WCP History

History has a way of repeating itself. Today, it rhymes with the clicking of handcuffs on four of our own: Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, Jamael Lydel Lundy, and Trahern Jean Crews. We know this playbook. We saw it in 1942, when the Department of Justice threatened John Sengstacke and the NNPA with sedition. We saw it in the 1960s when Southern sheriffs labeled journalists “outside agitators” to hide their own brutality. The strategy hasn’t changed—only the statutes have. By weapon

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Valerie Simmons, a lifelong White Plains resident and respected community advocate, has been appointed to the White Plains City Council, bringing more than three decades of public service, housing advocacy, and labor leadership to the role. Born and raised in White Plains and educated in the White Plains Public School System, Councilwoman Simmons’ commitment to service took shape early. While attending Herbert H. Lehman College with the goal of becoming an

ALBANY, NY -- In just two short weeks, the NAACP New York State Conference will be joining electeds, advocates, and community leaders for the 55th Annual NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference from February 13–15 in Albany, NY. The weekend will include workshops, panel discussions, networking receptions and more. This year, we are excited to announce that national NAACP leadership will also be participating in events throughout the weekend. Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of t

RYE, NY -- The members of the NAACP Port Chester-Rye Branch are thrilled to congratulate Marion Anderson on her successful election and recent installation as a member of the Rye City Council. In the November 2025 municipal election, Ms. Anderson ran as part of a slate that earned strong support from voters across the community, helping secure seats on the council for her and her Democratic colleagues. As the first African American City Council member in Rye, Councilwoman And

PEEKSKILL, NY -- The Black Diamonds Academic Success Program, in partnership with Peekskill High School’s MBK (My Brother’s Keeper) initiative, will host a special community event for student-athletes and their families on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Peekskill Administration Building, located at 1031 Elm Street, Peekskill, NY. The evening will feature a FREE special screening of the documentary film The PROcess, produced by Brian Marable. Follow

Dr. Guyden grew up in a small, segregated town in Texas. As a young man, he dreamed of becoming the first Black quarterback in the NFL. He was accepted to North Texas State University, where he earned the starting quarterback position. One of his teammates was Bessley Reese, who later played for the New York Giants and became a well-known sportscaster. Although football was an important chapter in his life, Dr. Guyden ultimately redirected his discipline, leadership, and dete

After a much-needed retreat from the day-to-day rhythm of life in Africa, including my birthplace Ghana, this past holiday season, I returned to my regularly scheduled activities back home. While away, my days were full- equally busy, even- but at a pace that felt purposeful and fueling rather than depleting. Coming back required a reset. That reset met me immediately on my first day back at the gym. The parking lot was packed. Inside, space was limited and wait times stretch