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NAACP in our Community 


Happy Black History Month


We celebrate 100 years of celebrating Black History.


The Albany branch of the NAACP was founded in February 1935. We celebrate 91 years on

February 22nd at the Blake Annex. More information below.


Debora Y. Brown, Branch President, attended a meeting with Sierra Sangetti-Daniels, founder of People’s Perception Project, P3, in promoting the civic engagement project currently being held at Albany High School. The NAACP and P3 are currently in the 5th year of this project at the high school. They met with staff at KIPP High to discuss the program, as KIPP is considering bringing the program to their school.

NAACP in the Media


In celebration of Black History Month, Debora Brown, Branch President, Ashley Chapple, 1st Vice President, and Beverly Ivey, Civic Engagement Chair, all participated in a WMAC Radio show hosted by Jesse Taylor.


Discussion topics around policies, safety in the city, programming, and so much more.


Jesse previously interviewed Branch President, Debora Brown, back in November after the city of Albany voted in the First Black Mayor, Dr. Dorcey Applyrs.

2026 Founders Day Celebration - Legacy, Leadership, & the Path Forward


On Sunday, February 22nd, the Albany branch hosted Founders' Day. Rev. Constance Knight of Welcome Chapel Baptist Church in Albany, NY, served as the keynote speaker. Spectrum News reporter Corey James served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. There was a host of speakers who helped us remember to honor the resilience, courage, and leadership that have shaped our community. Guided by the spirit of "Still I Rise", we celebrated the past, present, and future.

To see photos from the day, CLICK HERE


SUNY Albany - College Chapter - Founders' Day Banquet

Blueprints of Black Excellence


Civic Engagement chair, Ms. Beverly Ivey, 1st VP Ashley Chapple supported the SUNY Albany College Chapter of the NAACP. It was a wonderful event, honoring our past, forging our future.


The lovely event was hosted by President Ashanti, Vice President Devani, Secretary Alana, Treasurer Kenyatta, Political Action Chair Tasha, and Public Relations Chair Jaeda at the Madison Theatre. The evening began with the most beautiful voice singing the Black National Anthem, followed by a history lesson about the anthem. Dinner was prepared by Out of Town Bistro, a locally Black-owned business in Albany, NY. The event included a spoken word performance, awards, and a keynote address by Deputy Mayor of Albany, Christopher Ellis.


Thank you to the University at Albany, NAACP executive team for such a wonderful event. We look forward to continuing to collaborate.


General Meeting Recap -

The economic development committee chair, Arlene Way, who is also the Executive Director of the Arbor Hill Development Corporation, served as the moderator for this meeting. She assembled a panel of community advocates to discuss the Downtown Albany Strategy. To read more, visit the economic development committee page. CLICK HERE


Committee Updates

Civic Engagement Committee -

SAVE THE DATE

Freedom Fund Luncheon

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026

Location: Duo at the Dunes

Time: 2:00 PM

More details to follow! If you are interested in joining this planning committee, send an email of interest to naacptechteam@gmail.com.


Education - Continued work on scholarships and resources.


Membership - combine the tech and membership committees for better collaboration. Join the NAACP - Albany Branch by becoming a member.


Social Justice -  continued collaboration with community organizations in requesting legislative support for bills S8856 and A9617, requesting “Civilian Oversight of County Correctional Facilities”. Outreach was made to legislative representatives regarding the NYS Assembly Correction Committee for the Assembly bill and the NYS Senate Local Government Committee regarding the Senate Bill.


 
Albany Branch members with State President L. Joy Williams at Quarterly Meeting
Albany Branch members with State President L. Joy Williams

January 2026

NAACP State Quarterly Meeting

Saturday, January 10, 2026

We had the great opportunity to not only attend the 1st Quarterly State Conference meeting down in New York City, but we were also joined by our sister branch from Schenectady.

Our youth council president and vice president graced us with their presence, representing our branch alongside the rest of the state. A time was had while we were educated on our 2026 state goals, legislation in the works, and the upcoming lobbying day in March.


This was a great opportunity to learn about what other branches are doing to increase their membership and what our priorities are. One notable outcome from the meeting was that we endorsed "New York for All".


NYS Events in Albany - Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

The New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteer Fair is part of the annual King Memorial Observance. Volunteerism is at the heart of Dr. King's philosophy, as he once said,  "everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."


The purpose of the Volunteer Fair is to introduce people to ways they can become actively involved in civic and community programs. The greatest tribute we can bestow upon the memory of the beloved Dr. King is to invite people of all backgrounds to celebrate this special holiday held in his honor by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.


Were you seen at NYS 2026 Dr. King Celebration at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, January 14: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGGoz


STOP Conference: Students Together Opposing Prejudice

On January 26, 2026, civic engagement chair, Beverly Ivey, was the keynote speaker at the STOP Conference at Siena College. The theme for this event was The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture series. Over 200 high school students from across NYS.



Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events - check out our blog post



Thursday, January 29, 2026

General Meeting Update - Chief Cox and Albany CART Team

  • Ashley Chapple voted in as 1st Vice President

  • Dr. Cord Stone voted in as Assistant Treasurer

Next General Membership Meeting with Topic - Albany Revitalization Project



Committee Updates

Civic Engagement Committee - 1st Tuesday of the month -5:00 pm

  • Founders' Day Program - 2/22/26

  • Freedom Fund at Duo at the Dunes - June 2026

Economic Development and Environmental Justice - 1st Monday of the month - 6:00 pm

  • Albany Revitalization Project

  • Reimagine Albany

  • I-787 Program

Education Committee - 1st Wednesday of the month - 6:00 pm

  • Scholarship Application - Draft

  • State Education Committee - showing a movie on ...

Membership Committee - 2nd Monday of the month - 6:00 pm

  • Increase membership

Technology Committee - 2nd Monday of the month - 6:30 pm

  • Provide monthly updates to subscribers

Health Committee

  • Go Red Zumbathon on 2/6/2026 at New Scotland Elementary School


To receive more in-depth updates, become a member of the NAACP! If you want to see change, be a part of change and ... join the NAACP*!

To be a member of the Albany Branch, you have to live in the City of Albany or work in the City of Albany. If you are unsure about your eligibility, feel free to contact us.



 
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