated former President of the NAACP of Charleston WV Branch 3226-B, he masterfully connected all races, faiths, and walks of life to each other, providing meaningful guidance, support, and a calming path forward when the community needed it most; and

WHEREAS, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to systemic change, Reverend English extended his time with the NAACP of Charleston WV in the role of President Emeritus, lending his time, mentorship and veritable spiritual intensity to the community; and

WHEREAS, though Reverend English’s decades of labor have left an indelible mark on our history, his spirit continues to live on through the family, friends, congregants, and community members who continue to march forward in the light of his extraordinary example. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Shamika Parks, President Elect of the NAACP of Charleston West Virginia, do hereunto set my signature on behalf of the NAACP Charleston West Virginia, do hereby proclaim and request a time of recognition and reflection on November 11, 2026 and beyond.

May Reverend English’s memory live on as a reminder of a life lived exceedingly well.