NAACP embarks on pilgrimage to Raleigh

Members of the North Carolina National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are embarking on a pilgrimage to the State Capitol. A group left today from Wilmington. The group is heading to the Legislative Building in Raleigh, to stand up against racism, poverty and the war.

“This means an opportunity for us to have a pilgrimage to Raleigh to say we’re coming, we’re coming and we’re coming,” said Mazie Butler, NAACP State Religious Affairs Chair.

Members and supporters of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People marched down 4th Street towards city hall, and will eventually end up in Raleigh.

“This is worthwhile. We should never forget this,” said supporter Milton Branch.

The walk is an effort to bring awareness to the scars left over from Wilmington’s 1898 race riot, as well as talk about the importance of social equality in schools, politics, and employment.

“I think anytime that you have an opportunity to get out and have a public face to some of these important issues – it’s a way to get awareness and conversations started among people,” said Anna Lee.

Harold Beatty, President of the New Hanover County’s chapter of the NAACP said, “Once we leave Wilmington, we’re going to be marching right up the coast and spreading the word.”

The pilgrimage to Raleigh started in both Wilmington and Winston-Salem. Members and supporters will stop in towns along the way spreading their message. They will arrive in front of the State Legislative Building next Thursday.

Tonight at 7:00 p.m. the State NAACP President, William Barber, will be speaking at First Baptist Church located off 5th and Campbell Street in Wilmington.

The next stop of the pilgrimage is tomorrow morning, at the courthouse in Burgaw. The pilgrimage coincides with the state NAACP’s 65th anniversary.