October 15, 2006 - People continue to ask if the NAACP is still relevant.
As the NAACP celebrated its 100 Year Centennial Red Carpet event last evening at Washington, DC's Lincoln Theatre, we find that stories like this one, ‘KKK Threatens Woman after Walmart Incident’ help make the claim for the existence of organizations like the NAACP.
"As long as there is injustice, inequality disparity, we need a strong,
vibrant NAACP", said Lorraine Miller president of the Washington, DC branch of the NAACP.
That sentiment was echoed by members in attendance who told us family stories of how family members were kept from enjoying
and experiencing the quality of life their forefathers fought and died for.
“The NAACP was around for my grandfather in the 1950s when he, as a dentist, wasn’t allowed to practice
in some areas of the South”, said one attendee.
Last evening's celebration awarded 100 year old, Edna Hardmon, the NAACP Freedom Award presented by NAACP president
Ben Jealous. Hardmon was born 100 years ago in 1909, the same year the NAACP was established.
Also awarded was actress, Cicely Tyson. Ms Tyson received a special Honoree Award for her community service and activism.
Tyson reminded the audience that “we cannot rest on our laurels”.
"We have been misled by the fact that we have seen a Barack Obama in the White House. When we think we have arrived,
you are finished”, said the actress.
"We are still in the struggle."
Tyson, known for her roles in films like Sounder, Madea’s Family Reunion, and others will be honored on October 24, 2009 when the city of New Jersey will
celebrate the first Cicely Tyson School for the Arts. The school is home to students
from pre K to 12th grade students.
“I’m blessed to be able to serve as a catalyst for children in a positive way”, Ms. Tyson said during
an onstage interview by minister Marcia Dyson.
Tyson told the audience that she has the largest amount of NAACP awards of any honoree.
The evening’s musical performances came from students from DC’s Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts,
and a musical tribute by R&B and neo-soul artist, India Arie.
Also in attendance were Howard University president Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau, and wife, Dr. Paula Whetsel-Ribeau,
Representative Dianne Watson, and democratic majority leader, Steny Hoyer.
The event was emceed by XM Satellite talk radio host, Joe Madison, who served as the organization’s Executive Director in 1974.
Related
Tyson at Sojourner Truth In The Capital Event
NAACP Centennial Celebration
History of the NAACP
Tyson on CNN's 'Black In America 2'
NAACP Book: Celebrating a Century In Pictures
Louisiana Judge Denies Marriage of Interracial Couple
