2022 GC NAACP BLACK & WHITE GALA

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Deptford, NJ 08096 GLOUCESTER COUNTY NAACP Michael Cesaro, Gala Chair Loretta Winters, President Black &
Gala GLOUCESTER COUNTY NAACP Black & White Gala Community Game Changer Award Dinner October 30, 2022 Auletto Caterers Deptford, NJ 08096

MISTRESS OF Ceremonies

TIFFANY WALKER

CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE | CONSULTANT | BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Tiffany Walker is a fifth generation resident of the Gloucester County area with distinction for over 15 years holding several leadership roles, though no single title could ever contain the full force and scope of her impact on the women, children and families whom she has served. She has over 5 years of experience in organizational leadership and is passionate about harvesting a healthy, happy workplace with real emphasis on a strong organizational culture.

Tiffany considers it an honor and a privilege to be a part of her local community’s revitalization; creating opportunities for youth and their families to explore their creativity, fuel their ambition, and build brighter futures. This is has been evident in her active roles as a twice elected committee women and the former vice president of the Monroe Twp. School Board. It has been her mission to help New Jersey residents reach their potential through programs and services that connect people to fulfilling work opportunities and critical services through her positions in the non profit world. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NAACP Presidential Award and South Jersey Phenomenal Women Award for her work with women and minorities. Tiffany currently serves on various boards including the executive board for the Gloucester County NAACP, working with colleagues and government officials from across the state on civil rights issues and with Thrive New Jersey, working as a collective for the reproductive justice movement.

Tiffany holds a degree in early childhood education and is currently attending Rowan University to further pursue a degree in Social Innovation and Leadership with a minor in Business Management. Tiffany is the proud mother and step mom to Devon, Carter, Brielle, and Bianna. She resides in Williamstown with her children, fiance Xazavir, and furbabies O'Malley and Romeo.

LinkedIn: @tiffanygrandison Email: twalkerwinters@gmail.com

Garcia-Balicki, Esq.,

VP, Gloucester County

Tiffany Walker , Secretary, Gloucester County NAACP

Min. Dr. Irene Mintz

Chair, Gloucester County NAACP

Cat” Paige

Mel Pierson, DDS C NAACP &

Winters Presidents, GC NAACP

Congressman Donald Norcross

Congressional District

Walker, Secretary

Program Introduction of Master of Ceremonies ....... Yolanda
1st
NAACP Mistress Of Ceremonies ......................................................
Invocation & Blessing… ................................................
Health
“Lift every Voice and Sing” (page 36) ........................ Catherine “
Welcome ................................................... Dr.
Loretta
Special Greetings.......................................
1st
Introduction of the Executive Board & Acknowledge of Dignitaries........ Tiffany
GC NAACP President’s Award & Power Couple of the Year ............... Loretta Winters Dinner is served Community Presentations (6) Community Presentation (5) Closing Remarks & Special Presentation ............................Branch Officers Benediction………..................................................................Min Irene Mintz Dancing ........................................................................................ DJ Caution

Awar

Robert Damminger, (Posthumously) Former Director GC Commissioners, and Michael Cesaro, CPA, RMA.. Bowman & Company

the Year

Drs. Randy and Irene Mintz, and Chazz and Jennifer Witherspoon

John F.

Rann Miller, Author and Teacher

Dom DiSandro, VP Security Eagles

Ralph Hunter, African American Heritage

Todd Jones, Board of Ed, East Greenwich, NJ

Mt. Zion Wesley United Methodist

James Hogan, Gloucester County

Cierra Hart, Dir. Housing & Economic Justice

Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)

Greg Wolfe, Monroe Township

Calvin Bell III, Morehouse College ‘24

Dr. Patricia Ford, Associate Clinical Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of

Henry Wilcots, Original Montford Point Marine Sergeant

Gloucester County 2022 GAME CHANGERS President's
Power Couples of
Community Game Changers Communications .................................................................
Community Service ...........................................................
Corporate Excellence................................
Museum Excellence In Education.....................................
Faith Based ...................Rev. Dr.
Randall,
Church Community Government ...........................................
Clerk Irene Hill Smith Community Service ...................
for the NJ
Law & Public Safety.................................................................
Next Generation...........................................................
Making A Difference.........................................
Medicine Veterans & Armed Services .............................................................................

