By: Richard L. Smith
In a simply resounding celebration of three years of advocacy and community impact, the Hillside Branch of the NAACP held a sold-out Freedom Fund Awards Gala on Friday, November 1st.
Six outstanding individuals, each making significant contributions to the community, were honored at the event, which was attended by residents, community leaders, and lawmakers alike.
"The event was a success, with tickets selling out days in advance," said Mrs. Nicole Graves-Watson, the founder and president of the Hillside NAACP.
She added, "We are incredibly grateful for the community's unwavering support," expressing deep appreciation for the shared commitment that has helped the organization flourish.
The evening included appearances by state officials such as the Honorable Assemblywoman Garnet Hall, the Honorable Assemblyman Reverend Reginald Atkins, and the Honorable Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, who presented the honorees with official Resolutions from the New Jersey State Assembly.
Hillside Council Members Craig Epps, Andrea Hyatt, and Lisa Bonanno followed suit, offering commendations from the Township of Hillside.
This year's honorees showcased a broad spectrum of achievements and local connections. They included Na'im Lynn, an actor and comedian known for his role on the Tyler Perry sitcom Assisted Living, who hails from Hillside; Captain Lashonda Burgess-Mason, Hillside Police Department's first African American and female captain; Bruce Morgan, a prominent NAACP leader within New Jersey; Yolanda Jackson, a leader in strategic partnerships at Rutgers University-Newark; Cherrena "Candy" Dale-Rawls, a community leader and associate pastor; and Charlene Nicholson, a founding charter member of Hillside NAACP and financial controller for the New Jersey Innovation Institute.
The Hillside NAACP chartered in October 2021, has seen remarkable progress under Graves-Watson’s leadership. In October of this year, the NAACP New Jersey State Conference recognized the branch formally, and it has championed initiatives designed to uplift the Hillside community.
"We've come a long way in a short time, building programs that support and inspire our community members," noted Graves-Watson.
RLS Media has reported on other noteworthy accomplishments, including implementing a Black History Month essay contest for middle school students, a scholarship program for high school graduates, and a series of workshops addressing critical issues like gun violence, voter education, and civil rights.
The branch has also built partnerships with organizations such as the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University to provide summer pre-college programs for local youth and collaborated with local institutions to host community events and educational workshops.
In collaboration with First Baptist Church of Hillside, the branch organized jazz festivals, film nights, and "Know Your Rights" workshops, fostering a deep sense of community engagement.
Initiatives like the community march honoring Ruby Bridges and educational programming on the NJ Amistad Act underscore the branch's commitment to honoring history while inspiring the next generation.
As the Hillside NAACP looks toward the future, Watson Graves emphasized that the branch's commitment to advocacy and empowerment is only just beginning.
"Our mission to advance justice, inspire leadership, and support Hillside's residents remains steadfast," she affirmed. With this inspiring anniversary celebration, the Hillside NAACP continues to be a beacon of progress and a driving force for positive change in New Jersey.