Black History

History makers give history lesson at Annual Men’s Day Celebration

MISSISSIPPI LINK — The Honorable Carlton Reeves, U. S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, called on The Honorable Fred Banks, former Supreme Court Justice, to introduce guest speaker Derrick Johnson, president & CEO of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People.

Published

6 years ago

June 26, 2019

Online Editor

By Jackie Hampton

The Honorable Carlton Reeves, U. S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, called on The Honorable Fred Banks, former Supreme Court Justice, to introduce guest speaker Derrick Johnson, president & CEO of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People.

However, before Banks introduced Johnson, Reeves, gave the worshippers a history lesson about Banks and encouraged them to learn more about this man who has spent a great deal of his legal career dedicated to civil rights and justice. He talked about his 52 year career as a lawyer going back to when Banks was a law student passing the bar when there were those who did not have to take the bar and he spoke of him as a former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice trial judge and legislator.

Reeves referenced the 1969 case, Alexander v Holmes, in which the court ordered immediate desegregation of public schools in the American South. This case, in which Banks played a part in suing the state of Mississippi, took place 15 years after the US Supreme Court had ruled that all children should be able to go to school together. Reeves noted that as a young lawyer he learned so much from Banks while he was on the bench. He said, “Read about Fred Banks Jr. and understand what has made this man great.”

When Banks, who is now senior partner at Phelps Dunbar Law Firm, approached the podium to introduce Johnson, he assured the listeners that the NAACP is in great hands with Johnson being at the helm. He said the Tougaloo undergraduate student makes great decisions and has demonstrated remarkable skills in collaborating with others. Banks said, “Derrick has a clear vision in which direction the organization should go.”

Johnson, in his message, recalled the role that College Hill played in the Civil Rights Movement at a time when few churches got involved. He also said there is something special about Mississippi and College Hill. “While other churches were afraid of retaliation for getting involved in the movement, College Hill and its members were not afraid and kept their doors open when needed,” said Johnson.

He spoke about the character of it’s members and reminded church goers of the legacy of civil rights workers like the late Deacon Sam Bailey and Rev. R.L.T. Smith who was the grandfather of District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.

Johnson challenged the members to get involved in government. He said we need prayer and we need workers because the progress that has been made in the past 50 years is being rolled back. He said we need to elect officials that know how to govern and how to read bills, such as Senator Hillman Frazier, who was in the audience

Johnson spoke of this country being on the edge of the cliff where racial hate is increasing but that College Hill can be a beacon of light while sitting in the center of Mississippi. Johnson received numerous amens and applause throughout his message.

Pastor Michael T. Williams thanked Johnson and all participatants who worked hard to make the Men’s Day service a success.

He also congratulated Rev. Calvin Peoples who was recognized as Man of the Year of College Hill. Peoples, who has been a right hand to the pastor in the pulpit, during weekly Bible study, prayer service and other events at the church, was chosen by the membership of College Hill to be Man of the Year.

Peoples is admired and loved by the members of College Hill as expressed by Deacon Gregory Anderson who gave a tribute on his behalf. Peoples’ son, Tim, also gave a tribute but it was his wife, Sandra Peoples, who introduced her husband of 26 years as Man of the Year. Also in attendance was his daughter Denise and employees of Nissan where he has been employed for 15 years.

A special presentation was given to Peoples by Leon Williams, president of the Laymen’s Ministry.

Bernard Bridges, co-chair of the Men’s Day Committee, gave a presentation to the speaker Derrick Johnson.

Douglas Sanders, co-chair, gave the acknowledgements as many members beamed in pride because this was the first time College Hill members had seen him in a suit.

Members and visitors both stated Men’s Day, held on Father’s Day, was a great success.

This article originally appeared in the Mississippi Link.

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Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025

Published

4 days ago

January 11, 2025

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Barbara Lee Launches Campaign for Mayor of Oakland

“At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided, but a community united,” she Lee. “If elected I will bring my hands-on leadership, new ideas and decades of experience in identifying billions in resources for our great city, so all residents and businesses are stronger and safer and our community has optimism and confidence in Oakland’s future.”

Published

7 days ago

January 8, 2025

Oakland Post

By Post Staff

Barbara Lee on Wednesday morning formally announced her candidacy for Mayor in Oakland’s April 15 special election.

“Time and time again, Oaklanders have faced our toughest obstacles by uniting to meet our challenges,” said Lee.

“At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided but a community united,” she said. “If elected, I will bring my hands-on leadership, new ideas, and decades of experience in identifying billions in resources for our great city so all residents and businesses are stronger and safer and our community has optimism and confidence in Oakland’s future.”

“As Mayor, I’ll address our homelessness crisis, prioritize comprehensive public safety and mental health services, and lead with fiscal responsibility to deliver the core City services residents and business owners deserve. Let’s do this – together.”

“I’ve never shied away from a challenge,” said Lee. “I’m always ready to fight for Oakland.”

Watch her campaign video here, which is online at BarbaraLee4Oakland.com

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Oakland NAACP President Stands on the Frontlines for Equity

With education as a cornerstone, Adams emphasized the importance of youth having access to quality kindergarten through 12th-grade education along with college or vocational programming beyond high school. “I feel that it’s so important for our children to get a good education in K-12th grade, along with the colleges of their choice, especially with the HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).”

Published

1 week ago

January 7, 2025

Oakland Post

NAACP Oakland President Cynthia Adams. Photo Courtesy of Cynthia Adams.

By Carla Thomas

For Cynthia Adams, president of the Oakland chapter of the NAACP, fighting for the rights of Black people comes naturally. With southern roots in Arkansas, Adams experienced firsthand the injustice and unfairness of racism.

“Growing up in the Jim Crow South, I experienced the unfair treatment of people of color and how faith can inspire communities to bring about positive and long-lasting change,” said Adams. Adams says a combination of her family and faith has kept her strong in the face of adversity and inspired her life’s work of advocacy.

Adams chose education as a career path — and a means to achieve equity and overcome racism. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and later received an advanced degree from California State East Bay.

Adams’ experience as an Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) recorder, a counselor, a researcher, and a college recruiter has allowed her to be laser-focused on youth. She also served as the chairperson for the Oakland NAACP youth.

“The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. We want to ensure our citizens have equal rights and opportunities without discrimination based on race.”

As a partner with the State of California’s Stop the Hate campaign, Adams says the initiative is a step in the right direction. “It’s great that our governor and state created the Stop the Hate campaign and provides resources for victims of racism and other hate crimes,” said Adams. “The racism toward Black people has increased and our children are being targeted,” she continued.

“We, at the Oakland branch, created a declaration on racism that will amplify the needs of our community to combat racism,” continued Adams. “That declaration was adopted nationally.”

Bridging communities and collaborating is also a strategy for moving society toward justice, according to Adams.

“Through the NAACP, we build connections between communities and advocate for the rights of historically marginalized and oppressed individuals,” said Adams. “Collective action is the only way to advance civil rights and promote social equity.”

By taking stands on supporting former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong to supporting the recall of a mayor faced with a scandal that brought negative national press to the city of Oakland, Adams has always demanded more for her people, and better for Oakland, the city she calls home.

She expressed pride in the national organization’s announcement of a $200 million fund designed to empower Black funders nationwide. “We all know the health of a community begins with economics,” said Adams.

Adams says that strengthening Black businesses automatically sustains a community. “We’ve also got to educate our community on opportunities and teach our children critical thinking so that they can provide the next generation of solutions for society,” said Adams.