The national program operates
though four program areas: Services to Youth,
The Arts, National Trends and Services, and International
Trends and Services. All of the chapters plan
and implement programs under these areas and members
give of their talents and time in service to mankind.
We also give liberally of our finances in support
of such organizations as the NAACP Legal Defense
and Educational Fund, Meharry Medical College,
National Merit Scholarships, Black Women's Agenda,
West Irving Black Arts Council, Tran Africa, A
Better Chance, The United Negro College Fund,
the National Urban League, National Alliance of
Black School Educators, Museum of African American
History and many other contributions.
The Portsmouth Chapter is committed
to serving the Portsmouth community through its
national programs. We have responded to existing
needs in the community; for instance, voter registration,
providing bus transportation for students when
legislation passed for integration of schools,
sponsored self-esteem workshops, test-taking skills
seminars, art activities and bringing to the community
national leaders to speak at our biennial lecture-luncheons.
We began the year by promoting
good health. All national and international chapters
implement "Walking Fete" each fourth
Saturday in September. We invite other organizations
int he community to walk with us. TIdewater Cluster,
composed of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia
Beach, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News walked
together for three years.
Highlights of the Program Areas
during the past 50 years are:
Working and providing activites
for children and youth - visiting museums in Portsmouth,
Richmond, and Hampton University. Developing an
appreciation for works of Paul Robeson, John Biggers,
and Jacob Lawrence.
Supportive to TAM's Orchestra (their European
Tour) and presenting them at our Lecture Luncheon.
Collected Black dolls for African children.
Contributions to African Water Wells.
Sponsored the opening reception for Paul Robeson
"Portrait of Artist" in conjuction with
Courthouse Galleries.
Took students to see a local production of "Annie"
Presented a program with local cellists.
Presented Art work of high school student at National
Assembly Auction
Art Exhibit with Portsmouth Public Schools at
Art Atrium
Presented enrichment activities and mentored students
at S.H. Clarke - an award was given at the Eastern
Area.
Blood Pressure Screening during "Walking
Fete"
With cooperation from Social Services, sponsored
free Mammogram Screening.
Workshop on Breat Cancer Detection
Workshop for "Latch-Key" students, supplied
computers and training for students and parents,
tutored and worked with 4th and 5th graders at
Emily Spong Elementary School.
Tutored with other volunteer in the Jeremoah Project
Provided Summer Technology Training Program for
High School Students with cooperation form Elizabeth
City State University.
Sponsored a YMCA Basketball Team
Awarded Scholarship to high school students
Culminated activity with 5th graders - a trip
and tour Washington, DC
Tidewater Cluster of Links - Opening of Nordstrom
Life Membership with the NAACp in 1954 and receives
the Golden Heritage Award for a second Life Membership
in 1999.
We hope to continue our mission
of serving our chapter community locally and internationally.
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