Reposted from the Montclair Times

Montclair NAACP honors past, looks forward

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2011, 1:43 PM

THE MONTCLAIR TIMES

The Montclair Branch of NAACP held its fourth annual membership luncheon at the Montclair Art Museum on May 1. The affair was attended by more than 100 guests.

Roger Terry, second from right, listens as Montclair NAACP President Tom Reynolds reads a proclamation honoring his grandfather, Albert Lewis Terry, the organization's first treasurer. At left are Terry's father, Albert Lewis Terry Jr., and brother, Bruce Terry.

William G. "Billy Bungo" Hinton Jr. opened the afternoon with the calling of the drums.

Opening prayers were offered by the Rev. Durwin Johnson. NAACP President Thomas L Reynolds mentioned in his welcome address that the "whole is only as good as the sum of its parts," the NAACP membership.

James A. Wiggins III and James Williams from Premier Dance Theatre gave two dramatic dance presentations that had the audience standing on their feet.

A solo by Jarrid Jones made the hairs on your skin stand straight up. This gentleman has a strong voice that will surely carry him far in his chosen career.

Representing African Men of Valor, Detective Sgt. Tyrone Williams Jr. spoke about youth and bridging the gap between community and police force.

Yvanna Saint-Fort, president; and Julien Blaney, vice president, of Montclair Branch's NAACP Youth Council, both seniors at Montclair High School, spoke about being involved in organizations whose overall goal is to prevent social injustice.

A Langston Hughes poem, "I Too Sing America" was recited by Kevin M. Ali. The highlight of the program was a posthumous salute to Albert Lewis Terry, the first treasurer of the Montclair Branch of the NAACP, for his pursuit of civil rights and social justice for everyone. His grandson, Councilman-at-Large Roger Terry, who served as the first Deputy Chief of the Montclair Police Department, offered a tribute to his grandfather's leadership, strength and courage.

Kayla Donegan, 7, joined NAACP Junior Life membership at the luncheon, and closing prayer was given by Pastor Pierre Johnson.

- Rosita Dotson