The San Angelo chapter of the NAACP recently held an event for its 75th anniversary, recognizing longtime members of the organization’s efforts for equality.
The anniversary event, held Dec. 17 at the Cactus Hotel, honored past presidents and key figures of the organization, which NAACP Unit 6219 President Sherley Spears referred to as “living legends.”
Jazz musician Kevin Brown provided musical entertainment, while local congressman August Pfluger and Houston congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also attended, the latter of which gave a speech referencing the 1964 novel, “Why We Can’t Wait,” by Martin Luther King Jr.
In addition, the local chapter also registered new members at the event.
“It’s very important to work with an organization that is always putting forth measures, programs and things of that nature to help serve oppressed people such as the African American and the brown community,” Spears said.
The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) San Angelo chapter dates back to 1946 when it was started by L.A. Rabin, a local resident and businessman who served as its president until the late 1960s. Spears has been involved with the organization since childhood.
“Since its very inception, the mission of the NAACP has been to make sure that African Americans, in particular, have a fair and equitable chance at having a quality life as an American citizen,” Spears said.
Despite the common misconception that the NAACP is only for African Americans, people of other ethnic groups are welcome to join the organization, as they accept anyone who advocates for “standing up to injustice, fighting back against systemic racism, and answering the call for equality,” according to their website.
The organization also provides support for other racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ community.
“We would not be representing what our mission is if we were to turn around and be oppressors of those same groups, such as when we experienced oppression greatly,” Spears said. “We continue to fight for democracy, freedom, equality and social justice for everyone.”
For more information on San Angelo’s NAACP chapter, visit their website at sanangelonaacp.org.
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