The Surry County Chapter of the NAACP held its 45th annual Freedom Fund banquet at Central United Methodist Church Saturday night and this year’s theme was “Where do we go from here.”

The speaker, Thomas “Buck” Rawley, stressed the importance of getting young people involved with the movement, which began in 1909 by a diverse group of Americans.

Rawley said as he prepared his speech for the night, his grandson heard him say a few things that he didn’t understand.

“When the NAACP formed, there were 60 people present. Out of that 60 people, seven were Afro-American. My grandson asked, ‘Who were the other people?’ and I said, ‘In this country we have what we call an interdependent society. The other 53 people were all white,’” Rawley said.

Rawley explained that a lot of people witnessed the brutality that the African Americans survived and were sympathetic to their plight.

“They didn’t appreciate it and they were ashamed because we were not fulfilling the Constitution and more importantly, they knew as a generation at that time and what they had went through and why they had come here in the first place. So they decided to do something about it, and I think this is what makes America the great nation that she is because we have faith in God,” Rawley said.

Rawley referenced the seven African Americans who helped form the NAACP.

“To live a successful life, they (young people) must understand where they came from and that’s going to be our job,” said Rawley.

During the program, the Negro National Anthem of “Lift Every Voice” was sung by all in attendance. The Rev. James Denson, pastor of Chestnut Ridge Progressive Primitive Baptist Church, gave the invocation. The welcome was given by Adron Martin, and Faye Carter, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, gave the introduction of the speaker.

Marie Nicholson sang “Believe in Yourself” from the movie, “The Wiz.”

During the annual meeting, Carter recognized several individuals for their contribution for the event, including Anise Hickman, the vice president of the chapter, Dionne Dodd, membership chairperson, Mary Nell Hatcher, Marie Nicholson, treasurer, and the Rev. Denson.

Mount Airy City Commissioner Steve Yokeley also was thanked for his attendance, along with his wife Ann.

Before dismissing, the group joined hands and sang “We Shall Overcome.”

Carter urged all of those who are not members of the NAACP local chapter to start attending meetings which are held each month on the third Sunday at 6 p.m. at Spencer Funeral Home. Yearly memberships are $30. More information about memberships can be obtained from Dionne Dodd at 786-4549 or from Carter at 789-3194.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.