Leadership

President: Andraé M. Holsey

Andraé M. Holsey is a graduate of Penn State University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Military Studies. While at Penn State, he was a member of the Political Science Society, PSUA Black Student Union, and the Criminal Justice Organization. His awards include the 2016 NSHSS/A&F Diversity Champion of the Year Award and the Blair Co. NAACP Martin Luther King, Jr. Award/Scholarship. He has been named the 2022 Joy in the City Most Fascinating Person of the Year and received honors as a 2016 Altoona Mirror 20 under 20 and 2023 Altoona Mirror 20 under 40 Awardee. Holsey’s outspoken advocacy for racial justice earned him a position as the Political Outreach Director of Progress for People of Color and a position on the Outreach/Action Volunteer Committee for the Alliance for Police Accountability. With his election as President of Branch #2252, Holsey made history as the youngest-ever Branch President in the PA State Conference of the NAACP.
Andraé Holsey, speaking at the United! Civil Rights Rally as the Political Outreach Director of Progress for People of Color, June 27, 2020.
Andraé Holsey, speaking at the United! Civil Rights Rally as the Political Outreach Director of Progress for People of Color, June 27, 2020.
Andraé Holsey poses for a photo before singing the opening performance at the Black Lives Matter Ball in Pittsburgh, October, 2020.
Andraé Holsey poses for a photo before singing the opening performance at the Black Lives Matter Ball in Pittsburgh, October, 2020.

1st Vice President : Darius Morgan

Darius Morgan’s degree in Business Administration Marketing and Management from South Hills Business School isn’t his only experience in how to run successful organizations. Spurred to action after the death of George Floyd, Morgan applied his business degree and managerial skills from his time at Panda Express to take the helm of the civil rights discussion in Central PA, as founder and Executive Director of Progress for People of Color. A staunch feminist, member of the LGBTQ+ community, and National PBL contestant, he brings to the table unique perspectives and managerial experience coveted in an organization like the Blair Co. NAACP. After the 2021 Election concluded, Darius and Paige Lightner (2nd Vice President) made history as the first two openly-LGBTQ+ officers of Branch #2252.
Darius Morgan speaks to Sen. Judy Ward about the racial climate of Pennsylvania and offers solutions for the state legislature, July 23, 2020.
Darius Morgan speaks to Sen. Judy Ward about the racial climate of Pennsylvania and offers solutions for the state legislature, July 23, 2020.
Darius Morgan speaking at the United! Civil Rights Rally as the Executive Director of Progress for People of Color, June 27, 2020.
Darius Morgan speaking at the United! Civil Rights Rally as the Executive Director of Progress for People of Color, June 27, 2020.
Darius Morgan leads a march through Downtown Altoona, calling attention to white supremacist groups operating in Central PA, October 11, 2020.
Darius Morgan leads a march through Downtown Altoona, calling attention to white supremacist groups operating in Central PA, October 11, 2020.

2nd Vice President : Paige Lightner

Paige Lightner is a 29-year-old Altoona Area High School alumnus, former Central State University attendee, and current student at Mount Aloysius College, pursuing a degree in Cannabis Agriculture & Horticulture. 3 years ago, she became one of the few black, female business owners in Blair County, with the birth of Pa’je’s Potions and her founding of Pa’je’s Productions. However, her handcrafted CBD-infused beverage business was not her only source of cultural and community awareness. Paige credits her father, former Blair County African American Heritage Festival Organizer and Altoona City Councilman William Lightner, for strongly influencing this awareness. In her capacity, Paige has followed in his footsteps and continues to show Blair County the amazing things African Americans have brought and will continue to bring to this area. Paige continues to serve as leading organizer of the Blair County African American Heritage Festival in Blair County, a brand ambassador for Endo Black Inc., and was named one of the Altoona Mirror’s 2023 20 under 40. In her own words, “I love uplifting my people and I will live always fighting for my people!”
Paige Lightner poses for an advertising photoshoot at JOOS, a local business which sells her handcrafted CBD-infused beverages, dubbed "potions," March 11, 2021
Paige Lightner poses for an advertising photoshoot at JOOS, a local business which sells her handcrafted CBD-infused beverages, dubbed “potions,” March 11, 2021.
Paige Lightner representing her business and the Black Lives Matter movement at the Altoona Black Lives Matter March, June 6, 2020.
Paige Lightner representing her business and the Black Lives Matter movement at the Altoona Black Lives Matter March, June 6, 2020.

Secretary : Devin Pierce

Devin Pierce is an energetic, passionate community organizer who dedicates his time building festival grounds, participating in community clean-ups, and spreading awareness of the importance of STEM programming in minority/impoverished communities. In between his extended volunteerism, he works as a Structural Engineer at Keller Engineers, Inc and occasionally lays down some funk with his electric bass. Devin uses his engineering skills to assess the physical condition of common areas around Altoona, which the Blair County NAACP turns into policy proposals for elected officials. Even before his appointment as Secretary, Devin dedicated extensive time to the set-up and execution of Civil Rights-related events all around Blair County.
Devin Pierce plays his bass on stage at McGarvey's Bar & Grill in Altoona, PA in March of 2019. PC: The Grey Medium
Devin Pierce plays his bass on stage at McGarvey’s Bar & Grill in Altoona, PA in March of 2019. PC: The Grey Medium
Devin Pierce poses for a photo at one of the many festival grounds he has helped construct in September of 2019.
Devin Pierce poses for a photo at one of the many festival grounds he has helped construct in September of 2019.

Chairman of the Executive Committee: Tracy N. Brown

As Keynote Speaker of the Blair County NAACP’s 2022 Freedom Fighter Gala, Tracy N. Brown made ripples throughout the branch, inspiring several other officers to run for appointed positions and many members of the branch to renew their commitment to community service. Civic service is no stranger to Tracy, however, as a retired Philadelphia firefighter and veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He has family roots in Huntingdon County, and the Brown family has long-been involved in the goings-on of Mount Union. The Branch is made better by his constant dedication to this community and the pursuit of equity.