My latest story: Trentons NAACP celebrates its first 100 years By Shaheed M. Morris TRENTON— It was 1944 when a young, energetic Lillie Sapp relocated from Philadelphia to Trenton. Segregation and racial discrimination were the first things she met in her new city, Sapp says. Business owners would give strange looks to African-Americans when they entered restaurants and sat at front counters. Africans-Americans were barred from certain city schools. Sapp was among the first African-American class at Junior 3 some 50 years ago. She got involved with the NAACP after seeing the injustices firsthand. Sapp, 79, on Sunday joined more than 500 persons at Stone Terrance in Hamilton to commemorate the Trenton branch NAACP’s 100th Anniversary luncheon. Sapp’s father, a member of the organization organized the youth at the Craver Center. “Trenton was very different then,” Sapp said. “We’re still facing many injustices today. In the media they only cover 95 percent of African-Americans in handcuffs.” President of the Concerned Pastors, Mark A. Broach opened up the ceremony with a prayer. “One hundred years ago, the Lord blessed this group with strong-minded people,” the pastor said.”This group didn’t allow the weak to say that I’m strong. They’re still here and still striving.” On yesterday’s celebration, actor Tommy Ford most famous for his acting role from “Martin,” a television series was the guest speaker. Ford, a comedian and motivational speaker, reminded attendees of the significance of the NAACP. “At least a half of century ago, great people sowed seeds into this great organization,” Ford said. “One hundred years later, we’re reaping the benefits.” Ford talked about the bigotry he faced during the early stages of his acting career. “People said that I would never make it,” Ford said, “They said I was too black, ugly, and big.” Ford, hailed from the projects in southern Los Angeles pointed out to several youth who were in attendance from Mercer County Community College that they too can make it, and reminded others to do everything possible to help them. The comedian said. “This crowd appears to be doing well. This is the well-to-do crowd. No one in here is starving.” Ford expressed the urgency in investing in inner city youth. “Don’t take all of your greatness and wealth with you to the grave,” he added. “It’s our obligations to help those who are trying everything they can to make it in this world.” Ford spoke for about a half of an hour during a full-course meal. Area politicians attended, including Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann, Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora , Senator Shirley Turner, Trenton City Council members, Alex Bethea, Zachary Chester, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. Mercer County’s Freeholders Lucylle Walters, Ann Cannon and Andrew Koontz were in attendance. Trenton Mayor Tony F. Mack was not present. Many of Mack’s adversaries vowing for the mayor’s position was working crowd. The city’s first police civilian director Jim Golden, former city public works director Eric Jackson, businessman Paul Perez, Mercer County Clerk Walker Worthy, and businessman Patrick Hall attended. The five mayoral hopefuls all have officially declared that they will run for mayor. Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes who has attended the NAACP’s annual event every year. “The NAACP is a relevant today as it was 100 years ago,” Hughes said. Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello was awarded the political award. She said, “NAACP is one of the greatest organizations. It’s not only the advancement for African-Americans, but for diversity, inclusion, and all people.” Fred Herndon Sr., an 18-year member got involved in the NAACP in a protest in Trenton a decade ago. “The NAACP has been for the forefront for many years on many issues, and continues to do so.” Timothy Johnson, a longtime member of the local NAACP said that there will many issues that are directly impacting African-American community particularly. “We’re strolling to gain access to healthcare, equality education, safety, and economic empowerment.” Dozens of other awards were given out to Dr. Rev. Keith Tillett (religion award), Hughes funeral home (community award), Khadijah Thompson (youth award), Trenton New Jersey Youth Corps (community service award), and Rev. Toby Sanders (The “Catherine S. Graham Humanitarian Award.) The NAACP’s Trenton branch is one of 41 branches throughout the state. trentonian/general-news/20131027/trentons-naacp-celebrates-its-first-100-years
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 01:54:03 +0000
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