The Rev. Alicia Connelly: Inspired by the strength, courage of others
The Rev. Alicia Connelly is the president of the Burke County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, having succeeded immediate past president Barbara Myers.
Connelly
Born and raised in the Berrytown community, Connelly graduated from East Burke High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro and a master’s degree in business administration from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.
She has pursued additional graduate studies toward a master’s degree in public administration at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., and a master’s degree in divinity at Gardner Webb University, which she aspires to complete soon.
Now retired, Connelly previously served as the Director of Contracts, Compliance, and Internal Audit Services for a company in Durham. She now works as a consultant for small businesses, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
Early in life, she was inspired by many local people who shared wisdom and knowledge and taught her to persevere to overcome life’s challenges. Connelly reflects that key people deeply affected her and “exhibited strength, courage, and independence.”
Among those individuals was her aunt and mentor, Helen E. Walker. Walker taught her the importance of having a personal relationship with God, having a deep appreciation for education, and the value of independence and family. Walker believed in respecting and loving everyone and instilled this value in her family members.
As a cancer survivor, Walker lived to the age of 97, and amid her medical challenges, her faith never wavered. She often said, “I may give out, but I will never give up.” The strong faith and courage she exemplified encouraged Connelly in times of challenge.
Connelly first answered the call to leadership in church and school-sponsored youth organizations as a teenager. Elected to serve as President of the Burke County Branch of the NAACP in 2020, Connelly has been a member for many years.
Before leading the organization, she served as a general member, a member of the organization’s Religious Affairs Committee, and a Member at Large. During these years of service, she learned the organization and the community as she was being trained and mentored. With experience, she moved into the role of second vice president and then to president.
Connelly has served in the NAACP North Carolina State Conference as the chairperson of the Religious Affairs Committee and as a member of the NAACP State Conference Executive Committee.
Her goals as president align with the organization’s mission to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by promoting policies and practices that enhance human and civil rights. Furthermore, she aims to eliminate discrimination and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
She aims to accomplish these goals by partnering with the community, other organizations, faith-based groups, corporations, and city and county governments to build relationships that educate, advocate, serve, and empower all communities to thrive and improve lives.
This year, the Burke County NAACP celebrates 90 years of service to the community as an advocate and voice for citizens. Connelly commits to continuing to move forward in equity, justice, and equality.
“United and working together, we can inspire change,” said Connelly. She continued, “Every person, every voice matters. Let us unite with love, see with one vision, speak with one voice, and shout for victory. With God leading and guiding, we will make a difference.”
Dr. Leslie McKesson is a freelance content contributor.
