NAACP branch honors officers, director with music

The Elyria Unit of the NAACP continued Jan. 12 a tradition of a Musical Installation Ceremony.

The Elyria Unit of the NAACP continued a tradition of a Musical Installation Ceremony on Jan. 12 in recognition of new officers and the late Rev. Julius C. Hope.

A special church service was held at Second Baptist Church, 427 Chapman Lane in Elyria, with those of Second Baptist, the Elyria NAACP and guests of other organizations.

The NAACP Officers and Hope, who was the former NAACP Regional III Director, were celebrated through prayer and song by local church choirs from Lorain and Elyria.

The ceremony also welcomed Regional III Field Director, Dr. Jerome L. Reide, as its keynote speaker.

President Dee Tolbert of the Elyria NAACP said these Musical Installations are held every two years when officers are elected for the board.

This year makes her third term as president.

The other elected and reelected officers are: First Vice President Rev. Calvin Currie; Second Vice President Regan L. Phillips; Third Vice President Gregory G. Fluker; Secretary LaTaunya Conley; Assistant Secretary Mona A. Atley; Treasurer Brenda K. Davis and Assistant Treasurer Denita A. Cabbil.

This year the board wanted to make their installation special and dedicate the ceremony to Hope after his passing Oct. 24 at the age of 86, she said.

Hope was responsible for events like the musical installation in his region, calling them, “Musical Extravaganzas,” Tolbert said. He was the Pastor Emeritus of New Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Highland Park, Michigan, and the former director of Religious Affairs for the NAACP.

Tolbert said Hope was very charismatic and a true Civil Rights activist known nation-wide.

“We do this every year so the community can be a part of the celebration,” she said. “We’re having the musical because of (Hope).”

She added he would be very proud of the ceremony.

Conley recalled Hope wanted the NAACP to be celebrated.

She said the Elyria branch wanted to celebrate all local officers and with others of surrounding communities.

“It’s a time of fellowship and to again welcome a commitment from volunteers who want to serve their community in terms of fighting for equal rights and justice,” Conley said.

BRIANA CONTRERAS — THE MORNING JOURNAL The Elyria NAACP celebrates new officers and the late Rev. Julius C. Hope on Jan. 12 during the branch Musical Installation Ceremony at Second Baptist Church, 427 Chapman Lane in Elyria. New officers elected every two years are celebrated with a ceremony, but Hope, who passed away at 86 on Oct. 24, was also commemorated for his work as former NAACP Regional III Director.