Central State University NAACP College Chapter reactivated by NAACP National Board of Directors

Above: Dr. Derrick L. Foward '90, Vice President of the Ohio Conference NAACP and President of the Dayton Branch NAACP, met with Central State students earlier this year. Assistant Professor Dr. Brittany Brake extended the invitation, which helped spearhead conversations about the reactivation of the Central State University NAACP College Chapter.

Central State University and the Ohio Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are proud to announce that the NAACP National Board of Directors reactivated the Central State University NAACP College Chapter during its May 17 quarterly meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. 

The reinstatement of the CSU NAACP College Chapter affirms the University's enduring legacy of student leadership and civic engagement. As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Central State continues to empower scholars to lead and serve at the intersection of advocacy and action. 

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“The reactivation of Central State University’s NAACP College Chapter marks a powerful return of student-led advocacy rooted in our historic mission of civic engagement and leadership," said Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti ’85, President of Central State University. 

“I am proud of our students for embracing this legacy and commend their commitment to being voices for progress.” — Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti

Newly elected chapter student leaders bring fresh vision and energy to campus and beyond: 

• Jayda Hodge, President 
• Jonathan Foster, 1st Vice President 
• Naveah Head, 2nd Vice President 
• Brooklyn Wilson, 3rd Vice President 
• Aniya Floyd, Secretary 
• Morgan Chandler, Assistant Secretary 
• Jordan Little, Treasurer 
• Douglas Woodall, Assistant Treasurer 

Students elected Dr. Brittany Brake, Assistant Professor of Political Science, as the faculty advisor. 

"The executive committee is more than passionate about advancing the work of the NAACP and encouraging those within the community," Hodge said. "With the help of the team and our amazing researcher and social media analyst Braylan, we will produce great things."

NAACP Image Award-winning activist and CSU alum Dr. Derrick L. Foward '90, Vice President of the Ohio Conference NAACP and President of the Dayton Branch NAACP, administered the oath of office. 

“As a proud graduate of Central State University Ebony Class of 1990, I am honored to support this new generation of student leaders as they deepen their understanding of the civil and human rights issues that impact everyday Americans — from student debt to voter suppression, economic inequality, and beyond,” Foward said. “Their passion, energy, and commitment to justice reflect the very spirit of Central State. I look forward to working alongside them as they advocate for meaningful change on campus and in the broader community."

Dr. Brake praised the students’ initiative: 

“Our students understand the importance of civic leadership and community action, and the reactivation of this chapter is a testament to their dedication,” she said. “This is more than an organization — it’s a platform for change, and I’m honored to support them as they carry forward the NAACP’s enduring mission." 

The reactivated chapter will serve as a vital hub for advocacy, voter education, social justice initiatives, and community-building both on campus and across the region. Its return aligns with Central State University’s values of leadership, excellence, and service.

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Foward noted that Central State’s NAACP College Chapter has seen strong support from University leadership over the years, including former Presidents John W. Garland, Esq., and Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond. The chapter’s revitalization was strengthened by the addition of a dedicated and visionary advisor. 

“Dr. Brake reached out to me, and for that, I’m very appreciative,” Foward said. He shared that earlier this year, Dr. Brake, who received the 2024 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, invited him to speak with her Political Science students — an experience that reinforced her commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world civic engagement.

Founded in 1930, the Ohio Conference of the NAACP is the state’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization, with members across Ohio serving as premier advocates for justice and equality. 

The campus community can get more information about the Central State chapter by contacting Dr. Brake at bbrake@centralstate.edu. For more information about the Ohio Conference NAACP, call 937-478-7895.