NAACP honors its founders

The struggle for racial equality has not yet been won, speaker Iman Shabazz said Monday at the University Student Commons.

Invited to celebrate the NAACP’s 98th anniversary, Shabazz, a team counselor from Richmond’s Sacred Heart Center, discussed racial issues and read a poem stressing the importance of education in the struggle for equality.

“The struggle has not won the war, but the best way to show our love is to carry on their (NAACP’s) work,” Shabazz said. “Be a part of some organization that is working to help our people’s struggle. The youth today has so many resources to access this information.”

Shabazz said it is this generation’s responsibility to understand the NAACP’s legacy.

“We are recognizing today some almost 100 years of the struggle that unfortunately . (has brought) very little changes in dealing with our people,” Shabazz said. “This is a shame.”

The celebration also included a presentation by the Department of Theatre, during which actors compared the struggles of minorities in the past and the present. The performance referred to treatment of blacks in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina as proof racial inequality still exists.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre, choreographed the performance.

“It’s important we recognize those that come before us,” Wates said. “It also is important that we call and recognize the blood that was shed for us.”

The Black Awakening Choir, the VCU chapter of the NAACP, the theatre department and the Student Government Association sponsored the event.

Music by the Black Awakening Choir prompted clapping, singing and praise from the audience. Songs expressed the joys of overcoming adversity and showing appreciation for one’s blessings.

Junior theatre performance major Donzell Lewis said he was honored when asked to participate in the educational performance.

“The biggest thing to focus on is the history since 1909, when NAACP was first created, and just how they benefited the country,” Lewis said. “To do a project . that enriches my knowledge and my history as a young African-American is always a piece . I would love to work on.”

VCU police officer Roosevelt Lundy said he remembers the pride of his ancestors – a pride he feels is lost in today’s generation.

“I worry our heritage and history will get lost in the shuffle,” Lundy said. “Young folks are the leaders of tomorrow, not today.”

Reuban Rodriguez, associate vice provost and dean of student affairs, said he was pleased with the program.

“I think it’s wonderful that we get to celebrate the founding of the NAACP,” Rodriguez said. “(The organizers) really brought together a lot of aspects of the VCU community tonight through the wonderful arts . to express the importance of the organization to the campus and the country.”

NAACP at VCU president Corey Boone concluded the event with a positive message about the NAACP’s longevity.

“It also makes me feel good to see everyone just come together,” Boone said. “It just reminds me how when several people come together for a purpose, that purpose can live 98 years long and even more.”