Several events, including a proclamation reading and Ella Baker Day forum, will commemorate her work.
Her legacy includes more than 55 years of working towards social justice and equality. The day is also set aside to help foster understanding of cultural diversity and improving social justice.
Baker was born in Norfolk in 1903 and in 1908 lived in Littleton.
Often referred to as the Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement, she was involved in local, state and national capacities “as a leader, educator and activist on behalf of underprivileged communities and citizens until she passed away in the state of New York on December 13, 1986,” a proclamation passed by Halifax County Commissioners last year said. “Baker dedicated her life to serving those less fortunate as an advocate to the American Federation of Labor, Works Progress Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932-1938, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, cofounder and organizer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, the Voter Education Project and served more than 20 years as a National Field Secretary, National Director of Branches, African National Congress, Puerto Rican Solidarity Committee in 1972-1986 and numerous other organizations.”
Ella Baker Day events
9 a.m.
Proclamation reading – Lakeland Theater – 411 Mosby Avenue in Littleton.
The reading of the proclamation will be on the steps.
10 a.m. to noon
Civic Fair at Warren County Armory Civic Center
The fair will feature exhibits from area community organizations. Admission is free.
10:30 a.m. to noon
Ella Baker Day Forum at Warren County Armory Civic Center
This is a discussion on community insights on The Digital Divide.
It will allow presentations and conversations about digital learning, textbooks replaced with tablets, school readiness, affordable internet, impact on economic development and quality of life.
Featured panelists
Cosmos George — President of Warren County Chapter NAACP
Eric Cunningham — Superintendent of Halifax County Schools
To be confirmed — Timothy Tyson, Education Chair of North Carolina NAACP
Dr. Lowe, Howard University Professor of Computer Sciences
State and local lawmakers. Admission is free
Noon
Lunch and learn with a free viewing of Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker
6:30 p.m.
Ella Baker Honors Gala at the Roanoke Rapids Theater — an awards banquet to honor local activists for social justice. Hosted by award winning playwright Garrett Davis.
For more information visit the Ella Baker project website.
