SJYDBC Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media
CAMDEN — The South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus celebrated it’s one year anniversary on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Camden Arts Yard in recognition of several impressive accomplishments over its first 12 months.
During that time, SJYDBC’s president and co-founder Fatima Heyward was elected president of the statewide New Jersey Young Democrats. Promoted voter registration drives and created community partnerships with some key allies.
SJYDBC is co-founded by Digna Townsend, outreach director for U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and current serves as SJYDBC’s vice president.
New Jersey State Sen. Troy Singleton, of Palmyra, and Salem City Councilman Tim Gregory joined the group in celebrating the evening.
“The mission of the South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus is to lift up the voices and advocate on behalf of African-Americans in South Jersey,” Heyward said. “The organization’s purpose is to inspire, educate, and empower young, Black Democrats to ensure that they are armed with the tools and resources to stand up for their human and civil rights.
“We are building and molding young, Black leaders of today to be active in the political process and to make certain that equal opportunity and fair treatment is not only demanded, but attained,” she continued.
READ: Fatima Heyward Names President of New Jersey Young Democrats
SJYDBC conducted a voter registration drive series in September 2018 at Rider University, Stockton University and Cumberland County College, held a Kwanzaa celebration educating the community on the purpose of the holiday and had special performances by Poet Sandra Turner-Barnes and Storyteller Queen Nur.
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The organization co-hosted the Atlantic City Women’s March and partnered with the South Jersey Young Democrats (SJYD) and Burlington County Young Democrats (BCYD) to host a Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 21 at the Camden County Democratic headquarters in Cherry Hill.
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Members of the community, partner organizations and elected officials gathered in celebration of Black businesses and Black organizations in South Jersey during that celebration where 15 Black businesses and organizations were highlighted and able to share their causes and services to the community at no charge.
SJYDBC also hosted “N.W.A.: Networking with Activists” with the Southern Burlington County NAACP.
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“During general board meetings we educated members of SJYDBC and the community on important issues that impact them and how to take action,” said Heyward, who also serves an executive board member and political action chair of the Camden County East NAACP. “We also had outstanding guest speakers.”
Those interested in following SJYDBC activities can do so on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @SJYDBlackCaucus. General board meetings are held bi-monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 8 p.m. in historic Lawnside, in Camden County.
All Photos Courtesy of South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus
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