Brockton Area Branch NAACP

Welcome to our August Newsletter!

The theme of this year's 114th NAACP National Convention was Thriving Together!

Brockton came, Brockton saw, Brockton Thrived!

Brockton thrived with the national ACTSO competition, the many events held at the national convention, the Hub, the WIN Empowerment Luncheon and the historic 54th Regiment. Brockton was in the house!

The Brockton Area Branch NAACP would like to thank Boston Branch President Tanisha Sullivan and National Board Member Michael Curry for a well executed convention. Our thanks to the many volunteers and vendors!

Let's recap:

Two of our ACTSO students took part in the ACTSO Glow Kickoff along with the Boston ACTSO students. Our students, Niaomi Holley and Brooklynn Massó!

Niaomi and Brooklynn were lucky enough to work with famous choereographer Anthony Burrell. Anthony Burrell was best known as a dancer and choreographer who worked with the likes of Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.

Niaomi also performed at the ACTSO Awards.

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll was in the house too!

Our students came to thrive, winning 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.

• Nevaeh DeJesus
• Kyle Denny
• Yvangi Jacques
• Niaomi Holley
• Brooklynn Massó
• Kayla Thugi



We are proud of all our students who competed in this year's ACTSO competition. Each student brought their own uniqueness to the competition. The competition was tough with some categories having over 35 students competing in one category.

We congratulate the Boston Branch ACTSO students on their wins of 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

It is not an easy task to win a medal at the national competition.

WE THRIVED!

It’s your permission to wear your hoodie after the sun goes down

It’s your 5 minute morning routine

It’s your ability to brush your hair and be “presentable” It’s your college application

It’s your inheritance It’s your lawyer

It’s your job application It’s your education

It’s the health care you recieve from your doctors It’s your dialect

The way when you use slang and call me “sis” it’s trendy.

But if we do it It’s ghetto.

But most of all it’s your ability to empathize with perpetrators, “blue lives”, and excuse the things you don’t live through because

“White privilege isn’t real”

Gold Medal Winner - Poetry Written - NEVAEH DEJESUS

Nevaeh is a 2023 graduate from Lowell High School where she maintained a GPA of 4.0. Nevaeh participates in the following extra-curricular activities: Early College program, Gear Up, Black Unity Club and Students Making Change. When Nevaeh was not in school, she worked sixteen to twenty hours a week as a cashier at a local grocery store. She had this job for three years. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, hip hop dance, photography, and writing poetry. Nevaeh is a Freshman at Morgan State University and her major is Psychology.

Her poem:

The Ghost of White Privilege

I didn’t know a ghost could be so powerful

How can a transparent presence do so much harm to so many?

How can a thing so invisible to the eye control the brains of its people? It doesn’t have just one home

Instead it spreads like a virus with only one symptom:

Ignorance

How can a ghost be so powerful that it becomes a universally known “imaginary” friend It walks with you within the hallways of school

And runs alongside you in your workplace It stops you from being followed in the store

Your ghost friend stops your teachers from mistaking you for the other Black girl in your class

The ghost stops them from mistaking the cell phone in your hand for a gun

It walks you away civilly in handcuffs from a school that you shot up

his ghost opens up the ears of the cops as you scream

“I can’t breathe”

While he shoves his knee cap into your collar bone for 9 minutes and 29 seconds

It even sits on your lap in the drivers seat when you’re pulled over by police

It always whispers in the ear of the cop that you’re not a threat so you can “have a great rest of your day”

The ghost is only nice to you and its people

It tells you “you shouldn’t trust people who don’t have ghost friends”

The ghost is only nice to you and its people

It tells you “you shouldn’t trust people who don’t have ghost friends”

Everyday it effortlessly protects you and helps you get home safe to your kids

So I get that you want to protect it

Because it protects you by serving as a bullet proof vest

when you walk home from getting skittles from your local corner store

Silver Medal - Chemistry/BioChemistry

Kyle Denny



Kyle is a rising senior at Milton High School (MHS). In addition to playing tennis at STEC, he is the co-captain of the MHS varsity tennis team, MHS Class of 2024 vice-president, the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. South Shore president and an avid video gamer.

Silver Medal - Dance Contemporary (Tap)

Brooklynn Massó

Brooklynn Massó is a rising junior at Boston Latin Academy (BLA) and a member of the BLA theatre group Academy Actors. Additionally, Brooklynn has been competitively dancing for 11 years and has danced at Debbie Allen Dance Academy and The Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Currently, Brooklynn is dancing with Edge Studio of Dance in Canton, MA, specializing in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Lyric. In Brooklynn’s spare time she likes to create art, play video games, and listen to music. 

