Sadie Aarons Campbell

Sadie Aarons Campbell has been a staunch community activist for several years. Upon her retirement from corporate America after 32 years, Ms. Aarons Campbell returned to full-time volunteerism in her community.

Ms. Aarons Campbell is currently President of the Jamaica Progressive League, Inc., one of the oldest Jamaican organizations in the United States. This trailblazing organization, which focuses on making Jamaica a sovereign nation, was launched in Harlem, New York, on September 1, 1936. Due to the League’s efforts, self-government, and ultimately the independence of Jamaica, was achieved in 1962.

Ms. Aarons Campbell believes that, even though there is much talk of nation-building, it is no more than lip service; she has yet to see any serious discussion leading in that direction. Through her dedication and hard work, she firmly believes that under her presidency and leadership, the conversation will definitely be brought back to the table.

She is deeply committed to her homeland and fellow Nationals, and is a consummate advocate of dignity, even in death. It has been noted that Ms. Aarons Campbell has stepped forward to claim the remains of fellow Nationals slated for unceremonious burial; on occasion, she has personally financed such funerals in the absence of relatives.

Ms. Aarons Campbell’s latest project is working with incarcerated Nationals in the Green Haven facilities, where the main focus is on providing support for those who are attempting to re-enter daily society after a stay behind bars. She strongly believes that helping these individuals – while they work to attain self-sufficiency – is the anchor that will assist them in avoiding and curtailing recidivism.

Ms. Aarons Campbell is a graduate of Oberlin High School, Saint Andrew, Jamaica. She immigrated to the United States in 1965. She attended Brooklyn College and earned a degree in Journalism from New York University.

Though mild-mannered and even-tempered, Ms. Aarons Campbell is solid in her convictions and is, by no means, timid in expressing her opinions; she is known to take action when necessary. Her method of activism has gained her the nickname, “the quiet storm.”