The Fierce Urgency 0f Now!
Message From The Convention Chair
The Fierce Urgency of Now!
Loretta Winters
As we gather this weekend, we do so in the spirit of the fierce urgency of now a call not just to convene, but to act. We stand at a pivotal moment in our shared journey, where learning, organizing, and mobilizing are not optional—they are essential. The workshops and networking sessions ahead are more than scheduled events; they are strategic platforms for exchanging knowledge, sharpening our skills, and building the collective power needed to drive meaningful change in our communities.
The tireless efforts of our organizing team deserve more than thanks they deserve recognition as the architects of this movement space. Their commitment to excellence ensures that each year, this convention not only meets but surpasses expectations, evolving to deliver the tools, strategies, and inspiration we need to confront the challenges before us with clarity and conviction.
As Chair, I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire team for their vision, dedication, and relentless work—even in the final hours before the opening session. Their behind-thescenes efforts are a testament to the collaborative spirit that fuels our fight for justice.
This convention exists for one purpose: to educate, equip, and empower community leaders to navigate and transform the complex landscape of civil rights advocacy. Every session is designed to deliver practical, actionable strategies that you can take back to your neighborhoods, organizations, and institutions. The knowledge shared here is not meant to stay in these rooms; it is meant to be mobilized. Now.
We also honor our sponsors, whose steadfast support strengthens our mission and our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Their partnership reinforces our shared determination to dismantle systemic barriers and build a more equitable society.
Throughout this gathering, I urge you to connect deeply. Networking here is not transactional it is transformational. The relationships you forge can become alliances that advance policies, challenge injustice, and expand opportunities for Black people and all communities of color.
Please refer to pages 5–8 of your program booklet for the full schedule of events and workshops. Each day is rich with opportunities to learn, strategize, and break bread together— lunch and dinner are our gift to you, and we hope you use them to continue the conversations that matter most.
In closing, let us treat this convention not as an endpoint, but as a launchpad. The fierce urgency of now demands that we leave here ready to ripple outward—into our communities, our institutions, and our laws. Together, we can and will advance equity, protect rights, and secure justice for all.
Enjoy the convention and let’s get to work.
Greetings Freedom Fighters:
I am proud to extend my sincere "welcome" on behalf of the Officers and the Executive Committee of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference as we celebrate our Annual State Convention. I also bring you greetings on behalf of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
I have had the highest honor of serving as President of this extraordinary association over the last 14 years. I have never been prouder of the work our members and supporters have done to sustain this democracy and ensure that its promises are accessible to all.
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights DUE Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists.
From the classroom and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country work to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
There is however, much work still to be done. We must collectively continue to battle the continued assaults on our civil and human rights. Despite the attempts to disenfranchise Black voters, erase our history and urban terrorism, we persist! Our teams and millions of Americans are counting on freedom fighters like you to help confront the biggest issues facing the Black community.
My brothers and my sisters, for 116 years we have been the largest and the oldest, the baddest and the boldest, the most loved and the most hated, the most feared and revered, the most cussed and discussed, the often imitated but never duplicated civil rights organization in the nation. This election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans: OUR VOTE!
We have and must continue to organize and advocate for our communities, and celebrate historic moments of victory.
I personally would like to commend our Convention Planning Committee Chairperson, Ms. Loretta Winters and her committee for their hard work. Their steadfast commitment leads me to sincerely trust that this event will be a productive and enjoyable occasion for all present.
The NAACP New Jersey State Conference is very proud to publicly acknowledge the extraordinary contributions that has been made by our phenomenal honorees.
This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of NOW " could not be more fitting, given the pivotal moment we are faced with as a nation.
Our battles are well worth the fight and we cannot be complacent. We must make republicans think they can get our VOTE and just as important make democrats believe they can lose our VOTE. Everyone must be held accountable.
We must no longer be accepting of the things we cannot change but rather have the mindset that we are going to change the things we cannot accept.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.........
Rrichard T. Smith President, NAACP NJ State Conference Member, NACP National Board of Directors.
Officers:
Richard T. Smith Morgan FirstVicePresident
Charley
Vanessa Brown Darkes
Kyra Price
Welcome
To the 2025 NAACP NJ State Conference Convention and...
