The NAACP held their national membership drive during the month of December, and Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter (CJA) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was on board to collaborate with this important initiative. The Strategic Partnerships Committee joined forces with the New Brunswick Chapter of the NAACP and held an exclusive Zoom webinar where participants were enlightened about the NAACP’s national membership drive, the importance of membership and its benefits. The discussion also provided a wealth of information about the organization’s history, mission, and goals.
Entitled, “United! Let’s Fight for Justice & Equity—Join the NAACP”, CJA welcomed guest speaker, Reverend Sonya Redd, Membership Chairperson and Executive Director Committee Member. Reverend Redd led the discussion on disrupting inequality, dismantling racism and accelerating change in key areas. She provided a timeline of the NAACP’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and activism since its inception to how its organizational structure is designed to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens as well as remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes. Reverend Redd noted that the NAACP’s mission is "to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality [of] rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination".
Pivoting from the organization’s history and accomplishments, Reverend Redd asserted the NAACP’s mission to continue to aggressively fight against the most profound injustices that people of color continue to encounter. She cited some examples of today’s most egregious social injustices, noting police brutality, the disparities in resources during the pandemic in underserved communities and increased hate crimes towards people of color as catalysts to drive change. Reverend Redd said that membership, active participation and unified efforts can lead to effective change.
Nearly 50 participants as well as Deborah Morgan, NAACP Branch Secretary, and Carl Wright, Franklin Township Councilman (Ward 4) were in attendance absorbing this information and witnessing this dynamic and inspirational presentation. Reverend Red provided a wealth of information on the different NAACP membership options and ways to register to become a member.
For more information on this historic organization, please visit the NAACP‘s website at www.NAACP.org. You can view the video of the event on our YouTube channel.