Two milestones in the African-American struggle for civil rights will be celebrated with a banquet at the Bright Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday. The day marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, and on that day a century later the NAACP was formed in 1909.

Rena McNeill, youth advisor and ACT-SO chairperson of the Scotland County chapter of the NAACP, said the day is an important one for all to come together and learn about our common past.

"A lot of people don't realize that the NAACP was formed on Lincoln's birthday, by a group of black and white citizens fighting for social justice," she said. "It is important that we continue to educate, because a better understanding of one's self and one's history makes for a more fulfilled people."

What would become the NAACP had its origins in 1905, when a group of 32 African-Americans met to discuss the status of people of color in the United States. To broaden the membership and effectiveness of the organization, the group sent solicitations to 60 prominent Americans with a meeting date planned for Feb. 12, 1909; the intention was for the meeting to coincide with Lincoln's birthday, in recognition of his role in emancipating slavery. Although the meeting was postponed for three months, Feb. 12 is considered the founding date of the organization.

Founders of the group included civil rights leaders W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida Wells, attorney Archibald Grimke, journalist Oswald Garrison Villard, and physician Henry Moskovitz.

N.C. State Rep. Garland Pierce, the pastor of Bright Hopewell, sees Thursday's event as a significant way to honor the century of work done by the NAACP.

"The issues this organization has fought for have made America a better place," he said. "Sometimes the battles have not been popular, but it has worked out for the good of our country."

McNeill cites the contributions made by the local branch of the NAACP as well.

"The Scotland County branch of the NAACP has been instrumental in bringing fighting for the rights of many area individuals," McNeill said, "and it continues to serve as a watchdog for many citizens incapable of protecting their civil rights on their own. We continue to promote voter education and bringing to public notice many issues which may remain overlooked."

Entertainment for Thursday's banquet will include guest saxophonist Pastor Paul Murphy, guest soloist Sharon Murphy, and guest quartet the Voices of Unity.

"We welcome the entire community to a celebration of this very important time in the life of our country," Pierce said. "We hope to see you there."

The cost to attend the celebration will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. For tickets phone 384-3168.

The event is sponsored by the Scotland County NAACP Branch and the Scotland County NAACP Youth Council.