WHAT IS A GAME CHANGER?

A game changer is someone who sees an opportunity to effect change throughout their community, whether that be on a small level or global scale, and acts upon that recognition.

It is to recognize that the work one does is bigger than oneself. It also means that they are willing to listen to and work with, not impose upon, the communities they seek to serve. They approach their work with humility and an understanding that the most important work is done in solidarity with others, not alone.”

We need to continue to encourage conversations across lines of difference race, class, gender, and politics. Those are necessary conversations if we want a world, starting with our community, with more understanding, love, peace and joy.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD (Posthumously)

Robert Damminger

Robert Damminger exemplified what it means to be a respected member of society. He demonstrated dignity, kindness, humility, compassion, and humor. Robert would have rather been friendless and be on the right side of history than to have been popular and be on the wrong side of history.

Robert Damminger was a devotedfriend of the NAACP. He championed the lives of people of color in Gloucester County, advocated for racial justice in Gloucester County, and firmly believed that police brutality was one of the most damning issues in contemporary American politics.

Robert started as a Councilman in Paulsboro in 1986 and served until 1997. Robert served for 24 years as a Gloucester County Commissioner, with 11 of those years being spent as the Director, and Deputy Executive Director of Operations at SJTA from 2002-2022. He was passionate and instrumental in the formation of Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the preservation of open space in the county. Some of the other projects close to his heart were increasing the size of the County College, the spay and neuter clinic at Gloucester County Animal Shelter, the Mega Site for COVID vaccines and the annual flu shot clinic.

Robert Damminger leaves behind his loving wife, Debbie and his beloved daughter, Kimberly. He was predeceased by his father, Louis, mother, Kathryn, and brother, Louis. Robert is survived by his sisters Pat, Joan, Mary, Karen, and his brother, Frank, along with many nieces and nephews.

Michael D. Cesaro Managing Partner Emeritus

Michael D. Cesaro is a lifelong resident of Gloucester County and currently the Managing Partner Emeritus of Bowman & Company LLP, headquartered in Voorhees, New Jersey, with additional offices in Woodbury and Moorestown, New Jersey. Bowman is the largest locally based public accounting firm in South Jersey and is among the largest firms in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Michael joined the Governmental Services Department of Bowman in 1989 after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) where he earned his B.S. in Business Administration. He was admitted as a Partner of the Firm in 2005 and has served as Chairman of the Governmental Services Department and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee before being elected to serve as the firm’s eighth Managing Partner commencing July 1, 2015. His role of Managing Partner included overseeing the daily operations of the Firm and ensuring the Firm’s mission of providing high quality financial and accounting services, outstanding personal service and commitment to the accounting profession and community at large were achieved. Under his leadership, the Firm formed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion Pledge (which aims to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace), and co-hosted the Firm’s first Day of Understanding which served as an open dialogue and forum on best practices for DEI. “Inclusion and diversity are powerful words that must be supported by action. We here at Bowman & Company LLP are committed to ensuring our workplace matches the communities we proudly serve. Our goal is to have a work environment where all individuals enjoy equal opportunities to succeed without being impeded by bias, discrimination, or prejudice. It is our hope that the decisions we make to have a better workplace will be extended to create a better society,” shared Michael. On July 1, 2022, Michael became the Managing Partner Emeritus and returned to full time client service which include his areas of expertise: the audits of county and municipal governments, school districts, non profit organizations, and federal and state financial assistance programs. Michael is licensed to practice as a Certified Public Accountant, Registered Municipal Accountant and as a Public School Accountant in New Jersey. He has also been certified by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services as a Certified Municipal Finance Officer. He utilizes his certifications and expertise as a frequent discussion leader and speaker for various continuing professional education courses in the areas of municipal accounting, auditing and budgeting. Michael is currently the 3 rd

