FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Popular, national figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Kennedy, and Malcolm X serve as history’s faces of the civil rights movement but before them, a little-known Floridian was making headway as an advocate for equality.
Bringing to light the work of civil rights pioneers Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore during her animated and impassioned speech, Sonya Mallard, coordinator of the Moore Cultural Complex and Memorial Park in Mims, Florida captured the attention of members and guests at the annual Freedom Fund Luncheon hosted by the Flagler County NAACP on October 5 at the African American Cultural Center.
A call to action for all Americans who care about the nation and the right to vote, Mallard drew rousing applause as she concluded with an invitation to visit the museum before accepting an award from the NAACP Flagler County Chapter for her work regarding civil rights.
She hoped listeners would be inspired to do their civic duty this November.
“What I hope that everyone will take away today is that we’re standing on the shoulders of people who went before us,” explained Mallard. “We’re standing on the shoulders of Harry T. Moore who fought and ensured our legacy of voting, hearing our voice as well as our vote.”
“Every election is important. It is imperative that they understand it’s not just the presidential election. It’s our city council, our mayor race. Everyone needs to take a part and start going to our city council meetings, meeting our mayors, having a voice to make a larger, better community for all people.”
NAACP Flagler County Chapter President Dr. Phyllis Pearson presented Mallard’s award as well as others alongside the luncheon’s emcee, Past President Shelley Ragsdale and current Vice President AJ Evans.
“Before you can ever do an action, you have to do some research and the best research you can do a lot of times when you’re dealing with people is just to listen to them,” said Pearson. “There’s not time to sit on the sidelines. We’ll see you at the polls, at the ballot box.”
Among the other recognitions presented, local journalists Jeroline McCarthy (Daytona Times), Brian McMillan (Palm Coast Observer), Pierre Tristam (Flagler Live), and Danielle Anderson (Flagler News Weekly) were recognized for their contributions to informing the public and leaning ‘All In’ for civil and human rights.
“The NAACP luncheon was well put together and it was appropriate for such a time as this,” said journalist Jeroline McCarthy.
“I think it’s very important to be recognized for my work because I want to be inclusive of different people’s opinions, and incorporate those opinions in the story. Local journalism is very important. It’s the bedrock of our local, state and federal government.”
Learn more about the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex visit https://www.harryharriettemoore.org.
Learn more about the NAACP Flagler County Chapter by visiting https://fcbnaacp.org.
