Salem County NAACP Luncheon Honors Past, Fuels Future
Photo of Rutgers Camden NAACP President Rabiyatu Sow and Salem County NAACP President Nelson Carney Jr., Photo by Frank Santos
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University’s South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.
BY FRANK SANTOS | South Jersey Information Equity Project
PEDRICKTOWN — There was a gentle, familiar energy in the air on Saturday, March 29, as community members filled every seat at the Edward W. Dorn Community Center in Pedricktown.
The Salem County NAACP’s Annual Freedom Fund Luncheon was more than just a sold-out success—it was a space to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the long and continuing journey toward justice.
“This branch is celebrating its 64th anniversary this June and the success of today’s luncheon shows that the people of Salem are ready for change,” said President of Salem County’s NAACP chapter who is also running for Salem County Commissioner.
Guests included Salem Mayor Jody Veler, Pastor-Elect James “Jimmy” Brown, longtime civil rights activist and President of the New Jersey Association of Black Educators James E. Harris and Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr.
At its heart, this year’s luncheon was a celebration of legacy, of leadership, and of the unshakable sense of community that has carried the NAACP through 116 years of advocacy.
With smiles, applause, and moments of quiet reflection, attendees ranging from lifelong members to newly signed-up supporters gathered to honor both seasoned civil rights champions and emerging voices poised to carry the torch.
Photo of Rutgers Camden NAACP President Rabiyatu Sow and Salem County NAACP President Nelson Carney Jr., Photo by Frank Santos
Among the honorees was Rabiyatu Sow, the current president of the Rutgers-Camden NAACP chapter, whose leadership represents a bright and determined future.
The luncheon also spotlighted rising stars from local high schools—Destiny Carr, Brianna Robbins, and Jordan Pace—whose achievements were met with standing ovations and visible pride from the crowd.
Still, the spirit of the event was rooted not only in what’s ahead, but in deep appreciation for all that has come before. From the decorated room to the shared stories, the afternoon had a familial feeling—one where tradition is treasured and where each generation recognizes its place in a greater legacy.
Yet even amid the warmth and joy, voices of wisdom gently reminded the room that this legacy must be actively upheld.
Photo of Salem County NAACP President Nelson Carney Jr. presenting awards, Photo by Frank Santos
“Some will say that the NAACP is no longer relevant and has outlived its purpose,” said Carney, addressing the crowd with honesty and conviction. “An important question is: How can we continue to work if we have no workers? Membership is down and attendance at meetings is poor. We cannot expect change without participation.”
His words served as both a reflection and a quiet call—to keep showing up, to keep reaching out, especially to the younger generations. The presence of seasoned activists, elders, and local leaders like Veler and Brown only added weight to the message: progress is never made alone.
Photo of James E. Harris, Photo by Frank Santos
Harris, longtime civil rights advocate and President of the New Jersey Association of Black Educators, took the stage with the commanding presence of someone who has seen both the triumphs and challenges of the movement.
With a powerful echo of Dr. King, he asked, “Where do we go from here—chaos or community?” His message was not a warning, but a reminder that unity has always been our greatest strength, especially in moments when the forces around us try to divide.
Photo of Reverend Wanda Lark-Carr offering closing benediction, Photo by Frank Santos
And as the program came to a close, Reverend Wanda Lark-Carr offered a benediction that filled the space with grace and gratitude—her words gently sealing the event with both reverence and hope.
This year’s Freedom Fund Luncheon wasn’t about alarm—it was about alignment. About recommitting to the values that have brought this community through so much. In a time when DEI programs are under attack and the fight for equality remains unfinished, the Salem County NAACP gathered not in fear, but in fellowship.
It was a room filled with neighbors, allies, and changemakers, young and old, basking in the joy of community while understanding that the work continues. And if the energy in that room was any indication, the NAACP’s future in Salem County is not only secure—it’s rising.
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