A local legend in the fight for civil rights was honored at the NAACP Freedom Fund banquet Saturday night in Fulton.
Jack McBride, president of Fulton branch of the NAACP for more than 40 years, remembers when the town was very different.
"Down through the years, it's been tough - I'm going to be honest," he said. "I go way back to where you couldn't go in the main door at the Fulton Theater or restaurants in town."
McBride was honored during the banquet for his contributions as president by a proclamation read by Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton, and two other proclamations issued by Sen. Jeanie Riddle R-Mokane and Rep. Travis Fitzwater R-Holts Summit.
The fight for equality, McBride said, is still raging on. However, he is pleased with the progress society has made so far.
"Callaway County has made a lot of positive changes that needed to be made," he said. "There's those of us, white and black, who took the choice to make those changes. We are still fighting for civil rights in Fulton, and not only in Missouri, but in the nation. We are pleased with the progress this country has made."
As part of the ceremony, McBride was presented with a flag flown in Washington D.C. at the office of U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). The presentation of the flag honored McBride for his service in World War II.
Sherry McBride, Jack McBride's daughter and advocate for the NAACP, said the organization is aiming to fight inequality through education and mentor ship. Saturday's banquet was one of many fundraisers held throughout the year dedicated to raising money for scholarships, she added.
"The money raised goes towards scholarships," she said. "We have a mentoring program and encourage youth to pursue an education. This is a community event to let people know what this is all about."
Tony Galbreath Jr. has several family members who have benefited from the mentoring program set up through the NAACP. Galbreath also serves as a mentor for several of the youth who are also involved in the program.
To have a good mentor and role model, Galbreath said, often shapes young people into men and women of character.
"A lot of it is about having that community connection," he said. "Everyone here is family, and having everybody of that caliber pushing you and being a voice of reason."
A common attitude hindering donors, Sherry McBride said, is the inability to see their role in the NAACP.
"Sometimes, that's the challenge," she said. "People ask 'What's in it for me?' So many branches have gone under because they don't get the financial support."
The banquet and all fund-raising events, Sherry McBride added, is an opportunity to build unity in the community.
"This is a venue for them to come out and interact," she added. "It's not about black and white; it's all charity. It's not just for blacks. It's for anybody."
Anna Braxton, vice president of the Fulton NAACP, said to settle the different racial issues happening in today's world, people need to communicate.
"Now, more than ever, we need to understand each other and talk to each other about issues that matter," she said. "In order to understand each other, we have to sit down and talk to each other."
Braxton, also Jack McBride's daughter, said the NAACP program has had a huge influence on her life.
"I've been in the program," she said. "My father, Jack McBride, is president. My child has been through the program, my grandchildren have. I have benefited immensely."
Continuing the NAACP involvement in Fulton, said Braxton, will change the trajectory of many of the youth in this town. To do so, she added, Callaway County residents have the opportunity to be involved.
"They need as many role models as possible," she said. "They have a plan here and a future; and it needs to be as positive as possible. That's the goal, to get them on the strait and narrow."
Benton said he is honored to have known Jack McBride for many years.
"It's especially a great night to honor Jack McBride," he said. "Jack has been a positive influence in my life for a long time."
Benton also said he commends the work the NAACP has done to help youth receive an education and be positive contributors to society.
"A good leader can only be as good as their troops," he said. "This organization proves that. It has been a great contributor to the community for many years."
Nimrod Chapel, the state NAACP president, also attended the banquet. He said communities coming together for equality is needed now more than ever.
"In a time such as this, we have fundamental American rights being challenged," he said. "In a time where we see unrest, we are looking forward to insisting that in the local community, people have the opportunity to help."
The NAACP, Chapel said, is an organization focused on fighting for the rights and equality of all. With its storied history in helping black people, people have formed some misconceptions about the organization, he added.
"NAACP is about equality and justice," he said. "Probably the most common misconception is that the NAACP is only for black people. The truth is, it is an organization that celebrates core American values. We incorporate faith traditions in line with American traditions."
Chapel said he hopes in the future people of all races can step up and be involved in the fight for equality.
"Ideally the NAACP in any town should be representative of the community," he said. "In smaller communities, it should be expected that all people in the community are involved. We need to stand together before we no longer can."
For more information on the Fulton branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, visit fulton.naacp-mo.org.
