NAACP draws from past, present

Survival in trying times offered a theme with all ages participating

There are lessons to be learned from key figures in black history and in contemporary times, said the members of the Elyria Unit of the NAACP.

The unit and their family and friends gathered Feb. 24 for the Annual Black History Month Program. This year had the theme: “How Can We Survive in These Trying Times?”

The members looked for inspiration from the lives of figures who made their own marks on American history.

Mi’Lynne Jackson, 8, read about Lyda Newman, a civil rights activist who also invented the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles. Her brother, Anthony Jackson, 6, read about cowboy Bill Pickett, who became famous in rodeo riding. The siblings attended with their mother, Ashley Jackson of Elyria.

LaTaunya V. Conley read about Shonda Rhimes and Rose Currie read about Ava DuVernay.

The two work behind the scenes in media — Rhimes for the small screen with the show “Grey’s Anatomy,” DuVernay for the silver screen as director, producer and marketer.

Chandler Brown read about Muhammad Ali, known for his action in the boxing ring and as a civil rights activist.

The keynote speaker was Maria Daniels of Cleveland, who is the niece of Elyria NAACP Assistant Secretary Elizabeth J. Meadows.

Daniels previously performed as a nightclub singer. Now she is an ordained minister who sings, works in prison ministry and is an inspirational speaker.

Daniels entered the room portraying Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist and conductor leading escaped slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Working in local politics, Daniels said Congressman Louis Stokes was like a father to her.

“I learned the importance of voting,” she said. “If you don’t go out and vote, you have no say so.”

Reflecting on lessons from the Bible and her own experience, Daniels offered advice of setting aside the worries of the day.

“What God wants you to do is be thankful for what

you have so he can continue to bless you,” she said.

The Elyria Unit of the NAACP has several events planned in coming weeks:

• 200 Women of Passion in Purple March is 3:30 p.m. March 25 at Jones Chapel AME Church

• Membership breakfast is at 9 a.m. April 14 at Second Baptist Church

• The Freedom Fund Banquet is at 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Spitzer Conference Center of Lorain County Community College

“I learned the importance of voting. If you don’t go out and vote, you have no say so.” — Maria Daniels of Cleveland, keynote speaker

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Minister Maria Daniels, left, gestures as she portrays Underground Railroad conductor and abolitionist Harriet Tubman speaking to Ramona Jackson.