February 2026 Update

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.

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NAACP in the Media

www.wamc.org

Albany NAACP members detail policies they want from local lawmakers

In Albany, Black History Month this year comes as the city now has its first ever Black mayor. With that as a backdrop, WAMC’s Capital Region Bureau Chief Jesse Taylor sat down with a few members of the Albany NAACP to talk about the policies they want to see from local lawmakers.

www.wamc.org

Albany NAACP president: Applyrs' win 'monumental' for whole community

Albany’s Dorcey Applyrs made history last week when she was elected to become the first Black mayor in the city’s history. I sat down with the Albany NAACP’s President Debora Brown to talk about the moment’s significance.

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.

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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.

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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.