Silver Medal - Earth and Space Science - Yvangi Jacques

Yvangi Jacques is a 16-year-old rising senior at Avon Middle High School in Avon, Massachusetts. He has many accomplishments. He received the John F. Kennedy Make A Difference Award for his Community Service Project, “Songs for Seniors.” Additionally, he is part of The 84 Movement's Statewide Leadership Team and a Massachusetts Southeast Regional Student Advisory Council delegate. He is also a chair member of the Avon Coalition for Everyone's Success and a member of the National Honor Society.

The ACTSO students receIved well deserved recognition. Not only from the ACTSO competition, but from the local media, Brockton Mayor, Robert F. Sullivan, State Senator Michael Brady, City Council President Susan Nicastro and Ward 1 Councilor Thomas Minichiello. All of students were issued citations from Mayor Sullivan and State Senator Michael Brady.

Brockton students were issued additional citations from City Councilor President Susan Nicastro and Ward 1 Councilor, Thomas Minichiello.

Yvangi Jacques, Kyle Denny and Kayla Thugi were interviewed.

Cllick here for full articles:

https://www.baystatebanner.com/2023/08/02/local-naacp-act-so-winners/

https://sportsmenstennis.org/sportsmens-kyle-denny-wins-local-naacp-act-so-award/

https://www.wcvb.com/article/naacp-convention-in-boston-hosts-national-showcase-for-high-school-students/44674754

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J. Kevin Benoe, Chief Executive Officer and Christopher Shepard, Director of Business Development of UHM Properties LLC in Boston received a citation from Mayor Sullivan. The citation was given in recognition of their generous donation of $5000 to help with the ACTSO students expenses this year. We are so grateful to them.

Kayla Thugi competed in Drawing and Poetry Performance.

Her self-portrait (below), titled “Irrevocable Imprints,” uses white pencil, along with the colors of the Kenyan flag — black, red and green — to represent Thugi’s ancestry. ““The hardest part of drawing was using black paper for the first time,” she said. “And it’s a large-scale drawing.”

See full article here: https://www.baystatebanner.com/2023/07/26/at-academic-olympics-students-act-so/

ACTSO is a stepping stone to greatness!

Our delegates for the 114th NAACP convention were there ready for business at the Regional Meetings and for the main purpose of the convention, voting on the Resolutions.

From left to right: Tony Branch, 1st VP; Phyllis Ellis, President; LaTwanda Merricks, 3rd VP; Leona Martin, 2nd VP and Miles Jackson, Secretary. Not in photo is our sixth delegate Steve Abrams.

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The WIN Committee

The Brockton Women in NAACP attended the 114th NAACP National Convention this past July. Many of the members offered their time and talents as convention volunteers and supported Brockton youth during their ACT-SO competitions. In addition to attending the various events, the committee attended the WIN Empowerment Luncheon where they heard an empowering and inspirational speech from Reverend Shavon Arline- Bradley. The ladies of WIN also had an opportunity to meet with National NAACP President, Derrick Johnson.

Courtney Henderson, Chair

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Armed Service Veterans Affairs Committee

I am pleased to report that the Brockton Area Branch NAACP, Armed Service Veterans Affair Committee, was given the distinct opportunity to once again serve this great organization. Our participation at the 114^th NAACP National Convention in Boston this past July was historic. We were given the honor of presenting the United States colors and state flags. The historic Mass 54^th all colored infantry regiment had the honors.

We were also honored to be in the presence of the first Black female Vice President Kamala Harris, who attended the 114^th NAACP convention in Boston.

Our experience from the convention is life changing, to be in this moment in time. Seeing people in one place like me, concerned for one thing equality, is all inspiring. When I saw the children and the parents and the old and the young all looking like me was worth the wait!

Steve Abrams, Chair

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The feedback from the convention was positive. It is the hope that it will not take 40 years to return!

There is early voting in Brockton.

MEET AND GREET THE CANDIDATES - AUGUST 26, 2023



The Brockton Area Branch NAACP hosts this important event every election year. The event gives voters the opportunity to meet and greet the candidates running for office, whether it is the incumbent or a new candidate. Each candidate in attendance was given the opportunity to speak to the voters and inform them why they are seeking reelection or election.

School Committee Candidates

In attendance: Kathleen Ehlers, Jamie Hodges, Ana Oliver, Matthew Stanton, Cynthia Mendes.

