The local branch of the NAACP recently announced the recipient of a prestigious honor for a community member who’s completed outstanding service.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP named Delores Bailey as its winner of the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award on Friday.

The award aims to recognize and celebrate those in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro community whose work promotes diversity and champions social justice, two pieces of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The branch describes recipients as those who “envision solutions to the many inequities in this world that we live in, while also having the courage to act and to persevere in the face of challenging circumstances.”

Bailey, a Chapel Hill native, is the Executive Director for the nonprofit EmPOWERment Inc. Based in Orange County, the organization manages more than 60 affordable rental properties and privately-owned homes used by community members who earn below the Average Median Income. Additionally, EmPOWERment provides housing counseling, financial literacy training, utility fund assistance and operates the Midway Business Center in Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

“Service to others is my life,” Bailey said in a release from the NAACP. “I was thrilled to receive this prestigious award and truly thank the members of the Branch for this honor.”

“There is no one more suited for this award than Delores Bailey,” Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP President and 2020 recipient Dawna Jones added. “She is a staple in the community, a true servant-leader, and an all-around social justice warrior. Delores’ work is a genuine reflection of Dr. King’s values.”

Past winners of the branch’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award include Maya Little, Greg McElveen, Barbara Foushee and Ruth Zalph.

More information about Bailey’s work with EmPOWERment Inc. can be found here, while more information about the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP can be found here.

 

Photo via EmPOWERment Inc.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

Related Stories
‹
‘House Us Now’ March Advocates for Affordable Housing for 30 Percent Area Median Income
This weekend community leaders held a march for affordable housing. The “House Us Now” march originated with the Community Empowerment Fund in partnership with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP, the Marian Cheek Jackson Center, EmPOWERment Inc, and the Interfaith Council. It called for affordable housing for community members who make 30 percent or below the area median income.
On Air Today: The 'House Us Now' March
Several local organizations are partnering to hold a march demanding more affordable housing on August 28 in Chapel Hill. Yvette Mathews of the Community Empowerment Fund, as well as Delores Bailey of EmPOWERMent Inc., Quinton Harper of the Interfaith Council and Paris Miller-Foushee of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP join 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to discuss the upcoming event.
Climate Change Symposium Returns to UNC, Led by Students Trying to Tackle Intergenerational Issue
UNC's Climate Change Symposium is back after a five year hiatus. This year marked the first time student organizations led the event.
On Air Today: Beatrice Parker of BrightPath Solutions and DeMarcus Powell of Squeaky Clean Auto Detailing
BrightPath Solutions Program Manager Beatrice Parker and DeMarcus Powell of Squeaky Clean Auto Detailing spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, October 10. They discussed the training provided by BrightPath Solutions for small business owners and entrepreneurs, and how that has a direct impact on the businesses.  They also discussed next opportunities provided by BrightPath Solutions, and more.
Orange County Approves More Than $500,000 for Community Climate Action Grant Program
Earlier in December, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved more than $500,000 in various grants through the county’s Community Climate Action Program. Eight programs around the county will receive funding. Three different organizations will use the money to install rooftop solar panels: Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, the Hillsborough United Church of Christ […]
PORCH's New Executive Director Shares Vision for Hunger Relief Nonprofit
Local nonprofit, PORCH, fights for hunger relief and access to healthy foods, and is now doing so with a new executive director, Erin Riney.
Local NAACP Caps 75th Anniversary, Looks Forward with Community Discussion
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP held several events this last month as part of the chapter’s 75th anniversary. The group capped off a special schedule with its annual gala on Saturday night, but also held an important community event discussion on Sunday. October 23 marked the official Founding Day for the local chapter, with many members […]
Local NAACP, League of Women Voters Chapters Prepare for 75th Anniversaries
This fall, two active organizations in the community are celebrating their 75th anniversaries: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties. In Chapel Hill and Carrboro, the NAACP chapter is known for being a critical voice in local activism – helping organize rallies, events and […]
Local NAACP Branch To Celebrate 75th Anniversary in October
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the NAACP will celebrate its 75th anniversary in October. The branch is planning several events during that month to commemorate its founding, and announced a tentative schedule on Tuesday. On October 8, the branch will host an Umoja (the Swahili word for “unity”) Read-In, which will “celebrate the culture, cuisine […]
Rallies in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough Advocate for Abortion Access
I like to get personal,” Chapel Hill Town Council member Camille Berry said to introduce herself to a crowd gathered at Peace and Justice Plaza. “So let’s get personal.” Over the next several minutes as she stood on East Franklin Street Saturday morning, Berry recounted her pregnancy in 1993, […]
›