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Vice President of the Gloucester County NAACP after previously serving as an At Large Executive Board Member and is a proud Silver Lifetime Member of the organization. His role at the NAACP has included assisting the local chapter as the Co-Chair of the annual Black & White Gala, a Co Chair of the annual Golf Scholarship fundraiser and a past recipient of the NAACP Game Changer Award for Community Involvement. “Serving alongside with such a committed leader as Loretta Winters, and the other members of the chapter leadership team is a true honor and privilege. Our branch leadership and members represent the diverse community in which we live and provide outstanding role models to achieve the mission of the NAACP,” says Michael. Elsewhere in the community, Michael spends his time as a Board Member of the American Red Cross of Southern New Jersey serving Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties after previously being the organization’s Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer. He is also a member of the New Jersey Regional Council of the American Red Cross and a Member of the 200 Club of Burlington County which provides financial assistance to the families of fallen or injured members of the State Police, County and Municipal Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services serving the citizens of Burlington County. Michael, for over two decades, has coordinated and facilitated charitable efforts to assist students of Camden City via his involvement with the School District of Camden’s District Parent Center and has previously been a member of the Advisory Council for the Food Bank of South Jersey. An advocate for the arts and education, Michael continues his philanthropic support for the Philadelphia Ballet and Rowan University. This month he became a member of the Rowan University Accounting Advisory Board which has the mission to strive to enhance the effectiveness, visibility and long term success of the accounting program at Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business. In addition to his community commitments, Michael is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. Michael currently serves as a member of the Governmental Accounting and Auditing Interest Group and previously served a two year term as Leader of the Interest Group, as a nine year member of the Professional Conduct Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. He is also a Trustee and the Immediate Past President of the New Jersey Registered Municipal Accountant's Association, where he has held the titles of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. In his free time Michael enjoys traveling and has visited all 50 states prior to turning 50! He also enjoys following Philadelphia area sports teams, especially the EAGLES!

NAACP POWER COUPLES OF THE YEAR AWARD Chazz & Jennifer Witherspoon Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon Professional Heavyweight Boxer Owner, SilverSpoon Promotions Owner, BH Automotive, LLC Jennifer Conquest Registered Diagnostic MedicalSonographer Owner of 3 Crowns Décor (Event Planning & Specialty Cakes) Owner & Motivational Speaker for The CONQUEST

NAACP POWER COUPLES OF THE YEAR AWARD

Drs Randy & Irene Mintz

Tikkun Olam means “repair of the world”. We fulfill our obligation of Tikkun Olam by healing one human being at a time through acts of kindness and medical intervention. Healing incorporates an individual’s well being which is a connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. With 65 years of experience between us, we have learned that humility, empathy, and respect are strengths. They are foundational to meet people where they are to develop a trustworthy patient – physician partnership which leads to successful outcomes.

Quality healthcare is a right not a privilege. We support our belief by treating everyone equally regardless of color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, economics, or insurance status. People will remember how you make them feel more so than one’s list of stellar credentials. In connection with their friends and families, we serve as our patients’ strongest advocates. We will support and press forward to obtain what our patients require. We fight for the approvals. We make ethical decisions based on what is best for the patient. We empower our patients through education and knowledge so that they may advocate for themselves. An educated patient is a compliant patient, an empowered patient. If we all learned anything from our season of Covid it’s this, education saves lives.

In comparison to thirty or forty years ago, the number of male doctors of color is decreasing. The limited number of Black Males applying to medical school is alarming. It is necessary for patients to see themselves in order to feel represented. Our youth can believe that becoming a health care provider is attainable when they can identify with who cares for them. Supporting students from preschool through college is a priority for us. We work at protecting and investing in our future. We believe in providing an equal opportunity for all students. Many children may be capable but without a firm foundation, advancement may not be possible. Its not enough for a student to be recruited and accepted into professional school, retention and support is vital. By giving of our time, talent, with emotional and spiritual support, we work to mentor students and see their journey to completion.

The well being of our community is important to us. We don’t hesitate in visiting areas that are underserved and providing them with assistance of all kinds. Medical outreach and education helps to overcome challenges. We stand up for those who are suffering from injustice and inequality. We are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We place G d first in our lives and then we lean into each other. Thirty five years together has taught us the true meaning of commitment with compassion. Its being awakened at 3 AM because someone is having a heart attack and rushing to the hospital to save them. Its praying for the patient and your partner as he goes in to save them. It is pulling over to the side of the rode to provide assistance in an emergency. It’s the selfless hours to provide quality healthcare.

We are honored to be a 2022 NAACP Power Couple. Thank you. Dr, Irene Kirkland Mintz, M.D. is a Board Certified Internist. Educated in Philadelphia receiving her undergraduate degree from Temple University. Completion of Post Baccalaureate studies from the University of Pennsylvania and receiving her Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine formerly The Medical College of Pennsylvania – Hahnemann University. She continues to passionately teach and provide mentorship to students and medical students. She provides community services with outreach. She is affiliated with several organizations including Law Enforcement Chaplaincy. Irene’s affiliation with Gloucester County NAACP that allows her to be a voice for all.

