NAACP DeKalb County Branch Celebrates Black Heritage with “Remembering the History They Hoped We Would Forget”
DECATUR, GA — On February 21, 2026, the DeKalb County Branch of the NAACP gathered at the Rainbow Park Baptist Church to host its annual Black History Month Program. Under the leadership of President Edwina Clanton, the event served as a powerful reminder of resilience and cultural legacy, centered around the poignant theme: “Remembering the History They Hoped We Would Forget.”
The program opened with a soulful prelude and a warm welcome, setting a reverent tone for the afternoon. The spirit of the assembly was captured early on as the audience rose for a collective rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem.
The program emphasized education through visual media, featuring two significant video presentations:
- “The Untold Story of Africa”: A deep dive into pre-colonial history and global
- “Honoring Carter G. Woodson”: A tribute to the “Father of Black History” who first launched Negro History Week in 1926.
The highlights of the afternoon included a soul stirring solo performance of “Precious Lord” by Charlene Bowden and insightful comments from branch members Ricky McElroy, Christian Hill, and Janiah Camilo.
The centerpiece of the event was the Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Daniel Black. Introduced by Amari Haigler, Dr. Black’s address challenged the audience to look beyond conventional narratives and reclaim the hidden truths of their ancestry.
Following the keynote, President Edwina Clanton offered her response, reaffirming the NAACP’s commitment to advocacy and historical preservation.
As the choir’s final notes faded, the congregation joined hands for a powerful closing performance of “We Shall Overcome”, leaving the community inspired to carry the lessons of the past into the future.
