NAACP state conference honors Lakeview activist

The New York State National Association for the Advancement of Colored People honored a local activist during its 74th Conference in Rochester on Oct. 10, bestowing upon her its highest award.

Lakeview resident Hazel “Scottie” Gourdine-Coads received the E.T. Reed Medal and Award, which is given to each year to one individual who portrays the qualities of a civil rights warrior: integrity, hard work and a dedication to expedite the causes, mission and goals of the NAACP.

Hazel Dukes, president of the New York State Conference, presented Coads with the medal and plaque, which was named for Dr. Eugene T. Reeds, a Long Island dentist and activist for human and civil rights. Reed organized protests, boycotts, pickets and sit-ins against segregation in local and New York City schools in the 1960s.

Coads has spent most of her life fighting for fair and progressive representation in government, and for equality and justice for all people. She is the immediate past president (2002-2006) of the NAACP Lakeview Branch, now headed by Bea Bayley, and a subscribing life member of the group. Coads initiated the start-up of the Lakeview NAACP Youth Council in 1985 and became its first youth advisor. She enrolled 25 youth members and helped the group achieve National Charter status.

“I am grateful and very thankful to everyone for their congratulations and well wishes,” Coads said upon receiving the award. She quoted Reed, who said in 1999, “It is my prayer that in 2099 there will be no more racism.” Coads said it is her prayer that Reed’s prayer be answered sooner.

Presently, Coads serves as chair of the Civic Engagement for the NAACP state conference. She serves on the boards of the Americans for Democratic Action, the Lakeview Council and the Rockville Centre/Lakeview Equal Opportunity Commission, among others. Her involvement and numerous roles in the community have also earned Coads a variety of awards and recognitions, including the Woman of Distinction award from The Ministers’ Wives of Long Island and the 2010 Making A Difference Award from the Lakeview Democratic Club.