NAACP Branch 1034 Provides Education Resources

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Branch 1034 Southwest Riverside County remains invested in supporting students of color in our local area. On September 16th, the branch held a free Youth Back to School Educational and Workforce Summit at the California Family Life Center (CFLC) in Lake Elsinore.

Dr. Shellie Dansby, the NAACP Branch 1034 Education Chairperson, organized the event. This was the 2nd annual NAACP summit held at the CFLC. Dr. Dansby stated, “Our youth and young adults are seeking support and mentorship from community organizations, and our goal is to provide them with as much support as needed to help them have a smooth transition into college and then into the workforce.”

In preparation for the education summit, members of Branch 1034 approached local businesses for donations. Additionally, Dr. Dansby and branch members sought speakers from local organizations geared toward youth, education and workforce readiness. Numerous organizations were represented in the day full of activity that took place from 10am until 3pm.

There was a roster of speakers to inform and inspire the student and parent attendees. The morning began with breakfast and networking opportunities followed by a welcome and introduction by NAACP Branch President Myles Ross. This was followed by an educational and career goals activity and a presentation by Angela McClaron, lead counselor at the San Jacinto Unified School District, in which she provided information on graduation requirements, obtaining college scholarships and also how to best use school counselor resources.

Branch Membership Chair Dr. Charles Washington introduced the Divine 9, a group of nine historically Black fraternity and sorority groups. Three of the local chapters were represented as the following speakers shared about their groups: William Gainer of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Pamela Wilson of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and retired Judge Eugene Verin of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Each of the organizations provides academic support, financial resources and mentorship programs for youth to attend college.

A Costco-donated lunch was followed by a presentation by Ruth Stanton, Program Coordinator for CFLC. She shared information on the center’s opportunities and support for youth ages 16-25 such as: resume-writing, dressing for a job interview and discovering apprenticeships.

Thereafter, Hazel Lambert of the Riverside University Behavioral Health System revealed services available for mental health, medical needs, workforce readiness and job retention.

The event ended with a backpack giveaway provided by Union Bank as well as school supplies and snacks that were donated by Sam's Club.

In June of 2023, the Branch also provided scholarships to four local graduating seniors. The students were present to receive their scholarships and award certificates at the branch June general membership meeting held at Grace and Truth Worship Ministry in Lake Elsinore. Branch members held a popcorn sale fundraiser in May to raise funds for the four scholarships. The four recipients Ayana Gibson, Quentin Chadwick, Brianna Mills and Arianna Walsh were each presented with a scholarship toward their upcoming college year.

The NAACP Branch 1034 has been in operation locally since 1977, originating in Lake Elsinore, and now represents the communities of Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Corona, Canyon Lake, Perris, Norco, Wildomar, and Menifee. The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

We always welcome new members to join our branch in making a difference in Southwest Riverside County. For more information on Branch meetings, activities and membership, visit the Branch 1034 website: https://www.naacpbranch1034.org.