NAACP Yonkers President Kisha Skipper, left with Judge Verris Shako
The officers and executive committee members of the Yonkers NAACP
On Monday, May 12, the Officers and Executive Committee Members of the Yonkers Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) were sworn-in at the Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River at Beczak.
The ceremony was officiated by The Honorable Verris Shako, a Yonkers City Court Judge. The national was established in 1909 and is America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. The Yonkers NAACP Unit #2188 was formed in 1961 and is most known for the desegregation case entitled “United States and Yonkers Branch of the NAACP v. Yonkers Board of Education”.
The Officers and Committee Members are as follows: President-Kisha D. Skipper, Vice President-Karen Edmonson, Secretary-Nyla B. Green, Assistant Secretary-Eric A. Johnson, Treasurer-Christine Fils-Aime, Assistant Treasurer-Patricia Daugett, Executive Committee Members- Phillip Armstrong, Lydia E. Blakely, Rev. Frank E. Coleman, Jr., Rev. Margaret Fountain-Coleman, Reggie Crews, Tyrone Glover, Jeanette Harris, Steven Siebert and Jacqueline White.
Branch President Kisha Skipper quoted the national organization’s message in expressing that “The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America…From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination.”
“I look forward to working with the newly elected officers and executive committee members in the fight for racial equity and against any/all systems that negatively impact residents in and around the City of Yonkers. The vision for the unit is to increase civic education and engagement, while continuing our advocacy and activism around housing, education, criminal justice, environmental and climate justice and youth services. I look forward to reestablishment of our Youth Council and all efforts to ensure that Black people and all persons of color obtain equitable opportunities in our communities.”
Past President and Vice President Karen Edmonson stated: “I felt compelled to serve especially during these unprecedented times in America. The Yonkers Branch has a long history of serving this community, having changed the educational and housing landscapes in extraordinary ways. We will continue our mission to address the gaps with hopes that they will once again be narrowed.”
Immediate Past President Rev. Frank E. Coleman, Jr. added: “It is with great pleasure that the mantle can be passed to the new leadership of the Yonkers Branch. Serving as President has been one of the most rewarding experiences since returning to New York and I will remain committed to the mission of the organization and supportive of newly elected President Kisha Skipper and the entire Unit.
You may join this multigenerational network of activists dismantling structural racism by using your power to take action on the most pressing issues of our time. www.naacp.org. The Yonkers NAACP will meet every 4th Monday at the Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River at Beczak beginning at 7:00PM. Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
Last November (2024) the Yonkers NAACP was ordered to cease and desist by the National Office for non-complaince regarding the filing of their Annual Financial Report (AFR).
