NAACP Jubilee Marks Gains, Urges Diligence

As choirs sang rousing gospel hymns and audience members clapped and swayed Sunday, the San Fernando Valley chapter of the NAACP celebrated its annual Jubilee Day, rejoicing over gains toward racial equality, while exhorting listeners about strides still to be made.

A Scripture reading urged listeners to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” and the advice seemed to be taken to heart.

Choirs from various Valley churches performed lively gospel music, accompanied by a pianist, drummer, guitarist and, on occasion, a saxophone player.

“Praise the Lord for the NAACP and for this crowd here today,” said Jimmy Logan, choir leader for Christ Memorial Church. “Feel free to clap and yell out. If necessary, some might take the floor.”

And some did.

Jubilee Day is celebrated nationwide by the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People to commemorate civil rights victories beginning with the abolition of slavery in 1863.

This year’s Valley jubilee, held at Christ Memorial in Pacoima, stressed the future and “strategies for black economic empowerment.” But there also was a good deal of looking back at such victories as school integration and voting rights for blacks.

“We’ve a come long way; we’ve got something to be glad about,” said the Rev. Alton Rozar, a Lake View Terrace minister.

However, several speakers observed that the struggle to attain equality was nowhere near completion.

“Prejudice is alive and well in 1989, and it’s still rearing its ugly head, doing its ugly thing,” Logan said.

Jose De Sosa, president of the Valley chapter, urged the crowd of about 250 people to harness their economic power so that blacks “can receive the full respect we deserve.”

Sunday’s event was intended not only as a celebration, but as a time for reflection on segregation, discrimination and efforts toward racial harmony, De Sosa said.

Focus on Gains

Although speakers touched on somber topics such as drugs, gangs and discrimination, most focused on the accomplishments of the NAACP.

“The NAACP has had a very rich history for the people of color in the United States,” said the keynote speaker, Municipal Judge Marion Johnson. “We all have a great deal to be thankful for, that that organization was founded.”

Johnson, elected to the bench in November, spoke of the need for churches and community organizations to rescue youths from drug use and gang membership. The audience audibly responded to his pleas for more outreach programs.

He urged those listening to visit courtrooms, prisons and jails and “see where your young men are.”

Still, the overriding tone at Jubilee Day was a blend of faith, hope and optimism.

“With this amount of people here today, we can make a change,” said the Rev. Darryl Walker, of Parks Chapel Church in Pacoima. “We as a people will make it to the Promised Land.”