Hot Springs, Ark. — The Hot Springs Branch of the NAACP, Unit #6013, will hold its 80th Birthday Celebration Dinner on Saturday, November 12, 6 P.M. at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 219 Gulpha St in the renowned Pleasant Street Historic District.
The evening’s theme “Lifting As We Climb,” borrows the words of Mary Church Terrell, African-American suffragist and daughter of freed slaves. This is in mind, we will reflect on how far we have come and how far we have to go in the fight for freedom, justice, and equality.
Mr. Robert Jones, President of the Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP will give the keynote address. Mr. Jones serves as Dean of Texarkana College and has numerous awards and recognition, including Volunteer of the Year for the City of Texarkana, Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year, and Alumni Brother of the Year for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Tickets are $30 and the attire is dressy casual. Tickets can be purchased on the branch website naacphs6013.org or by phone at 501-463-6566.
According to the book “The Challengers” by historian, poet, and NAACP life member Elmer Beard, the Hot Springs adult branch was formally founded on November 11, 1942 after being discussed secretly in linen closets and homes on Central and Malvern Avenues. “Members kept their membership cards hidden inside their shoes,” the book said.
The mission of the NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.