From the
President's Desk
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Dear Freedom Fighters:
Happy New Year!
I write to you today to introduce myself as the new President of the Miami-Dade Branch of the NAACP. I am a proud card-carrying member of the NAACP, a full-time Academic and Career Advisor at Miami Dade College, a graduate of the NAACPâs NextGen National Leadership Development program, an alumna of FIU's School of Business, and the mother of Tamiya and KeâDarius.
I have been a member of this community since 1981. Since that time, I have served in several leadership capacities and volunteer positions including roles with the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC); Head Start and Early Head Start; Parent Teacher Student Association (PTA); the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and more.
In my new role as Branch President, I offer and bring to the position an array of experiences in fair housing advocacy, post-secondary education; social justice matters; civil rights and new-fashioned freedom fighting. As the new president and leader for such a time as this, I look forward to boldly building upon our branchâs legacy, speaking truth to power, strengthening our relationships within the local community and being a voice for a more equitable Miami-Dade.
As you may be aware, the NAACP's mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. With over 500 members and a strong executive committee, the Miami-Dade Branch of the NAACP has worked in observance of this mission for over 33 years.
Under my leadership, the vision of the branch will be to actively transform Miami-Dade County into a more racially just and equitable community through organized action, collective partnerships and accountable advocacy. Our local priorities for 2021 -2022 will be centered around the following six areas: Economic Sustainability; Education; Expanding Youth & Young Adult Engagement; Public Safety & Criminal Justice; Voting Rights and Political Representation; and Health.
I am excited to lead the branch in continued service throughout Miami-Dade County. With your support, it is my aim and goal as the new president to be responsive to our communityâs most pressing and urgent needs and to serve as resource and partner in all areas that align with the NAACP's mission.
In closing, I thank you for the work that you do and look forward to partnering with you as we continue to make our communities more equitable and just for all. I welcome your outreach via phone (786-299-8251) or email (presidentofmiamidadenaacp@gmail.com) for partnership, membership, consultation, community-building, and resource sharing.
In unity and service,
Daniella Pierre
President
Miami-Dade Branch of the NAACP
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A Long-Time Advocate for Young-Adult Involvement & Engagement Takes the Helm of the Young Adult Committee |
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Eboni Peoples, a 3rd-year medical school student and devoted soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is ready to take the helm of the Miami-Dade Branch NAACP's Young Adult Committee. She has laid out her vision for the committee for the next year:
Our vision is to build on our position as the next generation of leaders supporting the community needs in Miami-Dade County. The Young Adult Committee should provide education and support to young people in an ongoing effort to increase understanding of advocacy, activism, and social change. We are committed to building young adult leaders to strengthen the relationship with policymakers and the community.
We are excited to work together with Ms. Peoples in her new role!
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The Branch Has New Leadership |
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Mechelle Martin Is Ready to Work! |
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One of our newest members to the branch, Mechelle Martin, has been diving in and getting the work done. Recently, she served as chair of our Election Supervisory Committee that was instrumental in carrying out the branch's first-ever virtual election! We caught up with Mechelle recently to gain some insights into who she is and her motivations...
The Work: What made you join your local NAACP branch?
Mechelle: My grandmother and great aunt were both members of the NAACP. In addition, to following in their footsteps I wanted to join the NAACP because of their hard work in fighting for the rights of people that look like me and making positive change in our communities. I didnât just want to talk about our
problems, I want to be a part of the solution.
The Work: What do you think makes an NAACP branch successful?
Mechelle: Teamwork, Selflessness and a willingness to serve!! The works of the NAACP is often a âthanklessâ job. So, it takes a group of people pooling their ideas, talents and resources together to achieve the greater good for people regardless of applause or commendation.
The Work: Who are some of your favorite Civil Rights/Social Justice advocates
dead or living?
Mechelle: Madam C.J. Walker, Rep. Shirley Chisholm, Rep. Frederica Wilson and VP-Elect Kamala Harris
The Work: What would you say is the most important thing about being a 'Freedom
Fighter'?
Mechelle: Working to eliminate race-based discrimination. The NAACP was established nearly 112 years ago, we have come so far however, we STILL have a lot of work to do.
The Work: Thank you so much for sitting down with us.
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December 25th 2020 Marked the 69th Anniversary of the Murder of Central Florida Civil Rights Couple
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Article taken from the Zinn Education Project
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Harry T. and Harriette Moore were murdered on Christmas Day (their silver anniversary) when a bomb, set by the Klan, blew up their home in Mims, Florida (Brevard County). Harriette Moore was a classroom teacher and both were civil rights activists. Harry Moore died on the way to the hospital; Harriette Moore died nine days later, leaving behind two daughters, Evangeline and Annie Rosalea. Evangeline Moore dedicated her life to seeking justice for the death of her parents.
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From the Nov. 29, 2020 Tampa Bay Times, "Letter to the Editor" By Adora Obi Nweze, President, NAACP Florida State Conference
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The draft text of Gov. Ron DeSantisâ first piece of proposed legislation since COVID-19 began to pummel Florida is finally circulating. The Defeat COVID-19 and Renew Florida Act? No â The Combatting Violence, Disorder, and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act.
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Undeniable 'Double Standard': The Police Handling of BLM Protests Vs. The Attack on the Capitol |
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By Emerald Morrow (Channel 10-Tampa Bay) |
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WASHINGTON â Images of mob violence at the nation's Capitol have been tough for many to watch. Now, there is strong criticism of the way law enforcement handled the attack, especially from civil rights leaders and activists who pointed out double standards along racial lines.
"What I saw was a double standard. I saw law enforcement take a completely different approach with this particular protest than they've done with Black Lives Matter protests,â said Carl Soto, vice president of Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk.
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Community
Tools, Resources & Upcoming Events
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The latest issue of the Crisis Magazine, the official publication of the NAACP, is now available online.
This edition includes a profile of vice president-elect Kamala Harris, a story on grief and African Americans, five Black women photographers who capture the next generation of social justice activists including our very own Leslie Redmond of Minneapolis and Jaida Hampton of Louisville, and former president Barack Obama who answers our questions about the current state of affairs
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BECOME AN NAACP MEMBER TODAY
If you care about fighting the racial disparities that are still too prevalent in America, the NAACP is the place where you can make a difference.
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To join the Miami Dade Branch of the NAACP, visit the following link. Our Unit Number is 5116 and our Zip Code is 33054
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