LYNN — The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) North Shore Branch announced their State of the Region Symposium for Feb. 22 as well as the election and appointment of 2025 officers and committee chairs.
The 2025 leadership team consists of President Dr. Kenann McKenzie-DeFranza, 1st Vice President Nancy Sachetti, 2nd Vice President Isis Patterson, 3rd Vice President DeeDee Schiano, Treasurer Martha Brennan, and Secretary Dr. Sarah Faude.
The Committee Chairs are Health Chair Mercy Njuguna, Housing Chair Andrew DeFranza, Membership Chair Arnie Cowan, History Chair Lauren McCormack, Education Chair Dr. Daniel Anderson, and Public Relations Chair Bethany Blake.
“This year’s symposium will feature a distinguished panel of experts who will explore the challenges and opportunities related to racial justice and share insights into strategies for progress,” the branch stated.
Panelists include CEO of Lynn Community Health Center Brenda Rodriguez, CEO of Citizens Housing and Planning Association Rachel Heller, Director of Opportunity, Access, and Equity at Beverly Public Schools Dr. Andre Morgan, District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, and Executive Director of the Salem Pantry Robyn Burns.
“The panel will review the current state of racial equity efforts, identify key areas for improvement, and discuss actionable strategies to address ongoing disparities,” according to the branch.
There will also be presentations from Robert Mahoney of the Department of Homeland Security and Krystina Yeager of Historic Beverly.
The Region Symposium will take place at the Lynn Museum from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. following a lunch provided by Salem-based nonprofit ROOT.
