NAACP Burke County celebrates past, lifts up future generations

If anything can set the stage for a sermon to pierce the soul, it’s the powerhouse vocals of Willette McIntosh. Even as she played piano with her back to the pews, her voice sent the words of “Amazing Grace” throughout the sanctuary, bringing everyone together — and together is where they would stay for the next hour.

Gaston Chapel AME Church was full on Sunday, Oct. 26, although not for the typical service. This particular day commemorated the 90th anniversary of the NAACP Burke County charter, a culmination of special events held throughout the year.

The focus of the service was not on the past, however, but rather on the future.

“The purpose is to support our next generation in the love of Christ and in service to the community,” said Rev. Jacqueline Robertson, presiding officer and pastor of McElrath Chapel AME Church.

The commemoration placed youth from several area churches at its center. The scripture reading of Isaiah 6:1-8 was delivered by Chasee Tucker (Willow Tree AME), and the prayer that followed by Armani Lipsey Martin (Slades Chapel AME). Ava Goode (Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist) performed as Harriet Tubman in the speech “Stand Up.” Jordin Robertson of Charlotte sang two selections. The Evolve Praise Dancers from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, with members of all ages, took the stage twice with interpretive dance.

The musical performances, dances, and presentations complemented the celebration’s spiritual atmosphere, and all led to the keynote speaker taking the podium.

Aniya Williams, a Burke Middle College honor student, talked of how leadership isn’t about a title or a position — it’s a choice to serve. Aniya learned this lesson early, standing in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, who dedicated herself to community service through the American Legion Auxiliary.

“(Leadership) is the art of guiding energy toward a common purpose while honoring the humanity of every person involved,” Aniya said. “Leadership makes ethics non-negotiable in moments of pressure. Great leaders are not defined by the accolades they receive, but by the legacy they leave, the teams they empower, the ethics they uphold, and the positive change they catalyze in the lives of others.”

Aniya knows something about leadership. As a 12th-grade student and member of the National Honor Society, she has taken on multiple leadership roles through the American Legion Junior Auxiliary, serving twice as state president. She’s been accepted to several universities, including East Carolina and Appalachian State, and hopes to become a certified therapist.

Through her work with the Junior Auxiliary, she learned that leadership means serving others, not standing above them. It means guiding energy toward a shared goal and upholding ethics even when it’s difficult. The lessons of courage, humanity, and empowerment she learned through community service have shaped her sense of purpose.

Younger generations will play a critical role in continuing the NAACP’s legacy of community service and civil rights advocacy. Knowing that, the local chapter is reinvigorating the Youth Council.

Dr. Leslie McKesson, chair of the chapter’s Youth Works Committee, announced an informational meeting for anyone interested in getting involved. Youth of all ages are invited to attend the session at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at St. Luke Church of Opportunity, 126 Brookside Lane in Morganton.

“Train them when they’re young,” McKesson said, “and when they’re old, they will not depart from it.”