By Lisa Williams-Augustine Special to the Mississippi-Tribune

On Saturday, June 20th, the NAACP celebrated its Centennial at its annual Freedom Fund Banquet. Congratulations President Anthony Witherspoon on your outstanding keynote address. Much has been said, both positive and negative, about the event. It seems the true message did not ring through to the critics. Today, rather than dwell on the negative feedback, I will focus on the message of unity.

We are a strong people. We possess abilities and strengths beyond comparison. Our deep sense of family and togetherness rings through in every heated debate and barbershop discussion. Our inner pride sometimes causes us to be blind to those around us who are truly our friend and not our foe. In our quest for equality and the pursuit of happiness, we have often faced ridicule, injustice, sorrow, and despair. It appeared most times that these situations were being brought on by our adversaries.

The lack of real dialogue between us have driven us farther apart. Our inability to listen to one another, then lovingly agree to disagree, has created a wedge between us. There are those among us who desire to see us destroy one another. There are those who smile with us, but do not have our best interest at heart. There are those who lavish us with benefits that we could only dream of and our only price is to sell our soul to the devil. We are not so easily duped. We recognize their plot and have chosen to come together. Therefore, our adversary will not prevail. Our deep heritage and loyalty to one another will shine through.

Now is our time to come together in Love, Peace, and Harmony. Today is a new day with a promising future for all who are willing to renew their minds. The drum of your ancestors beats loudly in your hearts. It is compelling you to come together. Now is the time.