Jubilee Day service held in Georgetown

Lower Sussex NAACP celebrated Jubilee Day Jan. 1, at Pilgrims Ministry of Deliverance in Georgetown.

Fleur McKendell, president of Delaware State NAACP, provided an inspiring message to those in attendance. 

Jubilee Day is the celebration of the abolition of slavery by law.

“Starting out the new year is a continuation of a holy line of endurance of our ancestors, those who created joy out of struggle, beauty out of very little and dignity in the face of disrespect,” McKendell said.

She spoke on the history of the struggle for equality in school, business and neighborhoods while linking the recent destruction of diversity, equity and inclusion programs as a new reason to stand up and commit to justice and truth, and doing the work as bridge makers. 

“While we may not be in slavery days, slavery is still in us,” she said. “It shows up as doubt in rooms where we belong, but fear speaking up.”

She charged the congregation to support each other, and to stand up and be ready to fight for equality.