The NAACP Dekalb Branch hosted its annual Unity Breakfast on April 20th at New Black Wall Street Market in Stonecrest. The theme for the event was “The Future is in Our Hands – We Have the Power – VOTE,” a theme that underscores the ongoing work in our community. The breakfast has historically been to update the community on issues that affect them and to encourage more of the community to join in the fight for freedom. Branch President Edwina Clanton welcomed guests to kick off the day’s event.
Sharon Lawson, award-winning Journalist and FOX 5 Good Day Atlanta anchor, was the event’s Mistress of Ceremony. Sharon charmed the audience throughout the program with her wit, humor, and incredible attention to detail. The event started and ended with a disciplined demonstration by the Southwest DeKalb High School Honor Guard and guests enjoyed electrifying performances by The AB Group Therapy Band – Sam Cooke himself would have been so proud.
Guests came together to sing The Black National Anthem, then heard a video message from Dekalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. Attorney Gerald A. Griggs who is the President of the Georgia State Conference thanked our branch leaders for their tireless dedication, and reminded us all to unite and never give up our right and honor to vote – and that the last election wasn’t Georgia Blue, but Georgia Black. Attendees weren’t ready to go to church on a Saturday, but Dr. William E. Flippen, Sr., Senior Pastor at The Great Piney Grove Baptist Church was not having it. Dr. Flippen got on the stage and had all the heads turning with his passionate call to action that had audiences standing, clapping, and praising the Holy Ghost. The keynote speaker let us know that Dr. Flippen had said to him that you had better come with it today because I sure am. Dr. Flippen did challenge all of us not to be comfortable with injustice. We all have to fight against injustice whenever and where ever we see it.
After a delicious breakfast, we heard remarks from Georgia State NAACP Youth President, Jayden Williams, who discussed the importance of supporting each other as a community and lifting up our leaders of tomorrow. Our event’s keynote speaker, Tharon Johnson, Paramount Consulting Group CEO and Founder, got on stage and spoke with such a lighthearted tone and a welcoming demeanor. He discussed what his experience has been like as a black man in politics, and noted that once you step forward for a political position, your life then belongs to the public. The most profound message he gave was that although his work can be emotional, he is surrounded by people who would love nothing more than to remove him from his current standing, so if he wants to continue fighting for our righteous cause, he must cloak himself with dignity and consistently demonstrate self-control. He does not have the luxury of allowing his emotions to consume him because his mission is bigger than how he feels. If we as a people want to enforce change in hopes of unifying our country and elevating people of color, we MUST put our pride aside, put our best foot forward, and take advantage of all of the rights and opportunities at our disposal so that we can continue to fight for our future.
We want to extend thanks to all of our speakers, sponsors, our branch leadership, our catering staff, and the staff at New Black Wall Street Market. Special thanks to the Unity Breakfast Committee: Dennise Thomas-Allen (Chair), Nadine Ali, Latasha Broden, Edwina Clanton, Michelle Collins, Albert Fields, Gilbert Garland, Shelby Hall, Nakhia Hill, Angela Patrick, Martha Jackson, Stella Jones, Angela Patrick, Dee Smith, Louise Thomas, Ayesha Watson, Cherry Willis, and FreAsia Young.
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