Question for each candidate:

Some of us believe that we are in an educational crisis. Financially our high school does not have as much money as we had in the past. Brockton High was our jewel in the crown. Culturally we witness what is happening in Florida and in other parts of the country. Curriculums are being re-written by both experts and ordinary people. Educationally we have not re-visited some of our traditional methods in teaching and curriculum building. 

Do you have any solutions?  

Ward Councilor Candidates

In attendance: Marlon Greene, Gary Keith, Michael Nunes, Gerson Sergio Monteiro, Phillip Griffin, Tony Branch, Jeffrey Thompson, Ellie Texeira, Jack Lally, Joseph Walker, Patrick Paul Quinn

Question for each candidate:

Whether you are incumbents or running as new council candidates, running a modern city like Brockton takes time, patience, creativity and some thorough knowledge. For those of us who do not know, what are the duties and responsibolities of a ward councilor.

Councilor at Large Candidates

In Attendance: Alix Arthur Gayaud, Cynthia D. McCall-Hodges, Jamal Brathwaite, Stephan A. Hooke, Jr., Jean Bradley Derenoncourt (late)

Question for each candidate:

Brockton is a city where family takes precedence over so much but yet there is scant discussions from our council leaders at-large about promoting and soliciting and doing businesses that cater family entertainments for our city. Brockton citizens and residents spend their hard earned extra dollars in other surrounding cities and elsewhere not Brockton. We use to have, for example, a movie theater. We have none today. We have no business area in our city devoted to the creation of diverse business establishments for the entertainment of Brockton families. How can we get our citizens and residents to spend more dollars in Brockton and not always elsewhere?

Mayoral Candidates

In attendance: Fred Fontaine, Richard Wayne Ripley, Hamilton Rodrigues, John C. Williams

Question for each candidate:

The economic health of a city is important in America and the mayor is a principle player in determining its health. 

What is your economic vision of a healthy city for Brockton?

Note: The candidates who were not in attendance were either on vacation or otherwise engaged.

Note: The candidates were not privy to the questions prior to the event.

We thank Brockton Community Access for recording the event.



Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05wUq82vtEo&list=PLP2sevPPOmKk9P6GIYbVqfrOxpIheyNzA&index=1&pp=iAQB

A comment from a voter who was there.

It certainly takes much courage and strength for a candidate to be willing to present themselves in a public setting.

It is not a task for the weak or faint of heart!

All the candidates that came did a good job, and their presentations were well done. They deserve a lot of credit!!

May those who can best lead our beloved Brockton be successful.

photos courtesy of Janet Trask

Suicide Prevention Workshop- September 7, 2023:

Join Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter, and the WIN Committee of the Brockton NAACP for an intimate conversation around suicide prevention and awareness.

During the first half hour, attendees will have a chance to visit resource tables and connect with community organizations that provide mental health resources as well as resources and services for those impacted by domestic abuse.

For the main event, we will hear from our guest speaker Toy Burton, Founder and Executive Director of DeeDee’s Cry. This will be an engaging dialogue, and we will make every effort to approach the topic with sensitivity and care.

This is a FREE event, and all ages are welcome, as suicide affects people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.

Light refreshments will be served.

Link to register: https://lks-naacp-safetalk.eventbrite.com/

Take a Stand for Veterans - September 15, 2023

Please join service providers, employees and community organizations in providing essential supportive services to veterans, including: employment assistance, housing assistance, medical care, wellness programs, legal support and prevention services.

Take a stand for veterans on Septemer 15, 2023 - 8AM to 2pm

Food/Music/Raffles/Prizes

For more information, visit nechv.org/Standown or

email:StandDown@nechv.org

Celebration of African American Authors - September 16, 2023:

The Brockton Area Branch NAACP Education Committee is happy to announce that we will be hosting our first Black Authors Book Fair on Saturday, September 16 from 12-3pm at the beautiful Enso Flats Art Gallery. The location is 86 Centre Street and there will be free parking, light refreshments, and books for the entire family! Come out and meet, greet and purchase books from some of our great local authors! We look forward to seeing families and remember, Reading is Fundamental! Reading is one of the main building blocks upon which a solid education can be built. Our community is sharing books, not banning books!  

