SJYD Black Caucus President Receives NAACP Visionary Leader Award

One of the youngest to be honored by the Camden County East NAACP Branch

Blackwood, NJ —On Saturday, April 13, South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus President Fatima Heyward received the Camden County East NAACP Visionary Leader Award. As one of the youngest to receive the CCE Visionary Award, Fatima Heyward is setting a precedent for the impact of young leaders.

“It is an honor to receive the Camden County East NAACP Visionary Award. My vision is to build a community where we all work together and share knowledge. To influence policy that will make a positive impact and to show true strength within the Black community,” said Fatima Heyward, President and Co-founder of the SJYDBC. Promoting and increasing Black representation in leadership, educating the community about getting involved in the democratic process and advocating for policies that will elevate communities of color, are just a few of the goals of SJYDBC. “The South Jersey Young Democrats congratulates Fatima for receiving the Camden County East NAACP Visionary Leader Award. The growth of the Black Caucus, due in large part to its innovative events and programs, is truly a testament to Fatima’s visionary leadership.” stated John Mulholland, President of the SJYD. The South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus is committed to increasing membership and positively impacting communities in South Jersey. “Fatima is truly an asset to our team, and to New Jersey as a whole,” said Casey Olesko, Communications Director with Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ, where Heyward serves as Communications Manager. “Her passion and dedication for improving the lives of others is commendable.”

Elected officials and notable attendees included Salem City Councilman Tim Gregory, and Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey CEO Triste Brooks. “I was so honored on behalf of the Camden County East NAACP having the privilege to present our 2019 Visionary Awards to a very outstanding group of citizens on Saturday night. Each honoree exhibited such amazing accomplishments in their personal or professional life which we recognized as role models to the community”, said Lloyd Henderson, President of Camden County East NAACP. Others who were honored included, Award-winning Journalist Melanie Burney, Lawnside Education Foundation President Dr. Sandra Strothers, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Asst. Dean Paul Watkins, Community Activist and Entertainer Kathleen Echevarria-Medley, Rev. Floyd White lll, Transition Care Manager Dianne L. Hyman, Cydney Thomas, and Paul C. Harris.

The South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus (SJYDBC) mission is to lift up the voices and advocate on behalf of Black leaders in the community. To empower, educate and provide tools to set up young, Black leaders for success. Meetings are held bimonthly on the 4th Wednesday at the Lawnside Court Clerk’s Building at 8PM. More information can be found on Facebook at @SJYDBlackCaucus.

###