I’m Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson, speaking on behalf of the Randolph County Branch, #5053, NAACP. I am speaking
NOT ONLY on behalf of myself as a life-long supporter and member of this National Association;
NOT ONLY THAT: But as A Past President of this Branch #5053, from 1992 — 2006.
NOT ONLY THAT, BUT, also as the daughter of the late Wilkie Clark, the Founding President of Branch 5053 here in Randolph County, and the longest serving Local Branch President during the TURBULENT years of the Civil Rights Era, having served this community for probably 40 years more or less;
During that time, I watched my late father take life-threatening personal risks, and make courageous sacrifices as a local Civil Rights Champion of the BLACK community; I saw what it took to get streets paved in our black communities; to get sewerage lines in black neighborhoods; to get blacks appointed as “Poll Workers” on Election Day; to fight “At-Large” elections to ensure that blacks got elected to public office throughout this county; and to PUBLICLY and OPENLY challenge the mistreatment of black students in local public schools. And much of the progress we enjoy TODAY — is because of the Heroic efforts that black leaders in our area put forth YESTERDAY! We owe much of that progress to our village maintaining a STRONG — VIBRANT CIVIL RIGHTS Community, under-girded by strong black men and women in all neighborhoods. Far too many for me to name one by one. But the people in our communities joined and supported the NAACP, and that’s what MADE it strong, and KEPT it strong.
In just 7 days, the NAACP — this nation’s oldest and largest Civil Rights Institution, will be 117 years old. . . Founded on February 12 1909 — the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln.
Our Branch President, Elder Delvan L. Houston has planned an event to observe the Founding of the NAACP, which will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026. Also during this time, we are hosting a membership drive. On that day, I will be available at Clark Memorial Funeral Service, 252 Lafayette Highway all afternoon, [from 1:00 until 5:00 PM] to accept memberships. President Houston has expressed a desire to receive at least 100 new memberships or renewals. Many of you have memberships that have expired. But we must remember this is an ANNUAL commitment.
The regular Adult Membership Fee is $30.00. PLEASE LET ME EMPHASIZE, WE realize that — FINANCIALLY — times are difficult. And, while inwardly, we may be thinking, “I can’t afford to join.” Under our present political climate in this nation, YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO JOIN!” This is the ideal time to renew.
So, please remember take out some time and come by our home, Clark Funeral Home, the Clark Historic Landmark Site, and “Unofficial Home Of The Civil Rights Movement in Randolph County!” And MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT known to STAY IN THE FIGHT — for Freedom, Justice, and Equality! Then meet us in the Front Lobby at Clark Funeral Home, for a short Founders Day Observance from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM.