The Fierce Urgency Of
3:00 PM—7:00 PM WILSON
4:00 PM—6:30 PM UPPER FLIGHT LOUNGE (HOTEL)
Friday, October 10, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS
LGBTQ+ RECEPTION
YOUTH & COLLEGE:
WELCOME NIGHT KICKOFF & DINNER
• ICE BREAKER & TEAM BUILDING
7:00 PM—10:00 PM STOCKTON B/C
8: 15 PM—11:30 PM (DOORS OPEN 7:45 PM)
LAKESIDE TERRACE
7:00 AM—9:00 AM WILSON
7:30 AM—8:00 PM STOCKTON B/C
7:30 AM—8:00 AM
LAKESIDE TERRACE
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM Amphitheatre
• ACT-SO PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE
• SOCIAL HOUR
• SERVICE PROJECT:
LETTERS FROM THE FRONTLINES OF DEMOCRACYWRITE AND MAIL LETTERS TO REGISTERED VOTERS
ACROSS THE STATE.
GALA – HOSTED BY W.I.N.
KEYNOTE:HON.LAMONICA MCIVER,U.S.REP.
AWARDS
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE AWARD – DR. NASTASSIA HARRI
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM AWARD – MELISSA FOX
SOJOURNER TRUTH AWARD – LAMONICA MCIVER
2025 WIN COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR (RECIPIENT TBD)
Saturday, October 11, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS
YOUTH & COLLEGE: CANDIDATE PRESENTATION
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST:
(ADULTS/YOUTH & COLLEGE) ELECTION OF ELECTION SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE & CANDIDATE SPEECHES
PLENARY: (ADULTS/YOUTH & COLLEGE) STATE OF THE STATE
- PRESIDENT RICHARD T. SMITH
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
AMPHITHEATRE
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
AMPHITHEATRE
12:00 PM 12:30 PM
AMPHITHEATRE
Saturday, October 11, 2025
PLENARY: (ADULTS/YOUTH & COLLEGE)
“BRIDGING GENERATIONS”:
YOUTH UNIT 101
MEET THE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES
MIKIE SHERRILL (D) & JACK CIATTARELLI (R) (ADULTS /YOUTH & COLLEGE)
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS
• ELENA OBIRIA
• AAIYAH LEWIS
• ALANI WHITE
• NATHANIEL ESUBONTENG
• MEKEYLA LEWIS
• BRANDEN CUNNINGHAM
LUNCHEON
12:30 PM—2:30 PM
LAKESIDE TERRACE
2:40 PM—4-15 PM
STOCKTON B/C
2:45 PM—3:30 PM
STOCKTON B/C
(ADULTS AND YOUTH & COLLEGE)
KEYNOTE:
LEON W. RUSSELL, CHAIR NATIONAL NAACP BOARD
AWARDS:
TORCH BEARER AWARD: JOSH GOLD, UBER
LEGISLATIVE AWARD: VERLINA REYNOLDS-JACKSON, ASSEMBLYWOMAN, 15LD
WORKSHOPS
YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMIT
OUR INAUGURAL SUMMIT THEME, IGNITE NJ CENTERS ON EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE TOOLS TO ENGAGE IN LOCAL AND STATE ELECTIONS—WITH FOCUS ON THE 2025 NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR’S
RACE.
WORKSHOP I“STATE OF THE YOUTH—
THE VOTING PLAYBOOK”
JOIN US AS WE BUILD THE YOUTH VOTING PLAYBOOK AND PREPARE TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD IN 2025 AND BEYOND.
2:45 PM—3:45 PM
ROOM 112
2:45 PM—3:45 PM MADISON
WORKSHOPS
ADULT WORKSHOP: ARMED SERVICES AND VETERAN AFFAIRS“OUR FLAG, OUR NATION, OUR BLOOD, LET’S WE FORGET!”
