MEETING MINUTES OF THE MONTCLAIR BRANCH NAACP

DATE OF MEETING:  APRIL 21, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:

President Reynolds called the February 17, 2011 Executive Committee meeting to order at approximately 6:40 p.m.

The following Officers and members of the Executive Committee were present at the time:

Executive Committee Meeting:

The meeting began with a brief discussion regarding allegations of discrimination at the Glenfield and Renaissance Schools.  Education Committee Chair Norvell mentioned that she was aware of the allegations and had taken some steps to have them addressed.

After a brief discussion and some issues of concern, it was determined that rather than take a position at this time, it would be more appropriate to obtain a formal complaint and perhaps refer the matter to the Legal Redress Committee for review and follow-up.

Proposal to adopt Resolution:

President Reynolds moved for the adoption a Resolution co-authored by the Young Adult Committee of the Washington, DC unit of the NAACP.  The Resolution called for the National Office to adopt and support Young Adult units across the nation and to support young adult leadership both on the local and national level.  The Resolution will be presented at the National Convention in Los Angeles.

Action Item:

After a reading of the proposed Resolution, it was moved and properly seconded to adopt the Resolution by the Washington, DC unit of the NAACP which proposes seeks collaboration with the Alexandria, Virginia; Washington, DC, and Worchester, Massachusetts NAACP units calling for the development of a nationwide Young Adult initiative.

Local Young Adult Initiative(s):

Kreg Mullings, Chair of the Young Adult Committee noted that his goals for the local Young Adult Committee would involve the scheduling of the following events:

• Summer rush
• Dance marathon
• Baking competition

Mr. Mullings indicated that he would like to begin planning these events right after the school year ends as students are tied up now with finals and end of the year activities.

The following events were also discussed:

National Convention:

The convention will take place July 23-28, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA;

Information regarding rates (airfare and hotel occupancy) to be researched and reported back to the body;

President Reynolds and Kreg Mullings expressed interest in attending; and could possibly split the costs;

State Convention:

The State Convention will take place September 9-11, 2011 at the Hilton Hotel in Parsippany, NJ;

Permanent Meeting Site:

Action Item:

It was moved and properly seconded that the scheduled meetings for the Montclair unit will take place at the Crawford Crews Post at a cost of $50.00 a month with complete access to the facility for committee meetings and public forums.  Motion was unanimously approved.

With regard to the Catching Owen Suite, Mr. Pelham suggested that we take a position as to why we were denied access to the Catching Owen Suite.  It was also suggested that a letter be written to voice our concerns.  There was a question as to who we should direct the letter to- possibly the Board of Education, the Township Council, the County Executive, etc.  Vice President Samuels commented that we should be careful not to raise the idea of infighting.

It was also noted that other facilities that should be available to the public are:

BlueWave office – contact Marcia Marley;

The firehouse on Pine Street;

The Bullock School

Mr. Ewing suggested that should we decide to write a “conciliatory” letter, addressed to Mr. Choice and/or the Grass Roots Board of Directors.  He also questioned the exact nature of the denial- how was the denial phrased? who was it directed to?

Discussion tabled for further clarity on the facts.

As the Boys State Coordinator for this area, Cheryl Kit Turner made an appeal for sponsorship for the “Boys State” program.  Ms. Turner described the program as a one week program designed to help students in the 10^th grade develop leadership skills.  The program will take place on a college campus (Rider University) where students attend from various parts of the state to plan events related to the structure and development of municipal, state and federal government.

It was recommended that the unit sponsor a student active in the Youth Council and that the selection process be coordinated through the Youth Council Advisor.   Ms. Thompson indicated that the Vice President of the Youth Council was interested in the program.  She will schedule an interview and report back to the body.

Action Item:

It was moved and properly seconded that Elizabeth Oakley-Thompson and Cheryl Kit Turner work together to select a candidate from the Youth Council to participate in the Boys State Program and that the unit sponsors that candidate at a cost of $250.00.

Motion unanimously approved.

Treasury Report:

Marcia Brewington presented the treasury report as follows:

Regular Checking:

Opening balance:.................. $2,985.39

Total Deposits:...................... $1,362.43

Disbursements:.................... $2,327.42

Closing balance.................... $2,020.40

Life Account:......................... $6,670.18

ACT-SO: .................................... $80.00

Comments:  It was suggested that any and all disbursements from any of these accounts be supported by a voucher showing receipts and signatures of the appropriate officers.  Copies of the detailed treasury reports are attached.

