JACKSONVILLE, Ark. – Officials with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Jacksonville hosted the 5th annual Ivory Tillman Black History Month Speech Competition commemorating the late Ivory Tillman Saturday.
NAACP Jacksonville Second Vice President Theresa Cook said that the competition is a great way for scholars to delve deep into the rich history African Americans have given to the United States.
“Well, every year we put together this great speech competition as a way for our scholars to delve deep into the rich and profound history that African Americans have given into the United States,” Cook said.
NAACP Jacksonville officials said that Ivory Tillman was a prominent civil rights activist and leader in the NAACP Jacksonville branch.
The event celebrates and honors the rich history and contributions of the Black community in Jacksonville.
This event showcased kindergarten through 12th grade and their public speaking skills and knowledge of Black history.
“This event not only celebrates the achievements of the Black community but also empowers and inspires the next generation of leaders,” NAACP Jacksonville President Barry Jefferson said.
The event was held at the Jacksonville Middle School on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. Students who participated were competing for cash prizes sponsored by businesses in the community.
The NAACP was founded in 1909 to help with the ongoing violence against Black people around the country. NAACP Jacksonville is one of 2,200 branches across the nation.