2007 has been an invigorating year for our Branch. We were awarded the “NJ Branch of the Year” at the December 2006 Quarterly Meeting of the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP Branches. This is the second time in recent years that we have received such an honor. Here’s just a sample of this year’s activities and highlights:

• In February, in honor of Black History Month, we had our annual African-American Trivia Game Show, a fun mix of various game shows where competing teams vied for prizes.
• In February, we hosted our 30^th Annual Freedom Fund Awards, a black-tie event in which we honored individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to the community, and in which we also raised money for the NAACP Metuchen-Edison Area Branch Scholarship Fund.
• In March for member appreciation night, we presented a play opened to the public entitled “The Meeting.” The play’s theme centered on what would have happened if Rev. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were locked in a hotel room before they were gunned down- just three years apart.
• In June, we’ll observe Juneteenth- a commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. – with an event that will include entertainment, speakers, food and vendors.
• In June, we will also host a basketball tournament featuring youth teams from the tri-state area.
• In December, we’ll host our annual Pre-Kwanzaa Extravaganza, where we feature entertainment, food and vendors.  

In addition to hosting and sponsoring special events and activities, throughout the year our branch works tirelessly in its efforts to improve the educational, economic, social and political status of African Americans. To promote economic empowerment, we’ve offered first-time homebuyer seminars and free workshops on how to successfully establish and maintain a business. Through voter registration drives we make people aware of how their vote can make a difference, and help empower them to do so. When job discrimination, racial profiling, police brutality or any other civil rights infringement rears its ugly head, our Legal Redress Committee provides assistance. Our Youth Council motivates and inspires our youth to become involved in various civic activities. On the second Thursday of each month, our branch holds a general meeting open to the public, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, at the Edison Job Corps Academy, where NAACP members and non-members discuss issues of importance to our community. 

As the saying goes, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” The NAACP Metuchen-Edison Area Branch takes pride in being part of the solution, and we hope you will continue to support us in our efforts.

Sincerely,
Reginald Johnson, President
April 2007