James Henderson, a 20-year resident of Port Chester, was elected as president of the Port Chester/Rye Branch of the NAACP. Previously, James served as an oath-taking member on the Executive Committee of the White Plains/Greenburgh NAACP). He also contributed to the Advisory Planning Board of the Lois Bronz Children’s Center and the Executive Board of the New Rochelle/White Plains Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.
Henderson has over 25 years of professional experience in media, publishing, executive communications, marketing, and advertising sales. A graduate of Hampton University, James has worked with global publishers, managed integrated marketing campaigns, and produced over 150 events worldwide, bringing his expertise in communications and community engagement to support students and staff. James has strong experience in education. He held the position of Adjunct Professor at SUNY Westchester, teaching courses in mass media, and has worked in various school districts in Westchester County.
After more than a decade of leading the branch, president, Tom Kissner gladly handed the reins over to James saying, “We have found the right person to take my place as branch president of the Port Chester/Rye NAACP. I can’t overstate the leadership qualities that James J. Henderson III has shown during these last several months, and I know that his infectious energy will be an inspiration to all of us just as it has impressed me.” Kissner went on to say, “ It is my hope and expectation that James will have the same support that I received during my tenure.”
Henderson said, “The branch has been blessed to have Tom these many years. And Tom has been a member of the branch for much, much longer than that. We greatly appreciate the time and care he invested. I will still look to him for his wise and knowledgeable counsel and look forward to keeping this branch moving forward because the struggle is not over.”
The branch holds its meetings virtually the first Tuesday of the month unless there’s a holiday or other extraordinary circumstance. For those interested to join the branch, send an email to pcrnaacp@gmail.com
