Last Saturday, May 11, we gathered in Albany for the second quarterly meeting of the NAACP New York State Conference. It was my honor to present my first official President’s Report since stepping into the role just two months ago. The report wasn’t just a recap—it was a declaration that we are continuing the work in honor of our late, great, beloved leader.

Honoring Our Legacy We began by recognizing those we have lost. This was our first statewide meeting since the passing of our beloved President Emeritus, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. Her legacy runs through every branch, every campaign, and every victory we've claimed across this state. We also acknowledged the passing of Van Bernard Robinson, a life long member, historic trailblazer and honored statesman, whose contributions to the NAACP and Syracuse will never be forgotten.

Next year, we mark 90 years of the NAACP New York State Conference. That milestone calls us not only to celebrate but to reflect and recommit. We are launching a statewide historical documentation project and planning a 90th Anniversary Gala to honor the legacy and power our future work.

A New Chapter in Leadership Over the past two months, I have traveled, listened, and assessed. I've heard from members about what is working and where we must grow. I’m proud to share that I have also been elected to serve on the NAACP National Board, continuing New York’s tradition of national leadership within the organization. 

During my assessment it became clear to me that in order to truly honor President Dukes and be the powerful advocates or communities we need we need to focus on strengthening branch infrastructure, improving compliance, and building political and organizing power across our 54 units.

Rooted to Rise: Defining a Healthy Branch Powerful branches are not built overnight. They are rooted in structure, leadership, and consistent community engagement. That’s why we’re launching a Healthy Branch Checklist—a resource to help every branch evaluate their foundation and build toward high performing community impact.

A healthy branch is not just compliant on paper. It holds regular meetings. It has active committees. It submits reports and pays assessments. And most importantly, it advocates, agitates, and litigates on behalf of Black people.

As part of this effort, I also presented how the State Conference office will support branches with tools, technology, and training to help them grow and meet these goals.

Building Our Power: 25,000 Strong by 2026 We have set a bold but necessary goal: reaching 25,000 active members across the state by the end of 2026. With just over 11,000 members today, we know this is achievable—but only if every branch leans in. We aren’t recruiting just for numbers. NAACP membership represents a commitment to justice and action. As we continue to do the work and amplify our advocacy, we will gain more hands in the fight. 

From Presence to Power Just showing up isn’t enough. Proximity to decision-makers doesn’t equal real power. Representation without accountability doesn’t move policy. And our presence must be matched by infrastructure, advocacy, and organizing. We are non-partisan, but political as hell. We push policy. We shape budgets. We hold power accountable.

The Road to 2030 We are organizing for the long term. With important elections taking place in New York 2025, 2026, 2028, and the U.S. Census and redistricting in 2030—31—we must be rooted and ready to mobilize our communities. That work does not begin 8-12 weeks before an election day. We are building permanent political infrastructure that engages in every election, every year, at every level—building toward lasting Black political power in New York State.

Our Vision Forward We are clear about where we’re headed:

• Strengthen Our Foundation – Invest in infrastructure, leadership, and tools for every branch.
• Build Collective Power – Reach 25,000 members and develop a generation of trained advocates.
• Advance Black Communities – Win on policy, influence budgets, and prepare for the next decade of census and redistricting.

We are the inheritors of 90 years of organizing—built by visionaries, sustained by fighters, and carried forward by all of us. Now, it’s time to do greater and rise in power. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, to lead, build, and rise together.

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