Dr. Randy Mintz is the Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory of Virtua Hospital – Marlton. He is Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, and Internal Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and Medical Degree from Rutgers Medical School. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Cooper University Hospital.

He completed his Fellowship in General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at The Medical College of Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and The Society of Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions. He is a member of several organizations but believes its his affiliation with Gloucester County NAACP that allows him the ability to press forward for equality.

President Loretta Winters & Gloucester County NAACP

With Gratitude and Appreciation, we thank you for the honor of the 2022 Power Couple Award

Together Quality Healthcare is a Right

in the LORD with all your heart; Lean not unto your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Drs.
Irene & Randy Mintz
Stronger
Trust
” Proverbs 3:5 6

Greeting Freedom Fighters

Iwant to take this opportunity to thank you as community leaders, volunteers, partners and contributors for helping us to breathe life into our Mission Statement and making the Gloucester County NAACP the best in the state. We were presented at our 2022 State Convention BRANCH OF THE YEAR!

I am fortunate to be part of a team that I call family. I believe the value of community service, the importance of relationships, and the belief that we can, and always will, do more together than we do alone.

We gather today to show POWER in our commitment to our cause. Today we meet game changers who are making a difference in health, education, law, politics, and community through their service.

The NAACP has always been the organization you can count on when times are tough and that will not change. Thanks to dedicated volunteer leadership, talented staff and entrusted community partners, NAACP will continue to advance equity and find the best ways of bringing people and resources together to meet immediate needs and finding long term solutions to challenges facing our communities. Again, thank you for coming out tonight to celebrate your fellow men and women. Thank you for your support, partnership, and most of all your commitment to change.

I remain grateful, humbled, and inspired.

Loretta

OMMUNICATIONS

Rann Miller: Author and Educator

Rann Miller is an author, educator, and advocated for the education of Black children in the Delaware Valley Region. His experience as an author and writer spans over 10 years and his experience in both K 12 settings and higher education settings spans over 15. He’s a South Jersey product; born in Camden, raised in both Pennsauken and currently residing in Sicklerville with his wife, Autumn, of 13 years and his three children; Jaxson, Kennidi and Lyndyn. He is a graduate of Camden Diocese Schools and also a graduate of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey for both his undergraduate and graduate education. Professionally, Rann serves as Humanities Department Chairperson and Director of Anti Bias and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives for the Camden Charter School Network Camden, New Jersey. In addition to serving as an educator, Rann is also a prolific writer. He is the founder of the Urban Education Mixtape; an online blog, established in 2016, to support urban school educators as well as parents of urban school students. He has also contributed research and analysis to peer-reviewed academic journals on the topics of the disciplining of Black students in New Jersey and the motivations of both Black teachers and Black administrators for entering the field.

Rann is most known for his contributions to online and print periodicals on the intersecting topics of race, education, history and politics. His work has appeared in the Courier Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Post, Education Week, Christianity Today, Hechinger Report, the Huffington Post, Blavity, Philadelphia Magazine and a host of other platforms. He’s is a regular contributor to Philly 7 th Ward, Frontrunner NJ, the BeNote Magazine, Diversity in Ed, and Progressive Magazine. Rann is also the author of the forthcoming book, Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids, with an anticipated release of January 2023 which is currently available for pre-order. One of Rann’s favorite quotes is from Dr. Martin Luther King who said that “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically; Intelligence plus character that is the goal of true education.” His writing, teaching and researching, seeks to live this very quote: to teach one to think intensively and to think critically so that all are empowered and that Black people are truly liberated.

C

Community Service

Dom DiSandro

Senior Advisor and

Dom DiSandro enters his 24th season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He serves as the senior advisor to the general manager/chief security officer. DiSandro, who originally joined the Eagles in 1999, oversees all safety and security matters for players, coaches, and executives. He also directs security at the team’s training complex, is responsible for security measures related to team travel and logistics and provides education on the NFL’s personal conduct policy. What you don’t now about Dom is that he is in the community promoting and donating items from the Eagles’ camp for auction to assist non profits or arranging players to donate their time back to the communities, especially the underserved communities. Dom is a behind the scenes kind of guy, getting things done that make a difference to so many people and to so many organizations. People like Dom don’t normally get the accolades that are due them…..but we at the Gloucester County NAACP recognize that he is more than just a behind the scene man, he is our community service game changer.

