Dayton Branch NAACP Receives Prestigious National Recognition at 116th NAACP National Convention
- Ohio Conference NAACP
- Aug 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 31
The Dayton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) made history once again by earning national recognition during the 116th NAACP National Convention, held in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the twelfth consecutive year, Dr. Derrick L. Foward, President of the Dayton Branch, was honored with two esteemed Thalheimer Awards which are the NAACP’s highest accolade for outstanding achievements in programming and publications.
This prestigious award is presented annually to NAACP branches and units that demonstrate exceptional work in implementing the organization’s strategic priorities, as mandated by the National Board of Directors. These priorities include: building membership, advancing civil rights and compliance, enhancing legal advocacy, promoting economic empowerment, ensuring educational equity, supporting health advocacy, increasing civic and political engagement, and strengthening the criminal justice system.
First established in 1944 through a grant from Dr. Ross Thalheimer, a philosopher and sociology instructor at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington, and president of the Thalheimer Foundation Inc., the award has long recognized excellence in grassroots advocacy and civil rights programming.
Dr. Foward attended the convention alongside thirteen adult members of the local branch and thirteen youth and college members, representing the Littlejohn Junior Youth Council, Move Foward Thurgood Marshall High School Chapter, Dayton Youth Council, and the Dayton ACT-SO Youth Program.
Notable attendees included:
Tiwona Foward, adviser of Move Foward Thurgood Marshall Chapter and wife of Dr. Foward;
Tom Roberts, Second Vice President and President of the Ohio Conference NAACP;
Mattie P. White, First Vice President;
Willie A. Terrell, Jr., Third Vice President;
Colin L. Kimuli, Secretary;
Jo. A. Lovelace Hill, Treasurer;
Roland Winburn, Economic Development Chair;
Chris R. Cortner, Executive Committee Member;
Gary J. Leppla, Esq., Legal Redress and Environmental & Climate Justice Chair;
Dinah M. Williams, Membership and Life Membership Chair;
Pamela D. Sloan, Co-Adviser of the Littlejohn Junior Youth Council.
Youth leaders in attendance included:
Littlejohn Junior Youth Council: Lloyd M. Martin (President), Serenity E. Boone (Vice President)
Dayton Youth Council: Zora C. Boddie (President), Christina D. Jones (Vice President)
Move Foward Thurgood Marshall Chapter: A’Mariyana Bennett-Crowder (President), Keara Thompson (Vice President)
The 48th NAACP National ACT-SO Awards also took place in Charlotte, where seven outstanding high school students proudly represented the Dayton Branch NAACP in the prestigious Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) national competition. Their participation marks a significant achievement, showcasing the academic excellence, creativity, and talent of Dayton’s youth on a national stage. Four students were given the unique opportunity to perform as part of the National ACT-SO Choir during the prestigious awards show.
Dayton ACT-SO Youth Program competitors showcased their talents in a variety of disciplines:
Ramah Lindsey (Junior, Stivers School for the Arts) – Photography & Music Vocal Contemporary
Judah Lindsey (Junior, Stivers) – Sculpture
Anaiyah Rogers (Senior, Stivers) – Music Instrumental Classical
Maya Thompson (Junior, Kettering Fairmont) – Music Vocal Classical
Zion Brown (Freshman, Stivers) – Painting
Mayah Epps (Senior, Stivers) – Written and Poetry Performance
Malynn Saka (Sophomore, Columbus St. Francis-DeSales) – Entrepreneurship
They were chaperoned by Cedric McGhee, ACT-SO Committee Chair, and Sylvan Davis, ACT-SO Committee Co-Chair.
“It was inspiring to see such talented young people compete at the highest level,” said Dr. Foward. “This was a great opportunity for our youth to gain national exposure and engage with not only with other competitors, but also with the judges, who are professionals in their respective areas of expertise.”
The Dayton Branch’s impact extended beyond competition. Several members were elected to national leadership roles:
Dr. Foward was elected Chairman of the NAACP National Credentials Committee
A’Mariyana Bennett-Crowder was elected to the NAACP National Credentials Committee
Christina D. Jones was elected Vice Chair for NAACP Region III Youth and College Division
“It’s a humbling experience to be recognized nationally by your peers for the work done in your local community, especially with limited resources,” Dr. Foward said. “Our team works tirelessly, without pay, to uplift and advocate for the people of the Dayton Region. I’m incredibly proud of their commitment, talent, and generosity.”
Tom Roberts added,
“It makes all those long hours strategizing, meeting, and organizing worth it. Recognition like this validates the impact we’re having.”
Founded in 1915, the Dayton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) stands as the city’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members remain committed to the mission of informing, educating, and empowering citizens in the pursuit of justice, equity, and equal opportunity for all Americans.
Officers of the Dayton Branch NAACP include:
Dr. Derrick L. Foward, President – NAACP Image Award Winning Activist
Mattie P. White, Vice President
Tom Roberts, Second Vice President
Willie A. Terrell, Jr., Third Vice President
Clair M. Thompson, Secretary
Jo A. Lovelace Hill, Treasurer
Lauretta Williams, Assistant Secretary
Harvey C. Bolden, Assistant Treasurer
About the Dayton NAACP
Founded in 1915, the Dayton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the city’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Committed to justice, equity, and equal opportunity, the branch works to inform, educate, and empower citizens through advocacy, legal redress, economic development, youth leadership, and civic engagement. With a legacy of grassroots impact, the Dayton NAACP continues to be a powerful voice for change in the Miami Valley and beyond.
