Schenectady NAACP revival in the works
Activists hope to focus on education, police relations
Earlier this year, Anne Pope was part of a group that revived the Troy branch of the NAACP. Now she’s trying to do the same in the Electric City.
Pope, northeast regional director of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, is working with her friends — including fellow activists and clergy — in Schenectady in a bid to reactivate that city’s branch.
Pope said she knows many of the longtime Electric City residents behind the current effort, including Cynthia Farmer and Pastor Richard Parsons, and is confident they will finish what they’ve started.
Farmer, one of the Schenectady organizers, recalled how the branch once “had a strong presence and were well respected.” Pope called the city’s former organization “very productive and viable.”
It has been several years since Schenectady’s NAACP branch became inactive after then-president Ted Ward moved out of state.
“When people come forth and say they want to do something — and I know the people and I know the work that they’re doing, and I know their intentions and desires — then it gives me a good feeling,” Pope said.
Anyone wanting to get involved can attend an information session at 6 p.m. Thursday in the fellowship hall of Parsons Memorial Church of God in Christ, which is housed at the State Street Presbyterian Church, 5 Catherine St. in Schenectady.
Once the group is reestablished, one of its first tasks will be to partner with the Schenectady school district on educational initiatives and after-school activities, Pope said.
Pope, who is affiliated with the NAACP in Albany, also pointed to the group’s intention to work on improving relationships between police and communities of color, and press for fairness in employment.
She said a group of younger people recently abandoned an effort to reactivate the Schenectady branch. Still, Pope remains optimistic that the movement in the Electric City will attract younger adults.
“The idea of having young people involved is a wonderful one,” said Pope, while noting the importance of having experienced older members as well. “... We understand the benefits of having all ages engaged in the NA ACP.” (Pope declined to give her own age — “I’m old,” she said.)
Pope said the Troy branch surpassed the 50-member minimum, one of the national group’s requirements. In January, Renee Powell will succeed Billy Carter as president.