Nyack, New York is the most progressive town against Racism in the Hudson Valley.

Nyack, New York is a small village only thirty-two miles west of New York City. It is in the Hudson Valley Region, and despite its size, Nyack has made substantial efforts against racism, injustice, and discrimination. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the oldest social justice and civil rights organization in the country. The Nyack Branch works with the Nyack Central School District to further the goals set over a hundred years ago even before the Civil Rights Movement.

There are currently two branches of the NAACP in Rockland County, that are in Nyack and Spring Valley. The mission of the organization remains the same regardless of location. The main goals are to assure political, social, educational, economic equality of rights for all, and to halt racial discrimination. However, the most important objective is to increase civic engagement for people of color. Voting is paramount because it allows voices to be heard, and solidify opinions on how government should operate.

There are eight school districts in Rockland County. Only Nyack Central School District has adopted an anti-racist training program from New Orleans. The workshop is called Undoing Racism by The Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond. It is an intensive two-and-a half-day training program, which helps teach history, culture, leadership, networking, etc.

Downtown Nyack

NHS

Nyack Sign

"Nyack has sent every one of its board members through the program and over one hundred teachers and administrators, including the Superintendent, and they should be applauded," said Educational Chairman of the Nyack Branch-NAACP Dr. Oscar Cohen.

The Nyack Record Shop Project was founded by Bill Batson, a resident of Nyack, who is an Illustrator and Writer. For one week, the black community of the village and surrounding areas, submit oral histories through recorded interviews. These people recall what life was like as far back as the early 1900's, and how its changed for them in the Lower Hudson Valley. Nyack schools dealt with segregation much like other communities during that time in history. Also, a historical marker sits on the corner of Main Street and 9W, where properties were part of the Underground Railroad.

The NAACP encourages new members to join in both branches in the Rockland County area. Those eager may reach out to a committee, that includes either education, civic engagement, or health, to work with and help people of color. For more information explore the NAACP Nyack Branch's website at https://nyacknaacp.weebly.com.