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The DeKalb NAACP will celebrate its annual observance of Jubilee Day on Jan. 1, 2019 at 10 a.m., at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2491 Columbia Drive, Decatur. Jubilee Day commemorates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863 and is considered African Americans’ Independence Day. The event is celebrated every year by NAACP branches throughout the country.
The DeKalb branch of the NAACP’s 2019 program has an international theme: “Searching for Justice Worldwide!”
“Prior to being emancipated from human bondage, many brave black men and women escaped to or immigrated to other countries looking for justice, tolerance, fairness and racial freedom,” said DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy. “Whatever happened to these brave souls and what are their legacies?”
To help answer these questions, representatives from Canada, Liberia, Mexico and Sierra Leone have been invited to participate in the discussion and celebration. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Sidney W. Morris, a native Liberian and Director of International Outreach at the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.
The celebration will include music by the Rainbow Park Baptist Choir. The Rev. Steven Dial is senior pastor of the church.
Jubilee Day is considered African Americans’ Independence Day. However, everyone is invited to the Jubilee Day celebration. Parents are urged to bring their children to experience this enriching and uplifting educational program.