NAACP hosts Berlin forum

Editor,

On July 19, the Worcester County Branch of the NAACP hosted a “Race Relations Forum,” which was held at the Duncan Showell American Legion Post 231 in Berlin.

This was a very informative meeting and an important step in the ongoing process of understanding the importance of building good community relationships.

I want to thank our moderator Rev. James Jones, and panelists Pocomoke Councilman Todd J. Knox, Berlin Councilwoman Shaneka Nicholas, community representative Dee Davis, and former Worcester County Commissioner James Purnell.

Organizations with representatives attending included Caucus of African-American Leaders, United Black Clergy, Maryland Freedom Riders and Delegate Sandy Bartlett, Honorable Carl Snowden, Maryland State Conference NAACP President Willie Flowers and Jackie Allsup, Salisbury University Chapter NAACP President Dorien Rogers, Wicomico County NAACP President Amanda Hopkins, Somerset County NAACP President Kirkland Hall, Bishop Antonio Palmer, and Darius Stanton.

Thanks to all for traveling to Worcester for this historic event.

I especially want to recognize Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan for attending, listening and answering questions from the group. This effort is a great starting point to build positive working good relationships with local community leaders and other stakeholders across the state of Maryland.

Ivory Smith President
Worcester County NAACP