by Bianca Moorman
“It’s up to the elders to push the young people to greater heights,” said Javonte’ McNear while addressing a crowd of about 50 people during the NAACP’s annual Jubilee Day at Loudon Avenue Christian Church.
McNear is two-term president (2013–15) of the NAACP’s Virginia Youth and College Division. In that position he helped plan training and workshop programs. His main job was to guide youth and college chapters throughout the state of Virginia. Virginia Commonwealth Univ., (VCU) and James Madison Univ., (JMU) are among the college chapters he oversees.
The celebration commenorates the day President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863 that freed slaves in rebelling states.
Brenda Hale, president Roanoke Chapter, NAACP emphasized the importance of history and the impact that day made on it.
The Roanoke Chapter has been holding the annual event since 2001 at different churches in the Roanoke Valley.
“We help to educate the community and education is truly important as we have to know our history–that we are descendants of former salves,” Hale added.
During his speech, McNear addressed an array of topics facing the African-American community. The shootings of unarmed black men, the Black Lives Matter Movement, racial discrimination, mass incarceration rates, the war on drugs and school suspensions.
He also discussed the fact that certain people are struggling with the name of the movement “Black Lives Matter” trying to change it to “All Lives Matter.” McNear said that Blacks have been the most oppressed people in this country.
McNear gave statistics in how black men are killed more than their counter parts. Some studies show an unarmed black male is killed every 10 days.
He also discussed the relationship between the youth, young adults and older generations and stated “older generations tend to oversee younger generations.”
“The only way that we are going to see change is if we get out, vote and do something about what we believe in,” he added.
Hale noted that even though Roanoke is a great city, there are still areas plagued with injustice.
During the affair various officials were present and recognized. Among them was Councilman Sherman Lea who said celebrating Jubilee Day, “means freedom, it means no longer in bonds, it means that we have opportunities to do and make an impact in our lives.”
Last summer Lea launched a well-attended basketball camp in Melrose Park in an effort to build a better relationship between Blacks and Roanoke City Police. “There is a concern in how Black males are being treated in this country. As a councilman, I have tried to do things to bring that together, “Lea said.
Also attending was a special group of young men from “The Renaissance Academy” who received a standing ovation for being an example to all young men on the path to a positive life.
The program was developed and conducted by local youth. Presiding was Bradley Smith, president, Roanoke NAACP Youth Council, a senior at Patrick Henry High School. Soloists Aaron Dean and sisters Kai and Kameron Washington-Brown paid tribute with songs. The Emancipation Day Litany was read by Jared Nichols, a William Fleming High School student and member of the Youth Council.
During her comments, Gloria Randolph-King, first vice president and advisor to the Roanoke NAACP Youth Council Chair, ACT-SO Program, said the Youth Council program was re-activated in 2006. She further noted that councilmembers are recruited through flyers sent to local churches in Roanoke. Hale added that councilmembers have been recognized in the community because of their willingness to do community service.
After the program, councilman Bill Bestpitch commented, “I feel encouraged because we hear so much these days about what is wrong with our young people, then we come to events like this and see that our future is in good hands.” He also stated by working together, trusting each other, connecting with each other and overcoming the things that divide us, a lot can be accomplished.
“I am so proud of his leadership and how his presentation truly inspired everyone here today…from the youngest to the oldest,” Hale commented referring to McNear’s encouraging message.
In closing McNear said that when he joined the NAACP he had to recite that he was an NAACP soldier. “We are soldiers to fight for what is right. We still have a long way to go, but the young and the old are still NAACP soldiers for justice.
