SDARJ announces new leadership
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice recently announced the election of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont as chair, the appointment of Gwendolyn Miller as vice chair and the selection of Joseph Lawson as its first executive director.
These leadership transitions mark a historic milestone for the organization as it expands its mission-driven outreach and advocacy efforts across Sussex County.
SDARJ is preparing to launch Sussex County community tour events to introduce residents to its 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.
A native of Selbyville and retired ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Belmont currently serves Israel UMC in Lewes. As chair of SDARJ, Belmont will leverage her experience in 30 years of ministry, leadership and community service 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 underserved communities and individuals.
Belmont holds a master of divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary and a bachelor of science degree in food and nutrition from Delaware State University. 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 District Board of Education and the multi-faith steering committee of the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Congregations. She also chairs the Peninsula-Delaware United Methodist Conference Delaware District Committee on Ministry.
Belmont said, “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.”
Miller, who founded Addressing Racial Microaggressions LLC, offers expert consultation and witness services. She earned her master of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Applied Psychology and Human Development Division. Miller 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 league president. 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.
Lawson, a Sussex County resident and longtime SDARJ board member, brings decades of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience. Lawson earned his MBA in marketing from Columbia University and a bachelor of arts degree in African American studies from Yale University. With a career-long focus on promoting diversity in content and governance, he has held leadership roles at Verizon, Comcast, ESPN and Black Entertainment Television. As a past board president of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications, Lawson helped the organization expand membership, launch national mentoring programs and hire its first executive director.
As SDARJ executive director, Lawson is committed to strengthening support for Black communities in Sussex County — especially in underserved areas in the western part of the county — 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 news magazine 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.
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. Learn more at sdarj.org.
