The Niagara Falls Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its Awards Gala on Friday at the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center, 101 Old Falls St. The night’s theme is “The Urgency of Now – A Clarion Call to Action.” The distinguished guest speaker is Niagara Falls native, Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman, president of the Council of Bishops for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The NAACP advocates, agitates and litigates for civil rights due to Black, Brown, and marginalized people. In existence for the past 116 years, the NAACP is the oldest civil rights organization in America. Our organization and legacy are built upon the foundation of the Niagara Movement, grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and are sustained by 21st-century activists.
The Niagara Falls Branch of the NAACP has accomplished many victories on the frontline of the movement, such as obtaining the implementation of a consent decree against the Niagara Falls Police Department for the use of excessive force against its citizens. It was also a part of a statewide coalition that successfully lobbied our state elected officials to pass and sign the Climate Change Superfund bill, which will provide affected communities $75 billion, of which $25 billion is designated for marginalized communities for the next 25 years to fund climate repair, resilience and protection programs throughout New York State.
The public’s support is critical, and members of the Niagara Falls NAACP are encouraging residents to purchase tickets to attend, become a sponsor or opt to make a digital tribute. For more information, visit www.naacpniagarafallsbranch.com.