Brockton Area Branch NAACP

Become A Member

Our Mission: To ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial discrimination.


Welcome to our October Newsletter!

Message from the President


VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8TH


You may already know what candidates you are voting for but what about the ballot questions. Will you vote yes or no.


Question 1. Additional Tax on Income Over One Million Dollars

Voters are asked to approve or reject a 4% surtax on people whose annual income exceeds $1 million. The money would be allocated by the state legislature and could be spent on education and transportation.


Question 2. Regulation of Dental Insurance

Voters are asked to approve or reject a requirement for dental insurers to spend at least 83% of their dollars on patient care and improvements, instead of administrative expenses such as salaries. A similar law is in effect for medical insurance.



Question 3. Expanded Availability of Licenses for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages

Voters are asked to approve or reject the expansion of alcohol sales in Massachusetts. It would gradually increase the number of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages a retail establishment can obtain, from 9–12 licenses in 2023 to 15 licenses in 2027 and 18 licenses in 2031.


Question 4. Eligibility for Driver’s Licenses

Voters are asked to keep or repeal a law (set to go into effect July 1, 2023) that gives undocumented immigrants a pathway to obtaining a driver’s license. It allows Massachusetts residents, who don’t have proof of citizenship, to obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license by showing other forms of identification, age and identity.


How will you vote?


-Phyllis Ellis-

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING

October 12, 2022 - A Bridge Dedication



On October 12, I joined Rep. Cutler, Senator O’Connor, Rep LaNatra, Executive Director Jim Hartford of the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, the people of Duxbury, and friends and families of the Lewis sisters to celebrate three women, three Black American sisters, Ella Lewis Woodbury, Lillian Mae Lewis Hayes, and Beulah Lewis Fogg, all connected to the town of Duxbury, by putting their names on a bridge, symbolizing the transition that bridges can make for travelers. The Lewis sisters made that transition and took a whole community with it. These three women and their supportive family opened up a space for Black Americans in the Northeast during a time when a leisured, reflective space was needed to counter so much of the everyday slights and struggles,


It was indeed an honor to be a part of this naming ceremony for three sisters who saw the importance of overcoming city life in summertime and Fall in a country setting for Black youth and later for Black American families. When the sisters decided to open this space, named Camp Twin Oaks, in 1933, segregation and the attitudes that sustained this oppressive system was very active in our country. Camp Twin Oaks made it possible that Black people could be themselves for a number of months without the comprehensive eyes of the White gaze. It was a time for relaxation and also establishing business contacts and alliances.


The Lewis sisters knew how important it was to contribute a balance sense of life to Black Americans and their unique reality of living as an oppressed minority struggling to be free. The gains that were met and are lived today by Black Americans in Boston and all other regions of Massachusetts and even other parts of the Northeast, a lot of those ideas and action plans were discussed, and argued over at Camp Twin Oaks.


We appreciate and honor the Lewis sisters, and we thank Rep Cutler, his team and supporters, community leaders and the town and historical society of Duxbury for making this request, this dream hope, a reality.


Thank you Frances Adarkwah, a devoted member, for attending and joining in on the celebration.


-Phyllis Ellis

pnotos by Frances Adarkwah


 

October 13, 2022 - Prostate Cancer Awareness


This Virtual Program on "Prostate Cancer Awareness in The ERA of COVID-19 Pandemic" was hosted by The Brockton Area NAACP and AdMeTech Foundation in partnership with the Good Samaritan Medical Center. To begin the Program, Phyllis Ellis, President of the Brockton Area Branch of The NAACP and Steve Bernard, Former President of the Brockton Area Branch of The NAACP, welcomed the audience and discussed Event Partnerships.  Steve Bernard acknowledged the Brockton State House Delegation including Senator Brady and Representative Cassidy as champions of the prostate cancer educational program for high-risk men, with the priority focus on African American, Hispanic and Latino individuals. Steve introduced Senator Timilty. Steve then introduced Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan, and acknowledged his support of the The Prostate Cancer Awareness Program during The Pandemic. Steve also introduced Dr. Richard Herman, Medical Consultant to The Mayor's Office. Dr. Herman provided his perspective on the current status and metrics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brockton and the importance of vaccinations for ending this pandemic.

 

Steve Bernard then introduced The Roberts family who provided a testimonial on their family experience with prostate cancer and its treatment. Debra Roberts, a compelling public speaker, is a Selectperson in Stoughton. This remarkable family provided a human face to the abundance of strength a family must have to face and cope with the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.  

 

President Ellis introduced Dr. Ryan Frankel, Urologist and Prostate Cancer Expert at the Greater Boston Urology Center, North Easton and Good Samaritan Medical Center, Brockton. Dr.Frankel provided a Clinical Perspective on the Advances in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

   

President Ellis then introduced Dr. Shaun Wason, MD, an African-American Urologist who graduated from Howard University, and practices Urology at Boston Medical Center. He is also an Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr.Wason provided an Academic Perspective on recent advances in surgical prostate cancer treatment and related research.  

 

Lastly, President Ellis introduced Faina Shtern, MD, President and CEO, AdMeTech Foundation, who addressed recent advances in prostate cancer diagnostics. Dr. Shtern re-introduced the  Prostate Cancer Equity Program, along with a testimonial from Prostate Cancer Survivor Victor Mcken. 

Steve Bernard, Phyllis Ellis, and the panelists ended with closing remarks. The entire evening was very informative, and we are grateful that we have such a wonderful group of experts, patients, and community leaders who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. Thanks to all of them!    


