"Our Civil Best," The Syracuse Onondaga County NAACP Quarterly Newsletter, February 2020

NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

Meet Your Community Leaders

Vernon Williams Jr. Onondaga County Legislator

Syracuse Common Council, 3rd District

Last November, voters in Onondaga County elected a historic number of young, black leaders to leadership positions throughout the area. Now, the new leaders are preparing to bring their fresh and unique perspectives in order to help the government better serve the communities they're a part of. Chol Majok became the first former refugee elected to office within Central New York after winning the seat on the City of Syracuse Common Council representing the third district council, while Vernon Williams Jr. won election to the Onondaga County Legislature, Tamica Barnett joined the Syracuse City School District's Board of Education as its newest commissioner, and Latoya Allen won re-election to the city council.

Barnett, Majok, and Williams all said that providing a government that reflects its constituents and understands their needs was a key motivator in running for public office. "I believe that government is for the people, by the people," Majok said. Unfortunately, he said, that can often get lost in the myriad of other responsibilities public officials have, which in turn can create a sense of apathy among voters who feel both ignored and unrepresented.

Tamica Barnett Syracuse City School District Board of Education

For people like himself who are privileged and fortunate enough to be able to do so, Majok said, running for public office is a way to both serve others and show them they can do the same. "I have to make sure the people with similar backgrounds like me understand that I'm going to be there for them," Majok said. "Because this position is something that's supposed to be reflective of the people I'm serving." Similarly, Williams said he's able to bring both the perspective of someone who was born and raised in the 16 th district, the poorest in the county, and the experience he's gained from watching his mother, Monica Williams, previously serve as a legislator. "I understand the struggles of everyday people and I can bring that perspective to the county where sometimes the perspective of young people can get lost."Keeping the community involved in the decisions that affect them is also a key focus for Tamica Barnett, who hopes she and the other recently elected young leaders can serve as role models for the youth in the community, giving them a chance to see more people who look like them within government and proving they have a chance to succeed.

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NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

The Education Committee hosts our first general membership meeting in 2020, "Advocating for the Success of Our Children." The meeting included a presentation by Maureen Patterson, Ed.D and a panel discussion.

Political Action Committee at the Van Robinson Pan African Village at the NYS FAIR 2019 with NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Van Robinson, Co-Chair, County Executive Ryan McMahon & Linda Brownobinson, President.

Education Committee Report

Political Action Committee Report

The Education Committee, chaired by Anastasia Urtz and Co-Chaired by Rebecca Hoda Kearse, started the new year by hosting their first membership meeting of 2020. The topic, "Advocating for The Success of Our Children", was held on Thursday, January 9 at the Southside Innovation Center. In addition to a presentation by Maureen Patterson, Ed.D, the evening also included a panel discussion lead by panelists: Parents Andrea Pace and Danielle Huggins, Mary-Lisa Wade Family Engagement, SCSD, Tony Davis, Retired School Administrator and Maureen Patterson. Dr. Patterson discussed the importance of advocating for our children which leads to the success of our students, our schools, and our families. She stressed the importance to "Be Present - Be A Presence" by attending school events, inviting the school for home visits, volunteering at school, attending board meetings and utilizing the Parent Resource Center, just to mention some ways to get involved. The forum was well attended, the panel discussion was very interactive and at the end of the evening, the question that was asked, "Will there be more of these?" Please check social media for future events.

With the announcement of a new chairperson, Charles Garland, the Political Action Committee is preparing for two major events in 2020 - the November, 2020 Presidential Election and the 2020 Census count, both of which will impact the Greater Syracuse community.

For the Political Action Committee, there are important fights on the horizon.

In 2020, we will be protecting the ballot box and stopping voter suppression , making sure that the Syracuse minority community is not left behind or shortchanged in the Census count, mobilizing the Syracuse community for the 2020 election and demanding that this democracy works for every Syracuse citizen.

Look for the Political Action Committee at Voter registration events throughout the community. Follow the Syracuse Onondaga NAACP on Facebook or go to the web site for upcoming nonpartisan forums. The Political Action Committee strives to encourage voter registration, educate the community on the laws regarding obstruction of voter rights and much more.

BE

COUNTED!

CENSUS 2020 If residents go uncounted, it would mean fewer seats in Congress, fewer Electoral College votes, skewed legislative boundaries, and diminished enforcement of civil rights laws.

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