The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) is one of the oldest and most notable African American civil rights organizations. According to sources, it was the Montgomery (AL) bus boycott in 1955 that triggered the formation of the SCLC and on January 10, 1957, the organization was officially inaugurated in Atlanta (GA).
Ms. Perneller Chubb – Wilson started the Roanoke Chapter of the SCLC at Jerusalem Baptist Church in August 1995. The Roanoke branch celebrated its 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King banquet Friday, Jan. 15 at Holiday Inn Valley View.
Appropriately titled “Restoring The Movement for Justice” the banquet highlighted various topics that directly affect African Americans and also acknowledged deserving individuals making positive contributions in the community. Several of the host of honorees offered encouraging comments after receiving their awards.
Among those who received the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award were: Lois Bond-Booker, Louise Bond-Cheatham, Victoria Cox, John Fishwick, Martin Jeffreys, Annette Lewis, Barbara Phifer and Ramon Williams. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award honorees were : Stella Carpenter, Duke Carter, Karen Grogan, Brie Jackson, Jerel Rhodes, Samuel Roman, Jeffery Williams, Jr., Jasmin Venable and the American Red Cross. Kayla J. Snowden received the Dr. Perneller Chubb-Wilson Justice Award.
As keynote speaker, Dr. Nadine J. Barrett delivered an unusual presentation that was highly inspirational. The medical sociologist is founding director of the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) office of Health Equity and Disparities.
At one point during her well-received address, she engaged the audience in a moment similar to the practice of meditation and had the everyone sitting quietly (eyes closed) while focusing on the breath. The exercise was refreshing and most uncommon for a function of this type.
“We have got to be a community and a society that moves from a place of feeling uncomfortable and turning our heads away. We must be willing to make a difference,” she urged. The UNC Chapel Hill alumnus referred to her 94-year-old grandmother as her “heartbeat” and her mother as the other love of her life. She lifted them as the most amazing inspiration that she could have.
Dr. Barrett holds a multitude of degrees but says she never forgets where she came from.
“My degrees only serve a means to my end which is to make sure that those who have no voice get their voices heard in our community,” she commented. Regarding one of her many accomplishments, Barret was able to secure over $2-million in funding to support several empowerment initiatives in health.
“It is so important that no matter where you go we have institutions, health systems and universities that engage with our community in ways that lead to health and wellness that we expect in our own backyard.”
The local SCLC’s celebration, continued as supporters gathered Monday, Jan. 18 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. bridge on First Street in downtown for a march to Saint Paul United Methodist Church (corner Fifth St. and Gilmer) to take part in the SCLC Youth Day program.
Guest speaker for the program was retired professional baseball player Al Holland who was introduced by George “Kila” Miller, retired William Fleming high school coach. “People told me all of the time growing up, that I wasn’t going to be anything,” said the 1984 MLB All Star. “I ended up getting a scholarship to North Carolina A&T and went on to play professional baseball for over a decade.”
Youth honorees who received plaques for their hard work in and out of the classroom were: Ivon Thompson (Patrick Henry 12th), Kaitlyn Shaw (William Fleming 11th), Tyree McIntosh (home schooled 10th) and Kendra Harrison (WFHS 12th). Kaitlyn, crowned Miss Roanoke Teen last April, said, “It’s hard to explain this feeling because I’ve never received an award quite like this before.”
The William Fleming junior has plans of getting a law degree and eventually becoming a judge.
“I’ll give the clothes off my back to provide for someone in need,” said 15-year- old Tyree who wants to be a real estate agent.
Organizations as the SCLC (and others) contribute to the community’s connection through programs and their focus. While the days of African Americans drinking out of separate water fountains are gone, it is an undeniable fact that racism still exists. Early on it was the efforts of Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, Ralph Abernathy, Joseph Lowery and Andrew Young who were vital in bringing attention to the SCLC’s mission. Currently there are countless individuals all over the world who join in what Martin Luther King, Jr. once called, “the good fight.”
