Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice Elects New Chairperson and Appoints Executive Director Community Outreach Tour to Launch Under New Leadership

Reverend Marjorie Belmont, a native of Selbyville, DE, and retired Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church (presently serving Israel UMC, Lewes, DE), now serves as Chairperson of SDARJ. Rev. Belmont brings over thirty years of ministry, leadership, and community service experience throughout Delaware and Maryland. Her career has included pastoral appointments at several United Methodist congregations, where she initiated dozens of ministries serving children, families, and the underserved.

Rev. Belmont holds a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition from Delaware State University and a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary. Her deep commitment to equity and education has led to active service on numerous boards and coalitions, including Pathways to Success, Haven Ministries, Cape Henlopen School Board, and the Multi-Faith Steering Committee of the Lewes-Rehoboth area. She serves as Chairperson of SDARJ and Chair of the Peninsula-Delaware United Methodist Conference Delaware District Committee on Ministry.

Reverend Belmont stated, “I am honored to continue serving with SDARJ in this new capacity. My life’s work has been rooted in service, equity, and creating space for every individual to thrive. Together, under new leadership, we are prepared to take this organization to even greater heights—by listening, leading, and serving with purpose and compassion.”

Gwendolyn Miller, M.S. Ed., newly appointed Vice Chair, is a dedicated and experienced Racial Microaggressions Consultant and Expert Witness. She received her Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education, Applied Psychology and Human Development Division. As founder of Addressing Racial Microaggressions, LLC, she offers expert consultation and witness services and also facilitates the “Rothman Women in Leadership” program at the University of Toronto.

Miller has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of SDARJ’s Education Committee, Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the League of Women Voters of Delaware, and President of the League of Women Voters of Delaware. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Indian River School District and leads SDARJ’s Community Partnership with the John Dickinson Plantation—a model collaboration focused on reshaping institutional narratives to better represent historically marginalized voices. Her deep commitment to equity, education, and collaboration continues to shape SDARJ’s strategic direction and impact.

Mr. Joseph Lawson, a Sussex County resident and longtime SDARJ board member (2020–2025), brings decades of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in African American Studies and an MBA in Marketing from Columbia University, Lawson has held leadership roles at Verizon, Comcast, ESPN, and Black Entertainment Television, with a career-long focus on promoting diversity in content and leadership.

He has been honored for his nonprofit work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Divine Alternatives for Dads (DADS), where he was named “Big Brother of the Year” in 2018. As a past board president of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications, Lawson helped expand membership, launch national mentoring programs, and hire its first executive director.

As SDARJ’s Executive Director, Lawson is committed to strengthening support for Black communities in Sussex County—especially in underserved western areas—and elevating the voices and needs of Black children and families. His priorities include growing SDARJ’s educational programs, expanding outreach through the Black Voices newsmagazine and website, and fostering a safe space for allies and advocates dedicated to racial justice. His leadership will be guided by SDARJ’s core approach: listening, leading, and serving.

In alignment with this new chapter, SDARJ is preparing to launch a Sussex County Community Tour, with dates and locations to be announced soon. The tour will introduce residents to SDARJ’s mission and leadership, share important community resources, and offer direct engagement for individuals impacted by racial disparities. Attendees will learn how to connect with services, partners, and programs designed to improve quality of life and promote equity throughout the region.

SDARJ remains steadfast in its mission “to educate, inform, and advocate for racial and social justice, equality, and equity, and to end racism and its terrible consequences.” The organization continues to address the needs and aspirations of the Black community by listening, leading, and serving with compassion, courage, and commitment.