Our Civil Best, The Syracuse Onondaga NAACP Quarterly Newsletter, September 2020

NAACP

September 2020 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Syracuse and Onondaga County

Our Civil Best

This Quarter’s issue

CNY Virtual Freedom Fund Dinner P.1

U.S. Census: Be Counted! & Voting P.2 Freedom Fund Dinner Honorees P.2

Absentee Voting: What You Need to Know P.3 Getting Out the Vote P.3 The Syracuse NAACP is on the Move P.4 Community Spotlight P.5 Partnering for a Better Future P.6 How to get involved with the NAACP P.6

email us at 5-440-6340 or 31 p! at us t ac syracusenaac rmation cont social media @ on For ticket info us t si vi or p@gmail.com syracusenaac

Linda Brown - Robinson, President NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

The 2020 Freedom Fund Dinner is Going Virtual!

While the coronavirus pandemic

other things that are going to happen

prevented the Syracuse/Onondaga

— I think people are going to be

Branch of the NAACP from hosting its

really impressed,” said Rome Branch

annual Freedom Fund dinner in May, it

President, Jacqueline Nelson. Using

couldn’t stop it entirely, and in fact, has the Zoom teleconferencing software, led to an exciting new opportunity.

the three branch presidents said they

For the first time, the Syracuse,

hope to recreate the interactive

Auburn/Cayuga County, and Rome

atmosphere of a live event. Guest will

branches of the NAACP will be holding

be able to listen to shout-outs from

a joint Freedom Fund dinner virtually

surprise national celebrities, watch

on Saturday, October 24th at 5:00 pm. branch-specific award ceremonies, “To be able to do this jointly and with all hear a performance from globally the other things that are going to

known musicans.

Although all three branches have long had cooperative relationships, each branch president said the work to hold the Freedom Fund dinner together has strengthened those bonds, something they said is critically important today given all the issues relevant to the NAACP’s mission.

Our Civil Best

NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

Why is it important to be counted in the 2020 Census!

The census is more than just a headcount of everyone living in the U.S. The importance of census data has had a significant impact on the lives

Freedom Fund Dinner continued Auburn President Eliezer Hernañdez explained how he recently spoke with the Cayuga County Sheriff regarding statements made on the wave of protests across the country. Being able to point to the Syracuse branch and say that the branch had his back made a tremendous difference in proving the weight of his argument. “It’s important to have a partner that’s in the same position as you. I think that makes us stronger as an organization,” Hernañdez said. The dinner also has a level of personal importance to Syracuse President Linda BrownRobinson. The Freedom Fund dinner will serve as something of a swan song for Brown-Robinson, who will be stepping down this year after decades of involvement with the NAACP, which included re-chartering the Syracuse branch in 1979 and organizing its first Freedom Fund dinner. support the NAACP’s programming.

of African Americans since slavery. had a significant impact on the lives of African Americans since slavery.

The 3/5 Compromise established that three out of every 5 slaves would be counted by the U.S Census when calculating States overall population. A significant undercount of our community will have a major impact on our lives at such a critical time in our nation’s history.

As many of us adjust to life while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S Census Bureau has adjusted their operations to ensure each resident in New York State and the City of Syracuse can be counted.

Collection efforts for the 2020 Census have begun and according to the most recent statistics, the City of Syracuse currently has a response rate of 47.6%, below the 2010 final response rate of 61.7%.2 Census data can be collected online, by phone and mailed self-responses will continue throughout the data collection process. The data collection Beyond federal funding, the results of the census also determines congressional representation.

The number of congressional seats representing each state is determined by that state’s population. After the results of the 2010 Census, New York State lost two congressional seats and has lost seats after every census since 1950.1 The census data ultimately plays a critical role in directing the allocation of federal funding and congressional representation.

process has been extended from July 31st to October 31st. Completing the 2020 Census is not only a civic duty but also one of the most important tasks you can complete for the health and safety of your community. ______________________________________ 1

The 2020 Census At A Glance, 2020, census.gov.

