In a significant development for the civil rights movement, Tracey A. Edwards, the Long Island Regional Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has been elected to the organization's National Board of Directors. This announcement has been warmly received by Black Long Island, a community that has long admired and supported Edwards' unwavering commitment to civil rights, social justice, and community empowerment.
Edwards' journey is a testament to her dedication and resilience. She has had a successful corporate career at Verizon Communications, where she retired as Region President in 2015 after 37 years of service. During her tenure, she led a team of 4,000 employees responsible for field operations of voice, broadband, and video services across New York State. Her leadership was particularly noteworthy during Superstorm Sandy, where she led the Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island teams that restored service to thousands of businesses and consumers throughout the metropolitan area.
Following her corporate career, Edwards transitioned to public service, taking on the role of Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission. The primary mission of this department is to ensure secure, reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State's residential and business consumers, while protecting the natural environment.
In 2012, Edwards was elected to the Huntington Town Council, where she spearheaded the creation of the Huntington Opportunity Resource Center. This center focuses on providing services to unemployed and underemployed residents, including job preparation, access to job training, development of life skills, and access to not-for-profit assistance.
As the Long Island Regional Director of the NAACP, Edwards supports ten branches in Nassau and Suffolk. Her work focuses on education, voting rights and civic engagement, public safety, criminal justice, economic empowerment, health, and environmental justice.
Edwards' election to the National Board of Directors of the NAACP is a significant milestone, not just for her, but for all who believe in the power of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The community is confident that she will continue to make a significant impact at the national level.
Black Long Island joins the wider community in celebrating this incredible achievement. Tracey Edwards' continued leadership and advocacy are a source of pride and inspiration. Congratulations, Tracey, on this well-deserved recognition.