2006 Recognition Reception Honoree:
Willow Grove Branch--NAACP

The seeds for the Willow Grove Branch of the NAACP began with the establishment of the Crestmont Improvement Association in the early 1920’s. The branch was chartered in 1927, 18 years after the founding of the National NAACP. From its inception, all the members of the branch had children who were educated in the Abington School District. Abington’s first African American teacher, Mrs. Helen Johnson, and first African American principal, Mr. Morton Brooks, and every elected and appointed official thereafter were members of the branch.

The Willow Grove Branch addresses issues of racism and discrimination in Abington Township services, housing, schools, and jobs as well as issues of economic opportunities. The branch also challenges quality of life and discrimination issues at both the state and national levels. The branch has continued to press for fair housing, fair labor conditions, equity in educational opportunity, and collaboration with other organizations/agencies in the battle against racism and discrimination. The overall condition of racism and discrimination led to the Willow Grove Branch becoming one of 22,000 branches nationally in the “fight.” The record of the branch is anchored in the work of producing equal opportunity for the African American community and its youth in the life of the larger community of Abington.

Additionally, the Willow Grove Branch of the NAACP has been a vehicle of support and advocacy to its Youth Council (a chartered partner with the adult branch); recognizes community support services by youth and adults in service to youth; and recognizes and supports agencies that work with youth, such as the Abington Police Department with its Police Athletic League, Youth Aid Panels, and D.A.R.E. program and Citizens And Police Together with its 24-Hour Relay. It also generates an annual Unity Day for the entire community, resulting from a Proclamation by our Township Board of Commissioners. Members of the group volunteer service to various organizations throughout the community, including the schools and organizations at the state and federal levels.

The Willow Grove Branch of the NAACP believes that Abington and Rockledge are strong and vital because they have not shut their eyes or efforts to the continued work needed to maintain and support their recognition together as a “National Community of Promise,” with Blue Ribbon Abington School District schools and a highly regarded and internationally accredited Abington Township Police Department. It hopes that Abington Township will continue, as one anti discrimination organization partner describes it, as truly a No Place for Hate community, leading the way as an example of the best in community and family life.

Recently, the Willow Grove Branch of the NAACP has entered into a mentoring project with Abington Junior High School to support critical skill building areas for our youth. The future of our society and our world depends on our youth having a true and determined focus on a One World People – Health Nurtured, Intellectually Free, Hate Free, Environmentally Respectful, and Spiritually Driven. The branch’s programs and actions are driven by its collective adult and youth membership.

The current officers of the Willow Grove Branch of the NAACP include: Dr. Donald L. Clark, President; McKinley Lennox, First Vice President; Valerie O. Ward, Second Vice President; Maurice “Tony” Davis, Third Vice President; Marietta Tanner, Secretary; and Veronica Roberts, Treasurer. Both Dr. Clark and Ms. Ward have been honored previously by the Abington Community Taskforce.

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