The NAACP, Okaloosa County Branch is calling on all citizens, faith leaders, civic partners, and community advocates to stand together in unity and purpose following the recent “not guilty” verdict in the trial of former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran. Local NAACP President Sabu Williams stated “This moment has stirred deep pain, frustration, and disbelief throughout our community. The death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson remains a profound tragedy, and the verdict has left many feeling unheard and unprotected. We acknowledge these emotions fully — they are real, valid, and shared by countless families across the area. But how we respond will define us; therefore, we invite concerned citizens to join us on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:30PM for a Community Townhall Meeting and Call To Action.” The meeting will be held at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 101 First Street, Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Our community’s strength has always come from organized, principled, and nonviolent action — never from disorder or destruction. “We cannot allow our disappointment to become disorder. Our path forward must be rooted in unity, dignity, and strategic action.”
In Airman Fortson’s memory:
- Stay peaceful. Do not allow anger to lead to actions that harm our neighborhoods or our cause.
- Stay engaged. Attend the upcoming town hall on Monday and other community meetings that will be announced later.
- Stay informed. Learn about your rights, local policies, and the reforms we are actively pursuing.
- Stay connected. Support the Fortson family and uplift one another during this difficult time.
- Stay committed. Justice is not achieved in a single moment — it is built through sustained, collective effort.
Our Next Steps:
The NAACP will host a Community Call To Action Townhall Meeting on Monday (see and share the attached flyer) and we will continue pressing for:
- Transparent law enforcement policies
- Improved training and accountability measures
- Stronger community oversight
- Legislative reforms that protect all residents
Together, We Move Forward. We invite citizens of Okaloosa and surrounding counties to join us in transforming grief into progress, frustration into advocacy, and disappointment into determination. Our community has faced difficult moments before — and each time, we have risen with dignity and purpose. Let’s do so again.
Vr
Sabu L. Williams
President,
NAACP, Okaloosa County Branch
Website: naacp-okaloosa.org
