The 2025 Bulloch County NAACP Founder's Day event commenced with a warm welcome from Yevette McCall, President of the Bulloch County NAACP, who also served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Following Ms. McCall's opening remarks, Brittney Burke, Secretary of the Georgia Southern University (GSU) chapter of the NAACP, extended a welcome to all attendees.
The invocation was then offered by Rick Stuart, setting a reflective tone for the event. Tyler Frazier, President of the GSU chapter, addressed the audience, sharing his thoughts on the occasion. A powerful and poignant moment followed with a reading of Nikki Giovanni's "Rosa Parks" by retired attorney Ressie Fuller, honoring civil rights icons of years past. Malaikia Brantley then captivated the audience with a stirring rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," a song deeply resonant with the themes of the evening.
After this moving performance, Dr. Saba Jallow took the stage to introduce the keynote speaker, the Reverend Dr. Francys Johnson. Dr. Johnson, a dedicated and long-standing member of the NAACP, has a distinguished record of service within the organization. His leadership roles have included serving as the Southeast Regional Director, Executive Director of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, and ultimately, President of the Georgia State Conference.
"We are empowered by our history and we are inspired by the change that is happening all around us," Johnson said.
He recognized the pillars of yesteryear: Alethia Lewis, Donnie Simmons, Carlos Brown, Pearl Brown, and others who served as the foundation for the Bulloch County chapter of NAACP.
"We all have to be futurists tonight, but Alvin Toffler said that the new literacy will be those who can learn, unlearn, and relearn," Johnson said.
Delinda Gaskins, President Emerita, Roma Drummer, Treasurer Emeritus, and Pearl and Carlos Brown, President Emerita and President Emeritus, were recognized for their work in the local chapter.
Thomas James provided the closing remarks and Reverend Jean Owens closed out the poignant evening with a prayer.
"Be encouraged tonight, Bulloch County NAACP," Johnson said. "There is much work to be done, but there are many hands in here to get it done."
For more information about the Bulloch County NAACP, please visit their website and their Facebook page.