Norwich — A busy year for the Norwich NAACP branch is about to begin, with two major events in January, Black History Month in February, preparation for the 2020 U.S. Census and gearing up for the 2020 state and national elections in fall.

So, when the active and award-winning all-volunteer branch found itself with an uncharacteristic dearth of leadership this past fall, the group turned to stalwart veteran and past president of some 30 years ago, Shiela Hayes, to take the helm.

Hayes, 61, was installed as president on Dec. 19 to complete the remaining year of the current two-year term of former branch President Ariana Woody, who resigned last May due to time constraints. The branch was managed through the state NAACP conference until the fall election, when Hayes was elected.

Hayes has been active in the Norwich branch for more than three decades and served for two years as president in the 1980s prior to Jackie Owens, who held the post for 30 years. Over the years, Hayes has served on the executive committee, been active in numerous marquee events, and most recently served as co-advisor of the branch’s Robertsine Duncan Youth Council.

In June, Hayes was awarded the Ronald Aliano Service Award by the Norwich Events Council for her decades of volunteering in Norwich and her youth advocacy.

Hayes said she agreed to serve out the unexpired portion of the current term, and, if necessary, for no more than one full two-year term afterward, as the branch transitions to a new generation of active members. The goal, she said, is to train a group of younger leaders to take on the major responsibilities of the branch going forward.

“I am excited going into 2020,” Hayes said. “I was the only one left with real understanding how the NAACP operates,” Hayes said Tuesday, “and felt that people trusted me to come back in to be president and train the next group of freedom fighters.”

Along with Hayes, the branch elected Anthony Holland as first vice president, Enock Petit-Homme as treasurer, Vouise Fonville as assistant treasurer and Barbara Billups as secretary. The Executive Committee at large members are Carline Charmelus and Zechariah Stover. Leo Butler, diversity director at Norwich Free Academy, will be advisor to the youth council.

Hayes said people are “very interested” in seeing the Norwich branch continue the successes of previous years, to advocate for civil rights, equality of services in education, housing, justice and the environment, including healthy living conditions.

The busy season starts in mid-January with two of the branch’s main events. On Friday, Jan. 17, the branch will host the 35th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at the Sidney Frank Center at Norwich Free Academy. The following Monday, branch leaders will host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. march and birthday celebration in downtown Norwich.

Both events will carry the theme: “Standing on a Legacy of Freedom — Fighting for a Future of Hope.”

At the Friday luncheon, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz will deliver the keynote speech. The 2020 Robertsine Duncan Memorial Award will be given to an individual or organization for outstanding service to youth. This year’s recipient will be Brenda Stone, executive director of Kids Christmas. Also at the luncheon, the Terell T. Wilson Scholarship Award will be presented to high school seniors and active youth council members, Thsarny Pierre and Adora Ake.

Tickets for the luncheon are $35 for adults and $15 for youth/students. Mail payment to NAACP RDYC, P.O. Box 24, Norwich, CT 06360. Seating is limited.

On Monday, Jan. 20, participants in the annual march and King birthday program will gather at 1:15 p.m. in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard outside Norwich City Hall and after opening remarks, participants will march through downtown to Evans Memorial AME Zion Church at 2 McKinley Ave., where the program will begin at 2 p.m. A celebratory reflection will be delivered by the Rev. Fannie B. Stokes.

For more information about the Monday program, contact Hayes at sshnaacp@yahoo.com.

Soon after the winter events, the Norwich NAACP will gear up for both the U.S. Census and the 2020 state legislative and presidential election. The Connecticut Democratic presidential primary will be held April 28. The NAACP will hold voter registration drives in March, Hayes said.

Come fall, the branch hopes to once again partner with the local chapter of the League of Women Voters to sponsor state legislative candidate debates and forums.

“Part of the reason we needed to get the branch back active was because 2020 is a very busy year,” Hayes said.

c.bessette@theday.com