NAACP Bronx branch highlights voter outreach, partnerships and leadership awards

Cleveland E. Becca Jr., president of the NAACPBronx Branch, said the organization is stepping up voter-engagement work and community partnerships this summer, and will hold its fourth annual leadership and empowerment breakfast in August to honor local civic leaders.

Becca, introduced on BronxetTVby the show's host, said he has led the branch since January 2023 and that the group's priorities include voter empowerment, health-care partnerships, and strengthening connections with churches, food pantries and labor organizations. "We focused on over 20,000 registered voters here in the Bronx," he said, adding that the branch wants outreach to translate into sustained civic involvement rather than one-time turnout.

The branch is also formalizing a legislative agenda developed with the state conference, and Becca said branch leaders plan to meet local elected officials over the summer to press those priorities. Becca described summer plans that include forums and digital programming to reach residents who do not normally participate in civic life.

Becca previewed the branch's August breakfast and listed several confirmed honorees: Adrien Council (publisher and co-founder of Positive Community Magazine), Nancy Hagens (president of the New York State Nurses Association), and the Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Young (listed in the transcript with a variant spelling). He said additional honorees were being finalized and that proceeds and partnerships help underwrite civic-engagement work.

On workforce and training, Becca said the branch has backed the Form University Bronx Green Job Center to expand employment and training opportunities for Bronx students. He said the branch sits on working groups related to the center and hopes residents will take advantage of its programs.

Becca named union allies and past supporters, including local trade unions and the Communications Workers of America, and referenced a memorial foundation involved with fundraising for the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, D.C., as examples of partner organizations that amplify the branch's work.

For organizations or residents who want to partner, Becca provided branch contact addresses on air and asked schools, hospitals and community groups to engage with NAACP programs. "We want to tell the story that the Bronx is here. It's resilient and it's ready to thrive," he said.

The branch did not announce formal legislation or specific funding amounts during the interview. Becca framed the breakfast and partnerships as part of ongoing civic-engagement and workforce-development strategies, with further details to be released as plans are finalized.