XCELLENCE

IN CIVIL RIGHTS

RALPH HUNTER

Ralph Hunter is a man who is living his passion. Over 30 years ago, he began collecting the African-American cultural, artistic and media items that he eventually used to start the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Until that point, his friends often referred to his home as “the museum,” but little did they know how prophetic their words were.

He took his passion for collecting and inherent ability for sharing stories about his collection to a higher level. on December 23, 2002 when he opened the doors of this museum in Newtonville, NJ From Little Black Sambo to rare images of Dr. Martin Luther King and Dr. J memorabilia, Hunter has collected and displayed these cultural treasures in a way that inspires discussion and opens the door to learning. Hunter’s enthusiasm for sharing the images and stories of the African American culture inspired him to take the museum on the road. Each year, he takes the AAHMSNJ Traveling Museum to schools around the state and not only teaches young children about the rich history of African Americans but also shows them how to conduct guided tours for their schoolmates. The popular traveling exhibit has grown exponentially each year, visiting at least 100 schools throughout ware and Pennsylvania.

Sometimes called the History Hunter, one of his noteworthy discoveries was a collection of portraits of an African American family dating back to the 1800s. The portraits had been mouldering away in the crawl space of an Atlantic City home for many years. Hunter had them restored and called the resulting exhibit “Portraits of a People.” The exhibit was featured in The New York Times, Courier Post, the Atlantic City Press, the Philadelphia Inquirer, on the New Jersey Network and Channel 40 in Atlantic City.

• Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, Millville, NJ

• South Jersey Cultural Alliance, Pleasantville,NJ

• Art port at Atlantic City Air Port Atlantic City Commission for the Arts

• AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center

• New Jersey BlackCultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation

CORPORATE E

Gloucester County NAACP Officers

Loretta Winters President

Yolanda Garcia-Balicki

1st Vice President Dr. Melvin Pierson

2nd Vice President Michael Cesaro 3rd Vice President Tiffany Walker Secretary

Latanya Nelson Treasurer

Darlema Bey

Assistant Secretary Cat Paige Assistant Treasurer

Excellence In Education

Todd Jones

Todd Jones has been a resident of East Greenwich Township since 2008 and has served on the East Greenwich Board of Education since January 2017. Todd has served as the East Greenwich Board of Education President since his second term in 2020.

Todd grew up in Woodbury, NJ, and is a longtime resident of Gloucester County. He has served locally in various community organizations over the last fifteen years. The organizations include Main Street Woodbury Inc., Woodbury Old City Restoration Committee, Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, Woodbury Rotary Club, and Pennsauken Rotary Club.

Todd began his career in Sports & Entertainment in 1996 working for the Philadelphia 76ers and then moved into banking and finance in 2003 as a Financial Specialist. Todd has almost twenty years of experience in the financial industry, concentrating in the areas of Retail Banking and Wealth Management. Todd is currently with TD Wealth as a Vice President Private Client Relationship Manager and covers the Gloucester County market for TD Bank Stores. As a Private Client Relationship Manager, Todd delivers TD Wealth’s full offering of private banking, lending, investment, trust, and estate services to high net worth individuals.

Todd is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Todd currently holds his FINRA Series 7, 63, 65 licenses, in addition to Insurance licenses in Life, Accident & Health, and a NJ Real Estate license.

Todd enjoys spending quality time with his wife Michele and three children Myles, Cameron, and Mason. He also enjoys cooking, music, road cycling and sports.

