Welcome to NAACP ALLENTOWN UNIT NAACP in Allentown

(610) 797-1107

About

NAACP LEADERSHIP

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

NAACP LEADERSHIP

ALLENTOWN NAACP LEADERSHIP

President -Walt Felton, Special Investigator State of PA

1st Vice- Byron Crudup-Engineer Byron L. Crudup & Associates

2nd Vice- Renee Wiggins-Rollerson- Director of Allentown one of the Girls and Boys Club
Secretary Barbara Redmond - MBA
Treasurer Adanah Sampson - Accountant, Entrepreneur

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dan Bo

ALLENTOWN NAACP LEADERSHIP

President -Walt Felton, Special Investigator State of PA

1st Vice- Byron Crudup-Engineer Byron L. Crudup & Associates

2nd Vice- Renee Wiggins-Rollerson- Director of Allentown one of the Girls and Boys Club
Secretary Barbara Redmond - MBA
Treasurer Adanah Sampson - Accountant, Entrepreneur

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dan Bosket- Community Action of the Lehigh Valley

Ron Clever- Lawyer in Lehigh County

Dr. Harold Kreithen - M.D.

Annie Kollar - Labor and Industry
Elaine Redmond - Director of Education, Early Child
April Riddrick - Multi Media Coordinator

Calvin Riddick - Entrepreneur

Cheyl Johnson Watts - Allentown School Board Director

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EDUCATION

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

NAACP LEADERSHIP

The NAACP works to ensure that all disadvantaged students and students of color are on the path to college or a successful career by ensuring access to great teaching, equitable resources, and a challenging curriculum. We are dedicated to eliminating the severe racial inequities that continue to plague our education system. Our ultimate

To achieve these goals, the Education Committee of the national board, in concert with education chairs and leaders from across the Association, have settled upon a four-prong strategy to improve educational achievement for disadvantaged students:

Increasing Resource Equity: Target funds to neediest kids
Ensuring College & Career Readiness: A path to success after graduation for all students
Improving Teaching: Growing our own great teachers now in underserved communities
Improving Discipline: Eliminate zero tolerance; keep kids in school* All applied to turnaround schools

Multilingual Curriculum Integrated into Public Schools

In 2016 NAACP National Convention delegates passed, and the National NAACP Board affirmed, a resolution to promote the integration of multilingual curriculum into public schools.

Standard Grading Policies

In 2016 NAACP National Convention delegates passed, and the National NAACP Board affirmed, a resolution to urge NAACP units to encourage their respective States to establish an Office of Consumer Affairs in Testing and Student Evaluation. In addition, the resolution reaffirms the 2014 Resolution, “Accountability and Assessment: Measuring Student Learning.

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Women In History (Gwen Hill)

Gwen Hill , Renowned Journalist and Author, died at 61 Journalist and author, died at 61

Harriet Tubman, engineer of the Underground Railroad, born 1820

Sarah Boone invents the ironing board, 1892

Bessie Coleman, first African American woman aviator, born, 1892

Marian Anderson, one of the 20th century's most celebrated singers who became a sy

Gwen Hill , Renowned Journalist and Author, died at 61 Journalist and author, died at 61

Harriet Tubman, engineer of the Underground Railroad, born 1820

Sarah Boone invents the ironing board, 1892

Bessie Coleman, first African American woman aviator, born, 1892

Marian Anderson, one of the 20th century's most celebrated singers who became a symbol of the struggle to overcome discrimination in the arts, born, 1897

Dorothy Height, civil and women's right activist, born 1912

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. founded at Howard University, 1913

Rosa Parks, initiator of the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, born, 1913

Sarah Vaughn, jazz singer "The Devine One" born 1924

Coretta Scott King activist and wife Martin Luther King Jr. born 1927

Maya Angelou, poet, author, activist, born, 1928

Toni Morrisson, Pulitzer Prize winning author, born, 1931

Barbara Jordan, politician, lawyer, educator, born, 1936

Angela Davis, activist, born, 1944

Oprah Winfrey, media mogul, born 1954

Lorraine Hansberry opens A Rasin in the Sun at the Barrymore Theatre in New York 1959

Michelle Robinson Obama, 1st African American First Lady, born, 1964

Barbara Hillary becomes first African American woman to reach both North and South Pole at the age of 70, 2011

Misty Coperland becomes the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet theatre's 75-year history, 2015

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NAACP ALLENTOWN (LEHIGH) NEW LEADERSHIP

WALT FELTON - PRESIDENT:

I am Water Felton, former Vice President of the Allentown Branch of the NAACP. I was elevated to the President position a few months ago upon the resignation of the previous President. Since 1967, I have resided in the Allentown area. I was the brother-in-law of a past NAACP Allentown branch President of the 1970 era, Alvin Howard, now deceased.

