Jeffries at gala: “Progress.. is inevitably followed by backlash.”
U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York addressed America’s ongoing march towards equity Thursday night with a note of optimism in a keynote address to the Greater New Haven Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 103rd Freedom Fund event.
Due to Covid the Greater New Haven NAACP hosted the annual gala virtually Thursday via Zoom.
Jeffries’ address followed a number of video presentations recognizing the organization’s work this year to an audience of approximately 120.
Jeffries began his address by sharing about his roots in the state and New Haven as a “prodigal son” whose mother was raised in Bristol and godparents Cathy and “uncle” Lou Davis were prominent figures in New Haven.
While a “country born with high ideals,” Jeffries said, America was born with the “birth defect” of chattel slavery and the question of race. Since its start the country has been embarking on a march towards achieving those high ideals.
Jeffries broke America’s history of progress down into three moments of “progress followed by backlash.”
The first moment of progress Jeffries defined as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Reconstruction era. The backlash that followed this historical moment was the Jim Crow era of black codes .
The second moment of progress was the Civil Rights Era. Again, this moment was followed by the backlash of the assassination of civil rights giants and later the leadership of President Richard Nixon with a new period of “anti-affirmative action” and the war on drugs.
The third and most recent moment of progress? The election of America’s “new hope,” Barack Obama, as the 44th president.
“We go from the Outhouse to the White House, only in America,” Jeffries said. This moment was followed by the backlash of electing 45th president, Donald Trump, Jeffries said.
“When we make progress, as we do, it is inevitablity followed by backlash,” Jeffries said. “You can’t get from your point of departure to your point of destination without at some moment along the way encountering turbulence.”
Jeffries concluded his history lesson with reassurance that the country will make it through its “turbulent moment” right now.
“We have been called for such a time as this because we are a resilient people,” Jeffries said.
Greater New Haven NAACP President Doris Dumas recognized local frontline workers during the event and honored the hidden heroes who stepped up during the challenging times this year. The 2020 honorees were given recognition for “answering and responding to emegency calls.”
The honorees: Cornell Scott Hill Center, Dperv’s T.O.P. BBQ, Newhallville Community Action Network (NCAN), New Haven Fire Department Engine 6, Stop and Shop on Whalley Avenue, and the Yale New Haven Emergency Department. They were honored for, among other deeds, feeding frontline workers, stocking stores, distributing PPE, servicing the sick, and feeding the community.
U.S Rep Rosa Delauro and Gov. Ned Lamont expressed support and thanks to the NAACP for its history of work and continuing efforts of protecting civil rights, equal justice, and fair treatment for all.
A video tribute was also presented during the ceremony for the late civil rights leader and statesman John Lewis.
NAACP Education Chair Camille Cooper presented the NAACP student scholars during the ceremony. Two students received NAACP scholarships; four received a 2020 book award from the NAACP.
A $75 gift card prize was raffled off to adult audience members, who each received a raffle ticket with the purchase of an event ticket.
NAACP Political Action chair Antoinette Badillo delivered remarks encouraging audience members to volunteer with the organization’s voter registration efforts as the U.S. presidential election day is 25 days away.
Thank you to the NAACP for all the good work that they do. Keep your eyes on the prize and continue getting into good trouble.