Human rights dinner recognizes progress over last 50 years
Cleckley
Joel Brewton | Herald-Standard
Executive board member The Rev. Dr. Gary Yarbrough (left to right), retired author Emile Etheridge, Sister James Ann, Attorney Rodlena Sales of the Fayette County Bar Association, President Gwendolyn Ridgley and The Rev. Kathy Austin of the Signal of Light Gospel Church stand together at the 24th Annual Human Rights Dinner for the Fayette County NAACP in South Union Township.
“Press forward” was the theme at the 24th annual Human Rights Dinner, which was held Sunday at the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association.
The event, hosted by the Fayette County branch of the NAACP, brought together a variety of speakers and NAACP members who discussed ways to continue advancing society for the good of all people.
“We recognize that we don’t live in the same world that we lived in in 1963. We have more African American politicians, elected officials, celebrities, executives, doctors, lawyers and a thriving African American middle class,” said Marcia Pratt in her talk reflecting on the 50 years that have passed since the historic March on Washington.
“Fifty years ago we couldn’t have imagined an African American president. We have come far, but we still we have a long way to go,” said Pratt.
Pratt pointed to data about unemployment, income levels, incarceration rates, and wealth lost during the economic recession to illustrate the widening inequality between “the haves and the have-nots,” with minorities more often belonging to the latter group.
This disparity, said Pratt, is what we must work to improve for the advancement of everyone.
“We are all entitled to our American dream in this place we call home,” said Pratt.
The dinner’s keynote speaker, retired West Virginia State Supreme Court Justice Franklin D. Cleckley, discussed the importance of preserving voting rights in the 21st century.
He warned that following the Supreme Court’s decision in June to overturn key parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, there is new freedom for states to enact voting laws — like requiring photo ID and shortening early voting periods — that will disproportionately affect minority and elderly voters.
“(There is) reason to believe we are failing to live up to one of the nation’s most noble and essential ideas,” said Cleckley, who was the first African American to serve on the West Virginia Supreme Court.
Quoting congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis’ speech on the House floor, Cleckley said there is a “deliberate and systematic attempt to prevent millions of elderly voters, students, minority and low-income voters from exercising their constitutional right to engage in the democratic process.”
Cleckley went on to say that the “myth of racial progress,” has been accepted by the Supreme Court who “want to believe that the makers of progress represent success, rather than confronting the far more complex reality” of continued inequality.
“We must remain ever-vigilant in safeguarding our most important right…The pursuit of a more perfect union lives on,” said Cleckley.
Also at the dinner, retired Uniontown teacher and basketball coach Emile Etheridge, Sr. was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as an author, speaker and educator who overcame obstacles to achieve success. Fayette County NAACP President Gwendolyn Ridgley presented the award to Etheridge, saying that his life story has shown that “no matter your circumstances, your background or obstacles you might face in life, if you are persistent and vigilant, you can overcome.”
Etheridge thanked the NAAP board, God, and his wife, Melinda Etheridge.
“If you would have asked me 40 years ago if I would be receiving any type of honors, I would have said ‘yes probably’– for athletics — but I think I have exceeded athletics,” he said through tears.
The Crosskeys Human Services Agency of Brownsville accepted a Community Service award from the Fayette County NAACP for their “dedicated work” in psychiatric, social, and community rehabilitation.
Attorney Rodlena Sales of the Fayette County Board Association was the toastmistress of the event, and Waynette Tarpley performed a “mime ministry” routine that brought the audience to their feet. Uniontown mayor Edward Fike and Brownsville mayor Lester Ward also addressed the crowd, and attorney Anthony Dedola gave a tribute speech to the late Chief US District Judge Gary Lancaster, the first African American to hold that position.
Ridgley closed the evening by referring again to the importance of fighting for voting rights and reminding the crowd that even though Pennsylvania will not require IDs for voting on the November 4 elections, they will ask for them.
She also urged attendees to exercise their right to vote.
“The people drive the train, not the elected officials. The power is at the ballot box,” said Ridgley.