Budds, Diana. “Why the Census Is More Important than Ever.” Curbed NY, Curbed NY, 4 Dec. 2019, ny.curbed.com/2019/12/4/20992359/2020-census-newyork-city-museum-exhibit.

3 “Census 2020 Hard to Count Map.” Census 2020 Hard to Count Map, 2020, www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us/.

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2 Be counted! CENSUS 2020 visit 2020census.gov

Our Civil Best

NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

IMPORTANT DEADLINES: Register to Vote 10/9/20 Census 10/31/20 Absentee Ballot Submission 11/3/20 Be Counted in the U.S. Census Online: www.my2020census.gov By phone: 844-330-2020

Absentee Voting: What You Need to Know

Redeem the Soul of Our Nation… Get Out & Vote!

Voters can also request absentee ballots by: New York State recently announced residents will be able to use the COVID-19 § Sending an email request pandemic as an acceptable reason to to absentee@ongov.net apply for an absentee ballot in the upcoming General Election. According to § Telephoning a request to (315) 435the board’s website, “Absentee ballots for VOTE the November election will be sent out § Sending a fax request to (315) 435-8451 approximately 45 days before election day.

Completed ballots must be postmarked by § Going in-person to Onondaga County November 3, 2020 or dropped off at any Board of Elections, 1000 Erie Blvd West, early voting or election day polling location Syracuse, NY 13204 within the county and must be received no later than November 10.” Registered voters § Mailing a paper application to Onondaga who will be outside the county or are County Board of Elections, 1000 Erie physically unable to appear at the polls are Blvd West, Syracuse, NY 13204 eligible to receive absentee ballots.

Onondaga County voters can apply for an absentee ballot by visiting the Onondaga County Board of Elections application portal at: https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/.

Freedom Fund Dinner continued Brown-Robinson said she hopes the strengthened partnership between the branches that the dinner has helped encourage will persist long past her tenure and noted how critical the Freedom Fund dinner is as a fundraiser to support the NAACP’s programming.

The Freedom Fund dinner helps support programming such as voter registration drives, legal redress, health programs and more.

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We are now able to accept naacp memberships online visit syracusenaacp.com!

Our Civil Best

NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

The Syracuse NAACP is on the Move!

Volunteeers registered voters at the BPHA Caucus Press Conference and the Black Lives Matter marches!

Our Civil Best!

We are stronger together!

We encourage you to actively engage on any of our eight committees, during events, or behind the scenes!

For more information on volunteer opportunities please email us at syracusenaacp@gmail.com Or call 315-440-6340

This summer volunteers helped distribute masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer at the Dunbar Center, The Northeast Community Center, and the Spanish Action League!

4 224 Harrsion Street Syracuse, NY 13202 SyracuseNaacp@gmail.com 315-440-6340 @syracusenaacp.com

Our Civil Best

NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

Community Spotlight: Businesses & organizations helping the community during the pandamic If you would like to donate to We Rise Above the Streets you can contact them through Facebook or Instagram.

Marc Jones, CEO Dreissig Company

Dreissig Company was founded by CEO Marc Jones in 1999 as an apparel company. Since its founding, Dreissig has grown into various divisions including textiles, hospital and state and government services. Due to the effects of COVID-19, Marc made the decision to divert the majority of his business’ production to personal protective equipment. Dreissig is sending PPE supplies to Syracuse area hospitals as well as organizations nationwide. While Dreissig solely sells their products in the commercial market, Marc made the decision to open his business up to serve our local communities. The decision to pivot production to PPE and sell locally has made a tremendous impact amidst this pandemic. He states, “It makes me feel good knowing that Dreissig is doing its part in helping the front line workers that are fighting for us every day but also people living within our communities that need to stay safe and healthy.” If you are in need of disinfectant, masks, gloves, or other PPE you can place an order by calling 315-701-1230 or email info@dreissigcompany.com.

