Ronsha “Ronnie D” Dickerson

Ronsha A. Dickerson's journey as a community organizer, public speaker, labor and delivery community doula, and dedicated mother of six has been nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to creating equity in public education for black and brown students has left an indelible mark on communities nationwide

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   Dickerson's passion for service began in 1994 when she joined the Unity Community Center of South Jersey (UCC), an African American grassroots nonprofit dedicated to performing arts and leadership development. Her dedication and leadership skills quickly propelled her to the role of Education Director in 1998. In this capacity, she was instrumental in developing culturally relevant educational programs that benefited youth across the Tri-State Area. For over two decades, she served as a Cultural Ambassador and Education Advocate, organizing programs and public events to celebrate and uplift the youth of Camden, New Jersey.

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   The catalyst for Dickerson's courageous advocacy was her observation of the public education system in Camden being undermined by private interests and corporate investors. This realization fueled her determination to fight for educational equity. In May 2014, she played a pivotal role in organizing a walkout of 1,500 students from Camden Public Schools to protest the dismissal of over 200 public school teachers. Despite the lack of community support, this action marked a significant moment in the fight for educational justice in Camden.

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   To further her advocacy, Dickerson co-founded the Camden Parent Union, a coalition of parents, caregivers, alumni, business, and community leaders dedicated to securing equitable education, local governance, fair funding, and the recruitment and retention of black and brown teachers in Camden's public schools.

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   As the National Organizer for the Journey for Justice Alliance (J4J), Dickerson's impact extends far beyond Camden. She collaborates with J4J's membership in over 30 cities, supporting local demands for community-driven solutions against school privatization and striving for education equity in black, brown, indigenous, and working-class communities. Working closely with J4J’s National Director, Jitu Brown, she develops strategies to nationalize local education fights, amplifying their reach and impact.

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   In addition to her advocacy in education and community development, Ronsha is also a skilled labor and birthing doula.  She co-founded and serves as the Executive Director and Trainer for Community Doulas of South Jersey, the first African American-led doula organization in the region. Her work in this area is focused on reducing the high maternal and infant mortality rates in Black communities, providing prenatal health education, breastfeeding support, and postpartum care. Ronsha's efforts include raising awareness about the importance of community doulas and delivering resources, workshops, and training sessions that emphasize Black maternal health.

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Throughout her illustrious career, Dickerson has influenced presidential campaign models and education platforms, designed innovative initiatives to connect public schools with local businesses, and spoken at some of the world's most prestigious universities on education and culture. Her efforts have helped build a multi-racial coalition committed to educational justice across the nation.

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   Dickerson's achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was honored as one of New Jersey’s Most Influential African Americans. The following year, she was recognized as one of New Jersey’s African American Women Leaders. In 2021, she was featured in The Grio as one of "5 Black Women Fighting for Equitable Reopening in Classrooms."

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Beyond her professional achievements, Ronsha shares a loving partnership with her high school sweetheart, Jamal P. Dickerson, with whom she has been married for over 25 years. Together, they have raised six extraordinary children, each embodying the magic and resilience that Ronsha inspires in her community every day

  Ronsha A. Dickerson’s multifaceted roles as an organizer, educator, cultural advocate, and maternal health supporter highlight her unwavering dedication to uplifting and empowering her community.