EDITOR'S NOTE: The following ran Sunday on coladaily.com.
The South Carolina NAACP played a large role in advocating for the removal of the Confederate flag off South Carolina State House grounds last July. The group now is shifting its priorities to shoring up inequalities in education across the state.
“Last year, we ended a protracted campaign, which addressed a symbol that divided South Carolinians and diminished our capacity to work together for the common good of society,” said Lonnie Randolph Jr., president of the South Carolina State Conference NAACP. “That victory has allowed us to place additional focus on a critical concern, education equity.”
The civil rights group is celebrating the state’s history of integrating schools at its annual Freedom Fund Celebration on May 17 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
This year’s theme, “Education Equity: Opening the Golden Door of Freedom for All Children,” pays tribute to the petitioners of the landmark civil rights case, Briggs v. Elliott.
Briggs v. Elliot originated in Clarendon County and became the first successful legal challenge to “separate but equal” statutes in America.
“At this year’s celebration, we will honor the petitioners of Briggs vs. Elliott. It is our mission to continue the work those brave South Carolinians began more than 60 years ago,” Randolph said.
The evening will feature award presentations, renowned speakers, entertainment and the coronation of the 2016 NAACP Woman of the Year. The public is invited to attend the celebration. The welcome reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and awards following at 6 p.m.
Tickets are available online at scnaacp.org.