Al-Amin Mohammad, Founder We Rise Above the Streets

We Rise Above the Streets is a nonprofit organization in Syracuse founded

by Al-amin Muhammad. For the past five years his mission has been to provide food and other necessities to Syracuse’s homeless and underprivileged communities regardless of race, religion, or culture. In those five years Al-amin has handed out at least 8,000 sack lunches to the community. His passion to help those in need is truly evident.

Some of the organization’s efforts were halted due to the pandemic such as “Sandwich Saturdays" and the hundreds of volunteers went down to just a handful per week. However, you can still find Al-amin working harder than ever at his office where the food pantry is located, delivering groceries to the elderly, and disabled, and passing out masks and hand sanitizer to the homeless. He claims the work he does is his “oxygen.”

Since COVID-19 there has been an overwhelming need for more supplies. Please consider donating food pantry items for the “If We Eat They Eat” campaign and Sandwich Saturdays programs. PPE, sanitary products, and monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

Orders can be picked up at Dreissig Company’s headquarters which is conveniently located in the City of Syracuse at 2002 Teall Ave, Syracuse, NY 13206. They also offer shipping for those who are at risk.

Do you know someone who deserves to be featured in the community spotlight?

Tell us why and we may feature them in our next newsletter!

224 Harrsion Street Syracuse, NY 13202 SyracuseNaacp@gmail.com 315-440-6340 @syracusenaacp.com

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Our Civil Best

NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County

Syracuse Police Department & the NAACP Partnership for Change!

Contributers Linda Brown-Robinson, President Gwendolyn Muok, Vice President Newsletter Committee Members: Ryan Franklin Melissa Magee

ANYONE INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR ORGANIZATION We encourage you to email us at SyracuseNAACP@g mail.com, join us for an event, GET INVOLVED! The Syracuse/Onondaga NAACP is reorganizing the Youth Council for students through high school. Interested students and adults should reach out to us on FaceBook.

Want to sign up to receive a copy of the next NAACP Syracuse and Onondaga County newsletter? Visit our website at syracusenaacp.com and sign up for newsletter updates.

The Syracuse/Onondaga Branch of the NAACP is in the preliminary stages of a formal partnership with the Syracuse Police Department that’s meant to foster positive bonds between the department and the community.

SPD Sergeant Jason Tom said he met Branch President Linda BrownRobinson at a community event while speaking about Brandon Hanks, an SPD officer who is receiving an NAACP award and made national headlines for giving several local children new sneakers after they beat him in a game of basketball.

One of the goals of Chief Kenton Buckner, who took over from Chief Frank Fowler last year, is to increase diversity within the department, and Tom said he realized working with the NAACP would be a great opportunity to further that goal.

Although still in its early phases, Tom said he hopes the partnership can soon get to a point where the department will fund local recruiters to help find recruits for the department within the community itself, hold joint Civil Service Exam preparation classes, and more.

Acknowledging the current unrest throughout the nation prompted largely by the death of George Floyd, Tom encouraged those who believe policing needs to change to be part of the solution. “A lot of people think there needs to be change within the department. My challenge to people who feel that way is to be part of that change. Sign up to be a police officer and be part of that change,” Tom said.

Similarly, Brown-Robinson said the NAACP supports those protesting for change but added that it’s important to find other avenues for change as well.

“If we come to a resolution by sitting across the table, so be it, but if it happens through protesting that’s good too,” Brown-Robinson said. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe what we were doing was right.”

Thank you for reading our newsletter!

Our on-the-street reporters will bring your prospective to the forefront. Quarterly, you will read articles penned by committee chairs and NAACP members who will keep you abreast of what the Syracuse Onondaga NAACP Branch is working on. Look for our featured guest columnists to give you an enlightening article quarterly.

Thank you and welcome to many great reads!

Linda Brown-Robinson, President

224 Harrsion Street Syracuse, NY 13202 SyracuseNaacp@gmail.com 315-440-6340 @syracusenaacp.com

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