Mayor Dupree Addresses the M-Pact Club

Last night, at Gateway Baptist Church, Mayor Johnny Dupree helped launch the M-Pact Club's new outreach division, the W.I.S.E./T.H.U.G. (Women Inspiring Sisters for Excellence/True Heroes Under God) Coalition. There was a little murmuring among the attendees because they didn't see any of Lumberton's elected officials, but Chief Hobson did assign an officer to escort Mayor Dupree through the City of Lumberton to the event. The emcee for the event was an extraordinary young man who is wise beyond his years, "Dash" Shelby, who commended Jamyria for her "desire to be of service and . . her quest to make a positive change in a generation." Prior to the introduction of Mayor Dupree, Sharun Tribett captivated the attendees with her soul-stirring praise dance performance. Rev. Jimmy Richardson of the Pearl River Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. introduced Mayor Dupree and presented him with the "Audacity of Hope" award. Mayor Dupree spoke to the crowd, and spoke on about "Where we've been, where we are and where we're going." Mayor Dupree recounted the incident that led Rosa Parks to help change the history of a nation. Dupree told the crowd that "[Rosa] had sense enough to get a little known preacher, at that time, to help with her quest for equality." Mayor Dupree encouraged the attendees to set their priorities and he also noted that he liked the way Jamyria was trying to take away the stigma of being labeled a thug. He said he admired the fact that's she's encouraging young boys and men to take ownership of that word and turn it around; no longer will it be used to label someone that's undesirable, but used to equate that person with being a true hero under God.
Mayor Dupree said that our community was once passionate about education, passionate towards one another; he recounted how everyone in the community would assist the family whenever someone passed away. Mayor Dupree also told us about the plight of Vernon Dahmer and his quest to register to vote; a quest that led to his assassination. Dupree also informed the attendees about how Dahmer's wife, Ellie, later became the election commissioner for Forrest County and how Vernon Dahmer's voter registration card arrived in the mail one month after his death. Dupree told of how we've lost our passion and our priorities. He also stated that until we get our passion and priorities back in order, we're destined to fail. Mayor Dupree closed by saying that "if you don't vote, you don't matter and sadly, there's a lot of people walking among us that don't matter." He also encouraged Jamyria Holder and told her "not to get discouraged or distracted. . . God is with you."
Rev. Buddy Peters, pastor of Gateway Baptist Church, addressed the crowd and thanked Mayor Dupree for coming. Pastor Peters said "Church is supposed to be a place where light shines into darkness and when it shines, we're afraid." Pastor Peters was referring to a statement that was made earlier by Mayor Dupree, when he referred to a quote used by Nelson Mandela; he said .."it is not our darkness that scares us but our LIGHT." As the program closed, Dash noted that the program was dedicated to the memory of Carolyn Sandifer. The attendees sang, "How Great Is Our God."[several attendees did stated that Carolyn's favorite song was "No More Bondage."] and retreated into the fellowship hall to enjoy a catered meal that included a seven-layered salad, three meat/three cheese pasta, garlic rolls and gourmet chocolate cupcakes. It was a dynamic kick-off for the W.I.S.E/T.H.U.G. Coalition and I would like to encourage the people of Lumberton to get on board because Jamyria is moving full steam ahead.