-Janet Trask

Chair, Health Committee


 photos by Janet Trask

Speakers left to right: Dr. Frankel. Dr. Shtern. Dr. Wason, Erin Roberts, Charles Roberts. Doris Roberts, Dr. Herman, Steve Bernard, Mayor Sullivan, Senator Timilty, Senator Brady and Victor Mcken.

                           October 21, 2022- Citations for the ACT-SO Students

Congratulations to the three students who competed in the national ACT-SO competition. Each student was awarded a citation by Mayor Robert Sullivan. Each certificate was tailored the the student's accomplishment at the national competition.

Yvangi Jacques - Gold Medal Winner for Physics

Hannah Baptiste - $10,000 Scholarship from Lancome

Nevaeh DeJesus - Written poetry brought the judges to tears. (Nevaeh was not in attendance)


Mayor Sullivan congratulated the students on their tremendous achievements and presented each with a piece of the Liberty Tree. The students and parents thought meeting in the Mayor's office was a special touch.


The 2023 ACT-SO Competition has begun. The Act-So commitee is accepting applications. Please visit our website for additional information. naacp-brocktonbranch.org.


ACT-SO is a steppingstome to greatness!

POLITICAL

October 7, 2022 - NAACP Forum


On October 7, 2022, the NAACP Forum was excited to interview the Democratic Nominee for District Attorney Rahsaan Hall. Attorney Hall is a first-time political candidate with an extraordinary career as a leading civil rights attorney. Attorney Hall served as the Director of the Racial Justice Program for the American Civil Liberties Union. He received accolades across the Commonwealth concerning police reform, juvenile justice, and asset forfeiture laws. Attorney Hall, an ordained minister, clearly has the experience and connections to work at the most prominent law firms, yet, he continues in public service. Join host Bishop Tony Branch and listen to the questions we posed to Attorney Hall and witness what the future would look like with Attorney Hall as the Plymouth County District Attorney. You will not be disappointed! The NAACP TV Forum is broadcasted on Brockton Community Access Channel 9, and we can be found on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbD-hefyQ_BMTyFWbLIx13w

 

The NAACP Forum did reach out to the campaign of District Attorney Timothy Cruz, but unfortunately, his schedule did not permit an interview. 


Bishop Tony Branch

Host, NAACP Forum

October 27, 2022- A Fireside Forum with Candidate Rahsaan Hall


The Brockton Area Branch NAACP welcomed Rahsaan Hall, candidate for District Attorney (DA) of Plymouth County for a Fireside Forum on Thursday October 27th in the Small Auditorium of Brockton High school. Candidate Hall was presented with questions that probed into his insight on community relations, understanding what role a DA plays in community, and the outlook of law enforcement from the perspective of the African American community.



Candidate Hall was also presented with questions from the audience, who questioned his insight on immigration, incarcerated persons who have been wrongly accused, and the absence of bringing charges against offenders in cases that have gone unsolved. Candidate Hall provided responses to all questions presented to him by the moderator and welcomed further questions from the audience.


The event was moderated by Dr. Patricia Jackson, Chair of the Political Action Committee, and hosted by President Phyllis Ellis. Current DA Timothy Cruz was also invited to take part in this event but declined due to scheduling conflicts. As a note, the Brockton Area Branch NAACP is a nonpartisan organization, and does not endorse any political candidate. However, the branch does encourage everyone to get out and vote in the upcoming sl elections slated to take place on November 8th.


Dr. Patricia Jackson

Chair, Political Action Committee

EDUCATIONAL

October 29, 2022 - Know Your Rights


On Saturday October 29, 2022, The Brockton Area Branch NAACP’s Education and Legal Redress Committees hosted a Know Your Rights Workshop. The workshop was free to attend and was held at the Brockton Main Library, Art Room, 304 Main Street, Brockton, MA, from 2 to 4pm.

The workshop was led by presenters from the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts. Presenters, Karen Michel, Education Fellow and GianMarco Fongaro, Education Advocate, focused on parents and students’ school discipline rights. The workshop was interactive and was attended by both parents and students. This was part 2 to a workshop held by the committees back in June 2022. We hope to continue this discussion and bring more workshops like this to the surrounding communities. The power point slides, as well as a list of resources will be made available on the Brockton Area Branch NAACP website and provided directly to those in attendance. 


-Tiffanie Ellis-Niles

Chair, Legal Redress Committee

Student Loan Forgiveness


The student debt relief plan will forgive up to $10,000 in federal student debt for those who make less than $125,000 per year, or $250,000 for households, and up to $20,000 for those who received Pell Grants.

 

Apply today! 

 

https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application

 

This one-time debt relief opportunity has a deadline of December 31, 2023.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Executive Committee member Tiffanie C. Ellis-Niles for being chosen as a 2022 Top Woman of Law! The Top Women of Law event celebrates the achievements of exceptional women lawyers who are pioneers, educators, trailblazers and role models. The award ceremony will be held on November 16, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the State Room in Boston. The evening will begin with a networking reception and be followed by the presentation of awards.


Tiffanie is the Chair of our Legal Redress Committee and a member of the ACT-SO committee. She is a partner at Lyles & Niles, LLP in Randolph.


Congratulations Tiffanie!

BRANCH ELECTIONS

The Brockton Area Branch NAACP will hold elections on Monday, November 28, 2022. The elections will be done by the national office using the Election Buddy. There will be no in person elections. All members who are in good standing will receive an email or text on November 28. Voting will be from 4pm to 7pm.

DID YOU KNOW

There is a Prostate Cancer Equity Program in Massachusetts?


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.

GET INVOLVED

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;
  • 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. 


 


Facebook

Brockton Area Branch NAACP

PO Box 1535

Brockton, MA 02303

(508)587-0502


Contact Us