I grew up on the Lawrence Street corridor, now named Martin Luther King Drive. The occupants were called urban renewal, which targeted and relocated occupants to public housing over at the Cumberland Garden Housing Project.

After completing the 11th grade in the Allentown School District, my mother allowed me to reside with my brother-in-law, Alan Howard, and sister-in-law, Ruth Howard, of Salisbury Township. I attended Salisbury High School, excelling in basketball, and graduated. I attended LCCC before joining the United States Marines and serving my country in active duty. I also served in reserve branches with the United States Army, Air Force, and Navy, all with honorable discharges. I would like to bring this experience to the Veterans Executive Committee of the NAACP.

I returned to the area after my time with the Army. I applied to the Allentown Police Department and was accepted. I completed 20 years, during which I held multiple titles and served in several capacities. I was recognized with various awards and citations, including being awarded Police Officer of the Year on three occasions. I also was employed by the Northampton County Sheriff Department, where I served 12 years as Deputy Sheriff and was recognized and cited with two awards.

The first citation was for subduing an estranged husband attempting to bring a knife into a courtroom in a possible attempt to inflict harm on his wife at a custody hearing. Another event involved apprehending a New Jersey most wanted state fugitive of the week. I also was the first minority to be elected as President of the Northampton County Deputy Sheriff Unit. For the past two years, I have been employed by the P.A. State Police (B.E.I.) Division.

I would bring the experience of conducting formal meetings held under the National By-laws and Roberts Rules. Despite unwarranted resistance from some Lehigh County Democratic Party Members, I attained the position as 1st African American male in Lehigh county and the 2nd ever of 67 Counties in Pennsylvania to be elected County chair of the Democratic Committee.

During my tenure, I was instrumental in having the first African American female, Veronica Clemmons, elected to the Lehigh County State Democratic Committee, when the other six minorities were challenged and removed from the ballot by their own Democratic Party members.

I returned and initiated or added at least six minorities to the PA State Democratic Party, Including Carmen Bell, Danielle Shackleford, April Riddick, Mike Watts, Barbara Redmond, and Veronica Clemmons.

I assisted in leading at least 50 precinct committee persons to be elected and hold positions on the Lehigh County Democratic Committee, where previously none were held. I would like to engage and show Allentown NAACP chapter members how to run or get involved in political offices to represent their community. It is not about me, it's about us. I have been to the top already. Now it's about telling and showing others how to get their voices and concerns heard.

I would like to show our bipartisan members how to get on the ballot, open a capital P.A.C., network, and template in organizing their campaigns to pursue office, including how to raise money for their campaigns. I have run for the following offices in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania: Commonwealth Senator, Magisterial District Judge, and Lehigh County Sheriff. I was the first Afro American in the County to obtain the office of the county sheriff. With the growing Allentown NAACP branch, we can engage diverse candidates to run for political offices throughout Lehigh County. I feel we have many youthful and experienced adults that are capable of running for political positions. We can make a difference in our community, especially with my 14 years' experience in the political arena.

The last but not the least reason for supporting my bid for the NAACP Vice Presidency is that I was instrumental in helping raise over $15,000 within the two months just before the 2017 NAACP PA Convention held at the Renaissance Hotel in Allentown, PA.

I believe I have the grassroots connections within the PA community, which allowed me to be instrumental in procuring Governor Wolf, other Pennsylvania State Officials, and State and Local judges up for election, to attend the 2017 PA Convention. I enjoy helping people and help the Allentown NAACP Branch.

1ST VICE PRESIDENT – BYRON CRUDUP

Byron L. Crudup was born and raised in Oakland, California, and is the oldest of two children. Married with three grown children, a grandson and granddaughter, he retired as a Manager of Structural Engineering at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in 2011, and is still serving as a retiree-consultant for the company. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering from Villanova University, and an MBA from DeSales University. A licensed professional engineer in several states, his job required much travel worldwide. He now runs a small structural engineering consulting firm.

Mr. Crudup has been a Prince Hall FreeMason for many years, having held many positions, including District Deputy Grand Master, and having been elevated to a 33rd degree Mason in 2007. He is also a Brother in Alpha Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

A Co-Director of Project Excel, a K-12 student tutorial with a student roster in excess of 270, he was instrumental in helping to coordinate volunteer tutors and assisting students excel in school work through tutoring, mentoring, workshops and field trips from 1992 thru 1996.

