Real Talk, Real People – covering the East End like only we do.
What do you get when you mix elegance, activism, and a room full of people who are never afraid to speak truth to power?
The NAACP Eastern Long Island Branch 73rd Annual Membership Luncheon – and baby, it was a whole vibe.
The Birchwood of Polish Town in Riverhead transformed into a powerhouse gathering where community met purpose over chicken marsala and a mission older than many of the elected officials in the room.
Eastern Long Island NAACP President Dwight Singleton opened with humor:
“I am a recovering elected official…
Thank God it’s not an election year!”
✨ Who Was in the Room?
It was a strong showing of support for the NAACP mission. Among the invited guests were County Executive Ed Romaine, Michelle Cannon from the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center, Minerva Perez of OLA, Mayor William Manger Jr. Southampton Village, members of the Southampton Town Council, Michael Iasilli, Bill Pell, County Legislator Anne Welker, Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Assemblyman Tommy Schiavoni, Rev. Charles A. Coverdale of First Baptist of Riverhead and his beautiful wife First Lady Shirley Coverdale and so many other dedicated officials and community leaders who consistently show up – not just when cameras are flashing.
When the East End shows up like this, you feel it.
❤️ Honoring Legacy and Love
Singleton honored the late, beloved Maurice “Moose” Ware, whose name brought a heartfelt standing ovation — a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about service.
Then came the personal moment that captured the room…
Singleton introduced his real boss –his wife, Sandra – proudly celebrating 20 years of marriage:
“I’ve been promoted from assistant to security and transportation – to Director!”
Black love always gets the applause it deserves. 🍷❤️
💪🏾 Membership is the Mission
Dwight didn’t just speak – he rallied the room:
“You don’t have to join today.
You don’t have to join tomorrow.
But you will have that application in by Monday at 9 AM!”
Because this mission isn’t just history ; it’s right now.
Affordable housing.
Voting rights.
Economic justice.
Education.
Environmental equity.
This is the work.
👑 An Icon in the Building
At 95 years young (and looking fabulous), Ms. Rogers was honored and the room rose for her like royalty. A true living legacy.
🎤 Real Talk
In times when rights are under fire and affordability feels like fantasy, gatherings like this remind us:
➡️ The movement is alive
➡️ The mission continues
➡️ The East End refuses to be silent
Membership keeps the momentum going — and pushes justice forward.
👏 Final Word
This wasn’t just a luncheon.
It was a declaration:
We’re still here.
Still strong.
Still fighting.
Still fabulous while doing it.
Real Talk, Real People.
Comments are closed.