Giving Rye: Meet the Port Chester-Rye NAACP
Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet James J. Henderson III of the Port Chester-Rye NAACP. Henderson was recently appointed president of the group.
Your Name: James J. Henderson III
Organization: Port Chester-Rye NAACP
Your Role: President
MyRye.com: Tell us your Organization’s Mission.
Henderson: The NAACP’s mission is to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all and to eliminate race-based discrimination through democratic processes. As the newly elected President of the Port Chester-Rye branch, I am committed to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity for our community.
How long have you operated in Rye?
Henderson: Founded in 1941, the Port Chester-Rye NAACP has been a steadfast advocate for civil rights for over 80 years. As part of the national NAACP—established in 1909, the country’s oldest and largest civil rights organization—our branch has been a driving force in shaping policies and empowering marginalized communities in Westchester County.
What programming or work in Rye is the organization best known for?
Henderson: Our work spans a broad spectrum of advocacy, community engagement, and educational programming.
- Voting Rights Advocacy – We host voter registration drives and educational forums throughout the year to encourage civic engagement and ensure every voice is heard.
- Youth Empowerment – Our scholarship programs and mentorship initiatives support students in Port Chester, Rye, and beyond, including our participation in ACT-SO (The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics).
- Community Engagement Events – Our annual Robert S. Brown and M. Paul Redd Freedom Fund Luncheon is a signature fundraising and awards event. In 2024, we honored long-time community leaders Martha Bell, The League of Women Voters of Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook and two student organizations from Port Chester High School. There was also a special tribute to our longtime and now immediate past branch president Tom Kissner. All of these honorees were recognized for their efforts related to voting rights advocacy and voter education, the theme for the 2024 luncheon.
Looking forward to 2025, what will be your top initiatives?
Henderson: Our focus for the coming year includes:
- Health Equity Initiatives – Working with partners such as New York-Presbyterian, Greenwich Hospital, the Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) and White Plains Hospital, we’ll continue advocating for better healthcare access and hosting health fairs and awareness events for conditions like maternal care and heart disease.
- Voter Engagement & Advocacy – With the June primary and November general election on the horizon, we’ll be mobilizing residents, expanding outreach, and ensuring that every eligible voter has the tools and information needed to participate.
- Historical Recognition & Community Initiatives – We proudly supported the archaeological dig in Rye exploring the legacy of William Voris, a prominent African American entrepreneur of the early 1800s. We also advocate for the Rye City Council’s recognition of pioneers like M. Paul Redd, newspaper publisher, and Orial Redd, Westchester’s first Black Deputy County Executive.
Beyond these key initiatives, we look forward to warmer weather and community events, including our annual Juneteenth commemoration, Heritage Festivals at Kensico Dam, and Port Chester’s Community & UNITY Day.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Henderson: We serve the diverse communities of Port Chester and Rye, ensuring equity, justice, and representation for all. Residents can support our work by:
- Becoming a Member – Joining the NAACP strengthens our advocacy efforts.
- Volunteering – From voter registration to youth mentorship, we welcome hands-on support.
- Attending Events – Our programs, town halls, and forums help inform and unite the community.
- Donating – Contributions enable us to fund scholarships, programs, and outreach initiatives.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Henderson: Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
Looking back across 2024, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Henderson: In 2024, we achieved:
- Expanding Scholarships – Continuing our long-standing tradition of providing financial support for students.
- Building Partnerships – Strengthening alliances with local organizations to increase voter registration, civic awareness and health equity. We partnered with the Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) for a series of health fairs, with the next event planned for September.
- We also work closely with the Carver Center. We’ve collaborated for initiatives such as Career Fairs and Disaster Readiness events and as a part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating and preserving local Black history, we’ll be working with them for a special Black History event taking place at Carver Center on Saturday, March 1st. We will showcase student-created art tributing local African American historical figures, along with featured speakers, live performances and more! It’ll be a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, honor our history and uplift young voices, the generation of local leaders, through creativity.
- Upholding Our Legacy – Since our founding in 1941, we’ve been an unwavering voice for justice. Our roots run deep, dating back to that era, to a time when a young NAACP attorney named Thurgood Marshall came to Port Chester to defend a wrongly accused resident. That history inspires our ongoing fight for equality today.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Henderson: Among our longtime supporters are Ms. Ingraham Taylor, a 62-year Rye resident, NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis, Congressman George Latimer, NY State Legislator Catherine Parker and Rye Town Councilwoman Debbie Reisner. Nancy Pasquale from the RyeACT Coalition has long served on our Executive Committee. It would be great for your readers to join us at a meeting to see for themselves what an accomplished and dedicated body of members we proudly have!
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Henderson: I was honored to be inducted as President of the Port Chester-Rye NAACP in January 2025.
Is this role full-time or part-time? Paid or volunteer?
Henderson: This role doesn’t come with office hours. Fighting for justice is a 24/7 commitment. I balance it with my background in marketing, communications, and advocacy, but my focus remains on uplifting our community.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Henderson: Passionate.
Where did you grow up?
Henderson: I grew up in Greenburgh, NY, but I’ve lived in Port Chester for over 20 years.
What’s your favorite “unimportant” thing about you?
Henderson: I love tennis and basketball—both playing and watching. Pick-up games are my way of staying connected with the community.
If the next five years were a chapter in your life, what would it be about?
Henderson: This chapter is about service, impact, and legacy. I want my time leading this branch to result in tangible progress, strengthening our community and leaving a foundation for future leaders.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
Henderson: I’d launch a large-scale, multi-city initiative bringing together diverse communities to tackle systemic inequality in a transformative way. I want to encourage people to look up from their phones and devices and talk to each other!
Where do you live?
Henderson: I live in the historic Lifesavers building in downtown Port Chester.
Thanks James!
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