Faith Based Award

Rev. Dr. John F. Randall

Mt Zion Wesley United Methodist Church

It was on the afternoon of June 3, 1953, Lucy Lee (maternal grandmother) prophesized the calling of a preacher into existence. When John learned how to speak, he stuttered so much, and he seldom understood. Bullied by school mates, John missed school and failed first grade. John loved church at an early age and found refuge in reciting scriptures during the time his grandmother took his to the summer revivals held in the town of Jericho. Because his speech did not associated with his intelligence John learned to cope with school bullies and moved from grade level with ease. John Graduated from Deptford High School in 1972 and enrolled in the Glassboro State College with a full Martin Luther King Scholarship. Three years later, John graduated from Glassboro State College. John worked at the Youth development Center, Cornwell, Pennsylvania and the Camden Public School System. While working, John continued to be involved in the Mt. Zion Wesley United Methodist Church: as an usher, Bible student, praying warrior, and the Lay leader of the Church. In 1976, John Accepted the Calling to exploring his calling to ministry. John enrolled in the Eastern Baptist theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Religion. As an passionate lover of learning, John enrolled into the Educational Leadership program of the Rowan University, earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. A few years later enrolled in the Wilmington University and earned a Doctorates degree in educational Leadership.

Rev. Dr. John Randall’s 47 years of professional work experience included: 41 Years as a pastor in the Greater New United Methodist Churches (including Mt. Zion Wesley United Methodist Church. 29 years serving the Camden City Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, Principal, Central Administrator,

Rev. Dr. John E. Randall Sr. services to the community Included: State of New Jersey Juvenile Reentry Collaborative Representative-Camden, New Jersey, Commissioner-Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, President Camden County Office on Economic Opportunity E. Camden Branch, Co founder and President of East Camden Concerned Citizens, Board Member Respond Daycare, Chartered Member Camden School of Musical Arts Men’s Federation of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties, Curriculum Writer and policy writer- Camden City Public Schools, Greater New Jersey Camps Boards, Bridgeton Bridges of Growth Board, Atlantic City Civic Association, Co founder and Chairperson of the Jericho New Sharon Civic Association.

Over four decades of service to humanity John has received from various cities, counties and the State of New Jersey Proclamations, Certificates of Outstanding Community Services, family Plaques, Dinners honoring him.

John raised two sons as a single parent and has twelve grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Rev. Dr. John E. Randall Sr. a Servant of God, a friend to humanity, a family patriarch, and a breast Cancer survivor.

So grateful to receive the Gloucester County NAACP 2022 Faith Based Award. To God be the glory., Rev. Dr. John Randall Sr.

Community Service Government James Hogan

Gloucester County Clerk (January 1998 to present)

Jim Hogan has been elected for five consecutive five year terms as the Gloucester County Clerk. The office he serves is constitutional and administrative. The office is responsible for maintaining countless records that affect title to real estate, Wills, passports and many other duties. In addition, the County Clerk is responsible for running county elections in conjunction with the Board of Elections. The office maintains multiple facilities that enable citizens to access County Clerk services throughout the County. Jim has been a dedicated servant to the residents of Gloucester County, he has served in the office of Emergency Management Coordinator for the County of Gloucester where he was responsible for coordinating the planning response, Associate Member of the New Jersey State Parole Board; Gloucester County Sheriff; (Franklin Township Police Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator, Captain, Rutgers The State University, Camden Division; (Police Officer, Borough of Runnemede; Investigator, Division of ABC (now a division of the NJ State Police)

He has also served in the capacity as an Adjunct Faculty Member, Camden County Community receiving his BA from Rutgers (Major: Sociology, Master in Theology) . He is active in numerous fraternal and community groups as follows:

• Former youth and high school coach in the sports of football, baseball, and wrestling

• Former elected fire commissioner to local fire district

• Volunteer fireman

• Former member of Board of Directors, Holly Shores Girl Scout Council

• Former member of Board of Directors, Contact

• Former member of Board of Directors, Gloucester County Volunteer Center

• Former Member of Board of Directors of Together, Inc. (now merged with the Center for Family Services)

• Former Chairman of Gloucester Salem District of the Boy Scouts of America

• Served on the following committees and boards by appointment of Gloucester County Freeholder Board:

• Central Dispatch Study Task Force

• Emergency Management Council

• Human Relations

• Youth Services Commission

• Police Academy Advisory Board

• Emergency Medical Services Council

• State Commission on Human Relations

• Chairman, Commissioner Delaware River and Bay Authority

• Ordained Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church

• Rowan University Institutional Review Board

• Jim has dedicated his life to community service and assisting/advising the Gloucester County NAACP in areas of hiring,

Irene Hill Smith Community Service Award

Cierra Hart

Cierra is a fierce survivor advocate with unique perspectives who has been advocating for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual violence for almost two decades. Cierra Hart is the Director of Housing and Economic Justice for the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV). Cierra is also a national consultant for the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Housing Consortium. Cierra provides advocacy, training, technical assistance, public awareness, and support for advocates and survivors. Cierra has been involved in various federal, state, and local survivor justice advocacy and policy initiatives to help survivors heal, restore, and renew their lives. Cierra’s community activism is focused on identifying and breaking down barriers that keep people from surviving and thriving in society.

