ACT-SO First Place Winner - Poetry Written Category

The Albany NAACP ACT-SO Committee proudly announces our First Place winner in the Poetry-Written Category.

Jewel Cruz-Nix is a 14 year girl born and raised in the Capital District and lives with her parents and younger brother. She attends Tech Valley High School and runs track for Watervliet JR/SR High School.

As a young child Jewel was actively involved in competitive gymnastics and hip hop dance. For a short period of time she played the viola. On her down time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, writing poetry, drawing and painting, practicing acrylic fingernail designs, and going to the mall. She participated in the youth ski development program sponsored by the National Brotherhood of Skiers and the Nubian Empire Ski Club. Jewel is a straight A student who is very self motivated, adventurous and not afraid to try something new.

Upon graduating high school Jewel plans to move to Atlanta, GA to attend an HBCU. She is currently unsure  about her field of study but is confident that she wants to run track. She aspires to travel the world as she continues to navigate through life.

Jewel will be traveling to the National ACT-SO competition where her entry will be judged against other first place winners from around the country. Please join us in celebrating Jewel and sending good vibes her way that she comes home with a prize on the National level.

ACT-SO is an NAACP achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African- American high school students. For additional information contact albanynaacpactso@gmail.com.

Jewel attending this years 2024 NAACP Convention - Las Vegas, NV

During their time at the convention Jewel participated in a Q& A where the judges inquired on her written poetry titled Waiting Room for the Wrong Doctor.

REIMAGINE Albany Together

Discussion: Planning for change in 787

Albany Public Library - June 22, 2024

Anne Pope Street Renaming

On, Monday, June 3, 2024, the Albany Common Council unanimously voted to name Second Avenue and Grandview Terrace after Anne Pope for her many years of fearless advocacy, commitment, leadership and dedication to the Capital Region and beyond.

Ms. Pope served as the former president of the Albany NAACP branch and northeast Regional Director for a total of 40 years.

During that time, she challenged the County of Albany over redistricting and was able to get additional minority, majority legislative seats, worked tirelessly to improve the educational system for students in inner city schools, challenged the City on affirmative action issues, law enforcement reform and community policing among other issues.

Along with her community involvement she also served on the advisory board for Siena College’s Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series where upon her recent retirement she served as the vice chair.

The naming ceremony took place on Friday, June 14, 2024, 5:00 p.m. at the corner of Second Avenue and Grandview Terrace.