ADULT WORKSHOP: MEMBERSHIP - THE FIERCE URGENCY OF
NOW: NJSC NAACP UNITS UNITE SPEAKING IN ONE VOICE…
3:30 PM—4:15 PM STOCKTON B/C
WORKSHOP 2: YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMIT: “WATCH
THEYARD:VOTINGRIGHTS& EDUCATION” (D9 PANEL)
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM AMPHITHEATRE
INSIDE NEW JERSEY POLITICS:
A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH
ASSEMBLYWOMAN SHAVONDA E. SUMTER,
ERIC DOBSON, UNITED BLACK AGENDA & RICHARD T. SMITH, PRESIDENT NAACP NJSC
4:15 PM—5:00 PM
STOCKTON B/C
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Madison
YOUTH & COLLEGE WORKSHOP: NAACP 101: HISTORY, MISSION, IMPACT
ADULT WORKSHOP: EDUCATION“WE OWE IT TO OUR
ANCESTORS AND OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE”
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Room 110
ADULT WORKSHOP: ENVIRONMENTAL CLIMATE
JUSTICE“FIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE AT THE LOCAL
SCALE: COMMUNITY GARDENING”
5:10 PM—6:45 PM
STOCKTON B/C (TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
YOUTH & COLLEGE: COMMUNITY SERVICE - PRINCETON
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY
(TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
6:15 PM—7:30 PM
AMPHITHEATRE / MADISON FOYER
Evening Event
BLACK VENDOR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WATERFRONT
LOWER LEVEL
8:30 PM - 11:30 PM
LAKESIDE TERRACE
YOUTH & COLLEGE:
ROOTS & ROYALTY GALA
8:00AM-10:00AM
LAKESIDE TERRACE
10:00AM-1:00PM
STOCKTON B/C
NEW JERSEY STATE CONFERENCE AWARDS COCKTAIL RECEPTION
FEATURING THE LYDIA HILLIARD EXPERIENCE
AWARDS
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
ROSA PARKS AWARD
BRANCH OF THE YEAR AWARD
D9 AWARDS, AND
MVP, NAACP NJSC AWARD
Sunday, October 12, 2025
PRAYER BREAKFAST (ADULTS/YOUTH & COLLEGE)
KEYNOTE: REV. SHAVON ARLINE-BRADLEY, PRESIDENT & CEO,
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN (NCNW)
YOUTH UNIT PRESIDENTS’ ONLY MEETING, YOUTH ADVISORS
ONLY MEETING, AND YOUTH & COLLEGE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
•FINAL DELEGATIONADDRESS&CLOSINGREMARKS
•AWARD CEREMONY AND RECOGNITIONS
Biennial State/State Conference Area Conference Election
2025 Eligible Candidates
The below list of candidates received by the Election Procedures Committee & the State Conference Secretary from the National Office were distributed to all units in good standing.
PRESIDENT:
RICHARD T. SMITH
1ST VICE PRESIDENT:
BRUCE MORGAN
2ND VICE PRESIDENT:
CRYSTAL D. CHARLEY
3RD VICE PRESIDENT:
VANESSA BROWN
JUNIUS F. CARTER III
ADRIENNE WARRICK
AMY JONES-BULLOCK
CAROL PETERSON-DAVIS
CASSANDRA BIEN-AIME
COURTNAY JOHNSON-SUFFERN
DARRYL JEFFRIES
DEIRDRE L. HAYES
GREGORY SIMS
JAMES HARRIS
JELANI CARTER-BOWDEN
JOYCE MOLLINEAUX
KALEEM SHABAZZ
KISHA MCLEAN
KYRA PRICE
SECRETARY:
VIVIAN M. J. DARKES
ASSISTANT SECRETARY: TRISHA SCIPIO
TREASURER: LATANYA NELSON
ASSISTANT TREASURER: MICHELE HENRY
LARRY TRAYLOR
LLOYD HENDERSON
LORETTA WINTERS
MICHAEL MCNEIL
NATHANIEL BRIGGS
OLIVIA CALDWELL
PAUL ARONSOHN
REGINALD JOHNSON
ROBERTO P. SAYERS
ROSALIND SEAWRIGHT
SANDRA MOSSO
SERENE QUICK
SHAWN MCCLAIN
TRACEY COSBY
Executive Committee (Alpha Order by First Name)
Our Sponsors
With Deep Gratitude to Our Freedom Fighters.
To all who joined us at the New Jersey NAACP Convention — The Fierce Urgency of Now — Thank you!
Your presence, passion, and commitment to justice made this gathering unforgettable.
Together, we honored our legacy, confronted today’s challenges, and ignited the momentum for change. Your voices, your vision, and your energy are the heartbeat of this movement.
Let us carry this urgency of “NOW” forward — not just in words, but in action.
The Convention Team
https://isu.pub/rAZtw0v