Cierra is also the Founder and CEO of “Start from the Hart.” Cierra has always had a “HART” for advocacy and addressing the intersection of violence, homelessness, oppression, and racial injustice, but after her and her children experienced domestic violence, she says that experience ignited a fire in her to do more. “I made a choice to leave so I could live. Through this journey, I found my voice and now I help other survivors to find theirs.” Cierra is a speaker, mentor, and life coach and shares her inspirational story of resilience, overcoming adversity, and never giving up with others because she believes her pain birthed her purpose. In order to move forward in life when life knocks you down, we must first make a choice to keep going and that “starts with the HART.”

Cierra’s work has been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally. Cierra has been instrumental in expanding survivors’ access to housing statewide. Cierra has worked with many communities in the areas of homelessness prevention, emergency and transitional housing, domestic violence program development, community development, eviction prevention, and rental assistance programs. Most recently, Cierra was instrumental in creating a statewide hotel aggregator program in March of 2020 to house survivors and children fleeing from domestic violence during the global pandemic. Cierra has received many awards. Most recently, Cierra received the Excellence Award in 2018 from the New Jersey Association on Correction and was most recently the recipient of the 2021 Excellence Award for Victims’ Justice from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

Cierra is also a community activist. She is the Chair of the Franklin Township Unity Committee working to end racism and discrimination in her community. Cierra is also a young adult leader and Sunday school teacher at her local church. You can always find Cierra coaching or serving the children in the community.

“I have a duty to fight for justice for all. Each day I fight to end discrimination, oppression, and violence for ALL. Activism, advocacy, and empowerment isn’t a job or task it’s my calling. I found my voice and now I help other survivors to find theirs because we rise by lifting others.”

Law & public Safety

Gregory A. Wolfe

Greg Wolfe was born and raised in Williamstown section of Monroe Township with his three sisters, by their parents Lynda and Jim Wolfe. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, St. Joseph High School and graduated from the Williamstown High School in 1991. Upon graduating High School, Greg immediately entered the Camden County Police Academy in January of 1992 and began his career in Law Enforcement as a Patrolman with the Delaware River Port Authority Police Department in Camden New Jersey. Due to a rise in suicide on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, he became an original member of the High Angle Rescue Team and became a certified F.B.I. Hostage Negotiator to assist individuals contemplating suicide. He was honored as an Officer of the Month while serving at the Delaware River Port Authority from January 1992 April 1998.

In April of 1998, Greg had an opportunity to work in his hometown of Monroe Township and accepted a position as a Patrolman with the Monroe Township Police Department. He immediately became an original member of the Monroe Township Entry Team, responsible for executing High Risk Search Warrants. He was also assigned as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and coaching young Officers. Greg was soon assigned to the Gloucester County Emergency Response Team (ERT) and ultimately responded to New York City on September 11, 2001, for the attack against the United States of America (9 11). He was promoted and became a Detective with the Monroe Township Police Department and served as the Department’s Bias Crimes Officer, Firearms Officer, Juvenile Officer, and the Meghan’s Law/ Parks and Recreation Volunteer Officer. Greg spearheaded the implementation of background checks for Monroe Township Parks and Recreation volunteers, to ensure the children participating in programs were safe while doing so. He was promoted to Detective Sergeant and ultimately retired from the Monroe Township Police Department in 2017.

While protecting and serving, Greg received four Commendatory Letters, one Merit award, two letters of Commendation from the Camden County Prosecutor, two Heroism Awards and

a Unit Citation. He is currently employed by a non profit, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). He was assigned as a Special Agent in 2017; however, was recently promoted to Supervisory Special Agent, supervising Special Agents in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, combatting Insurance Fraud.