Action Item:

It was moved and properly seconded to receive the treasury report for informational purposes.

General Membership Meeting:

The general membership meeting commenced at approximately 7:40 p.m.

President Reynolds reported that he attended a meeting with the New Jersey Commission of Education Christopher Cerf in which the issue of vouchers was discussed.

Vice President Ali suggested that when we attend meetings with key public officials, we should determine whether or not they are members of the NAACP.

During this discussion, Vice President Samuels also noted the following:

• Former President Clinton has moved to Manhattan;
• Planned Parenthood
• Brendan Byrne, President of the Montclair Democratic Committee will run for Freeholder

Mr. Ewing suggested that we invite Mr. Byrne to come and address the body.

Committee Reports:

ACT-SO:

President Reynolds announced that there were two medals (Sara Meretab – Gold for Mathematics and Silver for Original Essay; and Kahlil Simmons – Bronze for Poetry) received by two Montclair High School students at the ACT-SO State Competition in Newark.

Economic Development:

There was no report submitted at this time.  The next scheduled meeting to take place on May 3, 2011.

Education:

Annette Norvell reported the following activities for the Education Committee:

• Tutoring support provided for the NJASK;
• Continued monitoring of outsourcing by the BOE.  The BOE did voted to keep Teacher’s Aides but the benefit package is questionable;
• Montclair Education Association to meeting on April 26, 2011 to accept package;
• April 27, 2011 public forum entitled “Celebrating Literacy” to be held at the Bullock School;
• Now that Solicitor’s License has been obtained, the committee will begin door-to-door initiative to promote aware and try to get more parents involved;

Criminal Justice Committee:

No report presented at this time.

Freedom Fund Committee:

Vice President Samuels, Chair of the Freedom Fund Committee reported that the cost per plate for the upcoming dinner would be $39-40 at the Valley Regency.  She indicated that a deposit of $500.00 would be required to hold the date.

Other issues discussed regarding the fundraiser were:

• Raffle;
• Silent Auction;
• Procurement of a corporate or business list from which we would seek sponsorship.

Action Item:

It was moved to accept the committee report as read and to approve the $500.00 deposit to secure the date.  Unanimously approved.

Membership:

Marcia Brewington brought forth the Membership Committee report as follows:

• Membership Luncheon to take place on May 1^st;
• Tickets available
• Receipt of $750 in donation;
• Maximum participation is imperative

Mr. Ewing moved to have Roger Terry acknowledged at luncheon.

See committee report for details.

Action Item:

It was moved and properly seconded to accept the Membership Committee report.

Political Action Committee:

James Harris noted that April 11, 2011 was the last day for hearings on redistricting.  He further indicated that the NAACP, Garden State Bar Assn., Asian Legal Defense Fund retained an attorney to make sure that no legislative block would be put at risk, noting the importance of ensuring that every district has a voice in the State legislature.

James Harris also emphasized the importance of participation in the following:

• Sending delegates the State Convention.  This year is an election year in which he will be seeking another term as President of the New Jersey State Conference of Branches;
• We need active participation in municipal and school board elections;
• Upcoming primary;
• State assembly is up for re-election;

In addition to issues related to political action above, Mr. Ewing noted that he was concerned about the Election Day change for the local municipal government.  He suggested that the committee meet and focus their attention on what is going on in this community such as matters currently pending before the Township Council particularly issues related to tax increases.

Youth Council:

The Youth Council did not present a report at this time.

For the Good of the Order:

• MNDC sponsored Easter Egg Hunt;
• Township of Montclair Planning Committee to review the Master Plan;
• Celebrate Literacy event at the Bullock School;
• American Diabetes Assn., to conduct Scholarship Fundraiser at Shrine Golconda; Organization of Newark.  Contact Mr. Ewing for details.

Meeting Adjourned:  9:10 p.m.

Submitted by: 

Beverly A. Bussey, Secretary

Date:  May 15, 2011

*Note:  For your convenience, upon the adoption of the meeting Minutes, they will be posted on our website at www.montclairnaacp.org.