By Betty Jo Hardy, CWU communications chair

‘Kindling New Fires of Hope’ was the theme for the SRCWU annual Human Rights Celebration held at Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church on Aug. 6. Catherine J. Rivens, chair, welcomed more than 60 women and men from nine different denominations.

The Human Rights Celebration was established 12 years ago to affirm the liberties to which every human being is entitled. One of the highlights of the celebration is to honor individuals who have made progress in this area in our community. Rev. Carolyn Bratton, pastor of Moore’s Chapel, welcomed the gathering along with Dorothy Gill-Smith, president of the local CWU and Anita Hovis, Moore’s Chapel representative.

Participants in the program were Dottie Clement, First Presbyterian; Flo Peck, First United Church; Jean Kennedy, Southern City AME Zion; Betty Jo Hardy, Milford Hills UMC; Penny Nicholson-Knox, Soldier’s Memorial AME Zion; Vickie Kotlartz, Sacred Heart Catholic; Doris Boyd Brown, Jerusalem Missionary Baptist; Tonya Cornelius Johnson, Sills Creek AME Zion; Rena Morgan, First Calvary Missionary Baptist; Dora Corell, Ardis Chapel AME Zion.

Ron Turbyfield, director of Communities in Schools, was on hand to receive the collection of school supplies and $275 in financial contributions brought in by the ladies.

Dr. Mary Ponds, former mayor of Granite Quarry, was the guest speaker, and in addition, was surprised to be the recipient of the Human Rigths Award. Dr. Ponds was introduced by Doris Boyd Brown and presented by Dorothy Gill-Smith.

The next meeting of Church Women United will be the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the organization of the Salisbury Rowan unit, on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 2-4 p.m., at First United Methodist Church where the organizing meeting was held. All past presidents of SRCWU will be honored.