Greg recognized a need for the youth of Monroe Township, and he founded and served as President for the Monroe Township Youth Football and Cheerleading Program from 2003 2014, which he created to provide the youth of Monroe Township a safe environment to learn and play the sports of Football and Cheerleading. He was an original Member of Monroe Township Sports Advisory Board, Youth Football Coach for the Monroe Township Braves (2003 2015), Monroe Township Little League Coach (1998 2003), Monroe Township Youth Basketball Coach (1998 2004), Monroe Township Youth Hockey Coach (1998 2003), Monroe Township Youth Street Hockey Board Member (1999 2003), Williamstown Warriors Youth Football Coach (1998 2003), Williamstown Warriors Board Member (2000 2002), Member of Our Lady of Peace Parish (St. Mary’s), past volunteer at the St. Mary’s Carnival, past volunteer St. Mary’s Thanksgiving Baskets, Member of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #125 (Monroe Township Police), past South Jersey Elite (SJE) Youth Football League JV Coordinator. Greg was elected to the Monroe Township Council in 2018 and currently serving as Council the President. He is the former Chairman of the Public Safety Committee and remains as a Member of the Public Safety Committee. He also serves as the Chairman of the Budget Committee and remains active in the community and Parks and Recreation as the Council Liaison for Monroe Township Parks and Recreation and Council Liaison for the Sports Advisory Board.

Greg is married to his beautiful wife Mercedes, and they have raised their six very successful adult children, Michael Wolfe, Matthew Wolfe, Marc Wolfe, Nicholas Wolfe, Jeffrey Boylan and Justin Boylan in Monroe Township. Greg has dedicated his life to community activism. May it be through being a Police Officer, who believes in transparency, community involvement and proper training, or through dedicating his life to the youth of Monroe Township and providing a safe environment for all children to participate in sports, while simply having fun. He is still active with protecting our community serving as a Council Person, in addition to his full time job combatting insurance fraud with the NICB.

Next Generation Award

Calvin Bell, III

Calvin Bell III is a junior political science and philosophy double major from Pennsauken, New Jersey. As an Oprah Winfrey Scholar at Morehouse College, Mr. Bell has committed himself to being a scholar activist. At Morehouse, Calvin serves as a Senator At Large in the Student Government Association, Vice President of the Pre Alumni Association, President of the Morehouse Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), Editor-In-Chief of the Howard Thurman Honors Program’s academic journal, and a member of the Morehouse College Glee Club.

Mr. Bell has also had the opportunity to participate in school wide initiatives from the Pardee RAND Public Policy Hackathon to the Andrew Young Center College Behind Bars Panel Discussion. Outside of campus, he is a member of the Princeton Prize Alumni Council, presented at various conferences including the Y Graduate Conference, and was selected as a member of the 2021 Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC). Also, this past summer, Mr. Bell had the opportunity to intern for New Jersey Senator, Cory Booker, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Calvin’s relationship with his recently deceased incarcerated father has inspired his research interests. As a UNCF Mellon Mays Fellow and a Quarterman-Keller Scholar, Mr. Bell has been able to explore the impact of the criminal justice system on those not only incarcerated, but also those outside of the system. Through his personal experiences and the backing of the Andrew Young Social Justice Leadership Award, he hopes to change the carceral system, pedagogy, and the legal system through the frameworks of political philosophy and public policy.

Making A Difference Civil Rights Award

Patricia A. (Locantore)-Ford M.D.

Patricia A Ford, M.D. is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She is a member of the medical staff at Pennsylvania Hospital in the Division Medicine and Medical Director for the Autologous Transplant Program for which she performed the worlds first and largest series of transplants without blood product support to Jehovah’s Witnesses. She is also the Medical Director of the Clinical Research Unit at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Dr. Ford received her Medical Degree at the University of Miami. Her postgraduate training included an internship and residency in Medicine and a Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Dr. Ford is board certified in Internal Medicine and both Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Ford is a founding member and Past President of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management. Dr. Ford is currently a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. Her areas of interest in oncology are Bone marrow transplant and the treatment of women with breast and gynecologic malignancies.

She is also focused on patient blood management and alternatives to transfusion support. She has an interest in benign hematology including the diagnosis and treatment of anemia especially iron deficiency in pregnancy, managing coagulopathies and thrombosis.

Veterans & Armed Service Award

Ralph Hunter

You always were a game changer

Jimmy and Darlene

James Weldon Johnson, 1871 1938

Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast'ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land.

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2022 Game

Congratulations
Changers
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