between South Carolina and North Carolina politics, Morgan noted that both states face similar legislative and judicial dynamics — and both must contend with national trends toward rolling back civil rights progress.
“What goes around comes around,” he warned. “History shows that those who don’t know their history are destined to repeat it.”
Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement
Reflecting on the Civil Rights era, Morgan pointed to the unity demonstrated during the 1963 March on Washington, when leaders from multiple organizations worked together toward shared goals.
“They didn’t care who got the credit,” he said. “There was strength in numbers, a symmetry in unity. We need that again today.”
Morgan challenged attendees to remember that many in their communities have not shared in the “elixir of success” and to remain connected to those “across the tracks” who still face systemic barriers.
Audacity, Tenacity, and the Power of the Vote
Morgan framed his call to action around three principles: audacity, tenacity, and unity. Audacity — “Reclaim power for the people, reject wrongful policies, restore faith in government.”
Tenacity — Stand steadfast for the cause, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders did.
Unity — Commit to advancing together regardless of personal achievements or social position.
He stressed that voting is the “equalizing element of power” and condemned efforts to suppress turnout.
“Our forefathers and foremothers went through too much for us to have the right to vote — water hoses, dogs, batons, and even death,” Morgan said. “Don’t you dare disrespect that sacrifice. Show up and vote.”
A Closing Flight Through Turbulence
Morgan ended on a metaphor of perseverance, likening the struggle for justice to an airplane flying through choppy skies.
“The journey might get rough and bumpy, but we’ll reach our destination,” he told the audience. “We may have turbulence now, but we’re
going to thrive. The storms will pass, and smooth passage shall prevail.”
During the conference, the Goose Creek NAACP was awarded the Modjeska Simkins Advocacy Award “in recognition of the branch’s exceptional advocacy work in voter empowerment, extensive community outreach, and collaborative assistance to other unitd. The Goose Creek Branch has implemented affective strategies to improve voting outcomes, demonstrating remarkable commitment to the NAACP’s mission.”
In addition, Brenda Murphy was re-elected as president of the South Carolina NAACP.
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