The WIN Committee is hosting a self defense class on September 20th at 6pm at Abington Martial Arts. We invite women ages 18 and up to join us. This is a hands-on class that will teach participants how to protect themselves in physical altercations and how to be vigilant when facing a violent attacker. The class is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-defense-training-tickets-688807811707?aff=oddtdtcreator

Veterans Expo

For Veterans, Troops, Family & Friends

Saturday, Sepember 23, 2023

Where: VA Boston Brockton Branch

940 Belmont Street, Brockton MA

Time: 10AM to 2PM

• Live Bands
• Jobs & Career Fair (Bring DD214)
• Fed/State Resources & Benefits
• Health Service Checks
• Kids Zone - Pony Rides

Please review a new initiative: Prostate Cancer Equity Program in Massachusetts.

This program is being launched by AdMeTech Foundation, in partnership with leading experts at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Hospital, and other clinical organizations.

The mission of this program is to save lives, deliver high-quality care and eliminate health inequalities.

Prostate cancer, striking 1 in 8 American men, is the most common and the second most lethal male cancer.

Any Massachusetts man 40 and older is welcome to take part. The program’s priority focus is on Black, African American, Hispanic and Latino men, who are at even higher risk of the disease, delayed diagnosis, poor quality care, and death.

For more information: admetech.org

The Brockton Area Branch NAACP is extremely busy. If you would like to join our organization and become a member of any of the active commitees, please contact: presidentphyllis@naacp-brocktonbranch.org

Committees

• ACT-SO - The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics mentoring program for high school students. With ACT-SO, the NAACP is providing an instrument through which African-American youth are encouraged and inspired toward excellence in academic and cultural pursuits while benefiting from the maximum support of their communities;
• The Committee on Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs shall: (1) seek to establish a working relationship with those agencies in government, national, state and local, having the responsibility in the affairs of members of the various Armed Services and Veterans and to see that the programs to which they are responsible are administered fairly and justly to members of the minority community; (2) study conditions pertaining to veterans and members of the Military Service and their dependents and/or survivors in the community; (3) serve as a center of information on matters affecting the members of the Active Military, Reserves, State National Guard and Veterans; (4) maintain a repository of materials, information and forms to be used in assisting veterans and/or dependents of veterans and military personnel with their problems; (5) receive and act on all complaints relative to acts of discrimination on account of race, color, creed, or denial of benefits to which they are entitled because of discrimination; (6) prepare a quarterly report on committee activities to be submitted to the Executive Committee of the Unit and the National Director of Armed Services and Veterans Affairs.ed Services and Veterans’ Affairs. 
• Education - The Committee on Education shall: (1) seek to eliminate segregation and other discriminatory. practices in public education; (2) study local educational conditions affecting minority groups; (3) investigate the public school system and school zoning; (4) familiarize itself with textbook material there from which racially derogatory; (5) seek to stimulate school attendance; (6) keep informed of school conditions and strive to correct abuses where found; (7) investigate the effects of standardized and high stakes testing practices; (8) teacher certification; (9) promote parental involvement in education; and (10) aim to be a center of popular education on the race question and on the work of the Association.
• Health - The Health Committee shall: (1) work to promote, protect and maintain the health of African Americans; (2) assess the health needs of the community; (3) advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for all Americans; (4) sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color; and (5) support health initiatives of the Association
• Housing - The Committee on Housing shall:) (1) study housing conditions in the local community; (2) receive and seek to address complaints of discrimination; (3) oppose all restrictive practices whether public or private; and (4) disseminate information and render such other assistance which may eliminate discrimination in housing.
• Legal Redress - The Legal Redress Committee shall: (1) investigate all cases reported to it; (2) supervise all litigation in which the Unit is interested; and (3) keep the National Office and the Branch informed on the progress of every case. It shall not give general legal advice.
• Political Action - The Political Action Committee shall: (1) seek to increase registration and voting; (2) work for the enactment of municipal, state and federal legislation designed to improve the educational, political and economic status of minority groups; (3) seek the repeal of racially discriminatory legislation; (4) work to improve the administration of justice; (5) work to secure equal enforcement of the law; and (6) keep the National Office and the Unit informed of all proposed legislation which affects minority groups. The Committee shall be nonpartisan and shall not endorse candidates for public office
• WIN (Women in NAACP) WIN shall address within the framework of the NAACP, civil rights issues affecting women and children and shall carry out other civil and cultural activities to enhance membership and provide financial support to the Branch. The purpose WIN is (1) to enhance the leadership role of women; (2) to serve as an advocacy vehicle to address the social, economic, political, educational, health and welfare issues affecting women; (3) to advocate for the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual development of children and (4) to support the policies as well as the on-going mission and vision of the NAACP. 

Brockton Area Branch NAACP

PO Box 1535

Brockton, MA 02303

(781-807-1092)