Dear Members and Friends of the NAACP,
I am writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and determination. Your unwavering support and dedication to the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have brought us this far on our journey towards equality and justice. Together, we have faced challenges and overcome obstacles, but there is still much work to be done. Yes, sixty years ago we marched on Washington DC for Freedom and Justice. Yet today, we are still fighting for diversity, equality and inclusion.
It is both inspiring and disheartening to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, from the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement like Dr. King, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks and Medgar Evers, to the victims of senseless violence like the massacre at Mother Emmanuel AME Church, the murder of Brianna Taylor and the live execution of George Floyd to name a few. Their legacy fuels our passion and reminds us of the urgency of our cause.
With two hundred and twenty eight days remaining in 2024, I believe that “This is Your Moment”. It is a moment ordained by God, a time for change and progress. The words of Ecclesiastes 3:3 reminds us that “to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven” and I believe that our purpose is clear: to continue the fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all.
I am encouraged by the relationships we have formed with organizations like the Disciples Against Racism, Race & Reconciliation, The York County Community Remembrance Project, and White Men For Racial Justice. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make a difference.
As we look ahead to the upcoming elections, let us remember that this is our moment. Our moment to make our voices heard, our moment to demand change, our moment to create a better future for generations to come.
May God bless each and every one of you as we embark on this journey together. In Jesus Christ Name! I pray for strength, courage, and wisdom.
With warm regards and unwavering determination,
Bishop Dr. Sherman Porterfield, Sr. President, NAACP Rock Hill Branch