He has many other interests and hobbies, and has received numerous awards, including the Allentown Human Relations Award, the Air Products Engineer of the Year Award, the “This Is Your Life” Achievement Award, the Ujima Man of the Year Award from WLVT-TV, among others. He has also published First World News, a bi-monthly newspaper with a readership in excess of 30,000 for five years, and was Associate Producer of “Harambe,” an African-Centered TV show on PBS.

He is the husband of Raquel Crudup, the father of 3 children (Imara, Theresa and Leslie), and 2 grandchildren (Ayden and Qualia). His church affiliation is with St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Allentown.

Second VICE PRESIDENT- Renee Wiggs-Rollerson –

RENEE WIGGINS-ROLLERSON Renee has extensive community service, youth service, and community resources. She is currently studying for her master’s degree in psychology. Renee is the Director for one of Allentown's Boys & Girls Clubs. Renee works closely with youth who benefit from additional structured programming.

She has a talent at engaging students to embody a wide range of human experience. Renee believes that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. She believes if you share a perspective, you bring experiences, and help students understand you better. Therefore, relating to the community you belong to, whether it be your sexual orientation or gender identity, or your family or cultural background, it will encourage students to do better. This honesty can grant students the opportunity to absorb the best of all worlds. Then students will want to do their best to understand and appreciate that all people have problems, and it is best to attempt to deal with them.

Renee’s goal is to work with the Branch's Youth/Junior Youth council. She would also like to work with Women In The NAACP (WIN) Committee. Additionally, she would like to enhance membership for the NAACP Allentown Branch. She is a resource to gain membership in the community. Renee's focus is on bringing more programming and resources to our community, youth, and organization.

SECRETARY - BARBARA REDMOND -MBA

I am a native of Allentown. I am a graduate of Cedar Crest College with a B.S. in Business with a minor in Economics, and an MBA in Business Administration. I have served on the Cedar Crest College Alumnae Board for seven years. I served as a State Committee Person for Lehigh County’s Southeast Caucus. I am and have been a PA Notary Public for the past 20 years. I was elected South Whitehall precinct leader for the Democratic Party.

I have been employed at PPL for over 30 years and worked for 21 years as an Administrative Assistant until I promoted to my current position, Facility Record Specialist. I know the importance of the secretary position and have undertaken an extensive study of the NAACP National Bylaws. I am running for re-election for secretary because the NAACP is crucial to the community's advancement, and I want to contribute to the organization's and the community's success.

TREASURER - ADANAH SAMPSON

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mrs. CHERYL JOHNSON WATTS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Cheryl Johnson Watts joined the NAACP South Jamaica Branch Youth Council in Queens NY when she was in high school during the late ‘70’s. She reconnected in 2017, when she joined the Allentown Branch in Lehigh Valley, PA. Cheryl is a School Board Director for the Allentown School District and also serves on the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s Joint Operating Committee (LCTI JOC). She is a Board Member for the YWCA of Allentown and volunteers on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Multi-Modal Working Group. Cheryl enjoys speaking with youth about planning their future and actively participates in the Alumni Schools Committee for her Alma Mater, Princeton University. She resides in Allentown with her husband Michael Watts. She is registered as a Lifetime Member of the NAACP.

ELAINE REDMOND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MS. ELAINE REDMOND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Elaine Redmond is a native of Allentown and a dedicated public servant. She had worked for Western Electric/AT&T for 30 years when her concern for our youth became her primary focus. She is now the owner/operator of a childcare/preschool in Laurys Station for over fifteen years. Elaine has an Associate’s Degree/Directors Certificate from Lehigh Carbon Community College in Early Childhood Education, and is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to her preschool, she has fostered more than 30 children over the years.

In 2003, Pinebrook Family Answers honored her with an Outstanding Achievement Award for her “exceptional care of children and for always making children a priority in her life.” She will be a great addition to our Executive Committee and a loud voice for those she represents.

Welcome to NAACP ALLENTOWN UNIT NAACP in Allentown

About

NAACP LEADERSHIP

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

NAACP LEADERSHIP

EDUCATION

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

NAACP LEADERSHIP

Multilingual Curriculum Integrated into Public Schools

Standard Grading Policies

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

Women In History (Gwen Hill)

BECOME A MEMBER

naacpallentown@gmail.com

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Join our Zoom Meetings every Third Thursday of each Month

NAACP ALLENTOWN UNIT

NAACP ALLENTOWN (LEHIGH) NEW LEADERSHIP

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