The Raymond G. Mullins papers are mainly comprised of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People material; papers related to his Washtenaw judgeship candidacy in 1992; printed material from Martin Luther King Day celebrations; material related to his various organizational affiliations; and documents representing his years of service to Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The 6.5 linear feet collection covers the years 1953 to 2015. Record types include an audiocassette, awards, correspondence, clippings, event information, publications, organizational records, and photographs.
Raymond G. Mullins was an attorney and community leader in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was active in numerous civic and professional organizations, including trustee of the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. For two decades, Mullins was instrumental in garnering broad support for the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Under his leadership, the Ypsilanti and Willow Run branches of the NAACP merged, and membership more than doubled. The new branch was able to open an office, youth programs thrived, and the organization won several awards at the national level for programming excellence.
Mullins was born in Detroit in 1943 and grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan. After graduating from Ypsilanti High School, he studied economics and labor law at Howard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1965. From 1966 to 1970, he served as an officer in the United States Air Force. Following an honorable discharge, Mullins returned to Michigan to earn a law degree at the University of Michigan Law School in 1973. Following graduation, he practiced law in Ypsilanti and was a judicial candidate for the Washtenaw County Circuit Court in 1992.
During the early 1970s, Mullins was a leading force in integrating Perry School, the last segregated school in the city of Ypsilanti, becoming involved with the NAACP soon after opening his law practice in 1974. Working in various NAACP committees throughout the seventies, including membership, public relations, and education, he brought in new members, raised funds, and increased visibility for the organization which was boosted by his work at the state level. Mullins served as president of the NAACP Ypsilanti-Willow Run Branch from 1981 to 1982 and again from 1987 to 1998. At the heart of his leadership was the belief that NAACP membership should include a cross section of the community, such as business leaders, politicians, chamber of commerce members, and area ministers. Tackling both controversial and popular issues, Mullins led initiatives in employment and education, stressed the need for children to know and understand their heritage, and encouraged political involvement. It was during his tenure, for example, that advocacy geared toward integrating a previously all-white judiciary in Washtenaw County was met with success.
Mullins also built bonds in the community through his participation in Brown Chapel AME outreach, particularly in promoting and working for the annual Brotherhood Banquet. Originally initiated in 1953, when racial tensions were high, this annual event continues to bring people from across the region together to rededicate themselves to the cause of racial and religious goodwill and tolerance.
Although Mullins retired from the presidency of NAACP in 1998, he continued to carry on a family tradition of community involvement. Both of his parents believed it was important to give something back to the community, so in their honor, Mullins established the Glenn and Laura L. Mullins Community Foundation, designed to advance educational opportunities for marginalized students. Raymond G. Mullins died September 4th, 2023 in Taylor, Michigan.
