This year the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP 2018 Gala was held in conjunction with 53^rd Anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, March 2, and Franklin County citizen Charles Dale attended the Gala and Jubilee and received an award.

Fifty-three years ago, history was made as peaceful protesters attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to Montgomery in a march for their voting rights. This peaceful protest turned into what is known as “Bloody Sunday” when state troopers attacked the demonstrators in an attempt to stop their efforts for equality.

“It’s inspirational to know that I have done something that is worthy of its calling,” Dale said.

He received the award in recognition of his “dedication and hard work on the 2018 Gala Committee.”

“It takes endurance and hard work, and it makes me feel overwhelmingly joyful,” Dale said.

Several prominent people spoke at the gala, including Ronald Ali, first vice president of the Alabama NAACP; Congresswoman Terri Sewell; former chief justice Sue Bell Cobb; Congressman John Lewis; and NAACP president Bernard Simelton.

“It was great to see all those people who have made a mark on the civil rights era,” Dale said. “My wish is that younger people get the experience and learn the history of what we went through and what it took for us to get where we are now.”

For Dale, the Jubilee was more than just a historical recognition event; it became a chance for him to increase his bond with his daughters and share an important experience with them. One of his daughters had crossed the bridge with him before, but until this year his other daughter had not. Much to Dale’s joy, she drove all the way from Dallas, Texas, to join him for the first time in crossing the bridge.

“I told her my life is complete now that she has done this with me,” Dale said.